July 14th, 2011
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/14/2011
ROCKEFELLER, John Davison (1839-1937) was an German-American oil magnate and philanthropist, founder of the Standard Oil Company, which dominated the oil industry and was the first great U.S. business trust. Rockefeller revolutionized the petroleum industry and defined the structure of modern philanthropy. In 1870, he founded the Standard Oil Company and aggressively ran it until he officially retired in 1897. Standard Oil began as an Ohio partnership formed by John D. Rockefeller, his brother William Rockefeller, Henry Flagler, Jabez Bostwick, chemist Samuel Andrews, and a silent partner, Stephen V. Harkness. As kerosene and gasoline grew in importance, Rockefeller's wealth soared, and he became the world's richest man and first American worth more than a billion dollars.[3] Adjusting for inflation, he is often regarded as the richest person in history. Stock certificate boldly signed “John D. Rockefeller” on verso of issuance of ninety-eight shares of the Northwest Equipment Company of Minnesota, January 11, 1896. Very good condition.
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