1888, New York Stock certificate for 100 shares. Orange/Black. . Engraved vignette of a steam locomotive at top center, nice portrait vignette of Frederick Billings at bottom. Issued to and signed on verso by Frederick L. Ames (1835-1893). Son of Oliver Ames of Credit Mobilier fame. Punch cancellation not affecting Ames' signature. Excellent condition.
Frederick Lothrop Ames (1835-1893) was a prominent American industrialist and philanthropist of the late 19th century. He was a key figure in the development of the Ames Shovel Works, one of the largest manufacturers of shovels and other agricultural tools during that era. In 1876, the firm was chartered as The Oliver Ames & Sons Corporation, Frederick L. Ames being chosen treasurer, a position he held the rest of his life. Mr. Ames inherited a large fortune from his father in 1877, and added something to it in the business of the firm, but with his surplus means, engaged in outside operation, which gave him one of the largest fortunes in Boston.
In the management of railroads, some of which were in part built by him, he was singularly successful. While yet a young man, he took a seat in the directorate of various important lines, and gradually become officially connected with seventy-five in all, including The Union Pacific, The Chicago & Northwestern, The Missouri Pacific, the old Oregon short line and The Texas Pacific. He worked extremely hard, too hard, in fact. Every important meeting of the boards found him in attendance. He studied all financial problems closely and come to be considered the best-informed railroad man in the United States. Unfailing courtesy controlled his manner, and during the most excited discussions, he never forgot that he was gentleman. In the statement of his views, he was brief, clear and convincing. The Union Pacific Railroad engaged his greatest interest. In The Old Colony Railroad and The Old Colony Steamship Co. he was at one time vice president, and was also a director in The Western Union Telegraph Co., The General Electric Co., and a large number of banks and trust companies in Boston. In real estate in Boston, he invested nearly $6,000,000.
