John D. Rockefeller

Date of Birth: July 8, 1839

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Date of Death: May 23, 1937

Biography

John Davison Rockefeller Sr. was born on July 8, 1839, in Richford, New York. He grew to become one of the most prominent figures in American business history, primarily known as the founder of the Standard Oil Company, which dominated the oil industry and was the first great U.S. business trust. Rockefeller’s drive and business acumen made him the wealthiest individual in modern history. He played a critical role in shaping the structure of modern philanthropy, establishing numerous foundations that had a profound impact on medicine, education, and scientific research. Rockefeller began his career as a clerk before venturing into the oil industry in the 1860s. By the 1880s, Standard Oil controlled about 90% of U.S. refineries and pipelines. His business practices, often considered ruthless, led to the creation of antitrust laws. Despite criticism, he was also a devoted philanthropist, donating over $500 million to various causes through the Rockefeller Foundation, the University of Chicago, and other institutions. Rockefeller retired from daily business operations in the late 1890s and spent the rest of his life focusing on charitable endeavors. He passed away on May 23, 1937, leaving behind a mixed legacy of immense wealth and significant philanthropic contributions.

5 Interesting Facts about John D. Rockefeller

1. By the time he retired, John D. Rockefeller had donated more than $500 million to various charitable causes.

2. Rockefeller founded the University of Chicago in 1890, which became one of the world’s leading universities.

3. Standard Oil was broken up in 1911 due to antitrust laws, leading to the creation of several major oil companies, including ExxonMobil and Chevron.

4. Rockefeller was a devout Baptist and incorporated his religious beliefs into his philanthropic works.

5. He lived to be 97 years old, making him one of the longest-lived billionaires in history.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from John D. Rockefeller

1. “I always tried to turn every disaster into an opportunity.”

2. “Don’t be afraid to give up the good to go for the great.”

3. “The way to make money is to buy when blood is running in the streets.”

4. “I believe in the dignity of labor, whether with head or hand; that the world owes no man a living but that it owes every man an opportunity to make a living.”

5. “Charity is injurious unless it helps the recipient to become independent of it.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At his peak, John D. Rockefeller’s net worth was estimated to be around $900 million in the early 20th century, which would be equivalent to over $400 billion today when adjusted for inflation.

Children

John D. Rockefeller and his wife, Laura Spelman Rockefeller, had five children: 1. Elizabeth “Bessie” Rockefeller (1866-1906) 2. Alice Rockefeller (1869-1870) – died in infancy 3. Alta Rockefeller (1871-1962) 4. Edith Rockefeller (1872-1932) 5. John D. Rockefeller Jr. (1874-1960)