John D. Rockefeller, Jr.

Date of Birth: January 29, 1874

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Date of Death: May 11, 1960

Biography

John Davison Rockefeller Jr. was an American financier and philanthropist, widely recognized as the heir to the Rockefeller fortune and an influential figure in 20th-century American business and philanthropy. Born into an immensely wealthy family, he was the only son of John D. Rockefeller Sr., the founder of Standard Oil, and Laura Spelman Rockefeller. Despite the shadow cast by his father’s legacy, John D. Rockefeller Jr. carved out his own path, focusing significantly on philanthropy and civic projects. He was instrumental in the development of Rockefeller Center in New York City and donated large sums to educational, religious, and cultural causes. His philanthropic efforts laid the groundwork for institutions such as the Rockefeller Foundation, which remains influential to this day. Rockefeller Jr. also played a key role in the restoration of colonial Williamsburg in Virginia, turning it into a living history museum. His life was marked by a commitment to public service and the betterment of society through strategic philanthropy.

5 Interesting Facts about John D. Rockefeller, Jr.

1. John D. Rockefeller Jr. financed the construction of the famed Rockefeller Center in New York City, a complex of commercial buildings that includes Radio City Music Hall.

2. He was pivotal in the restoration and preservation of Colonial Williamsburg, transforming it into a major historical and educational site.

3. Rockefeller Jr. contributed to the founding of the United Nations by donating the land for its headquarters in New York City.

4. He was an ardent supporter of national parks, donating significant tracts of land to Acadia, Great Smoky Mountains, and Grand Teton National Parks.

5. Rockefeller Jr. was a key benefactor of the Museum of Modern Art in New York, helping to establish it as one of the leading art institutions in the world.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from John D. Rockefeller, Jr.

1. “The best philanthropy is constantly in search of the finalities—a search for a cause, an attempt to cure evils at their source.”

2. “I believe that every right implies a responsibility; every opportunity, an obligation; every possession, a duty.”

3. “The success of each is dependent upon the success of the other.”

4. “Next to doing right, the most important thing is to let people know you are doing right.”

5. “There is nothing in this world that can compare with the Christian fellowship; nothing that can satisfy but Christ.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At his peak, John D. Rockefeller Jr.’s net worth was estimated to be around $1.5 billion, adjusted for inflation to modern values, this would be equivalent to tens of billions of dollars today.

Children

John D. Rockefeller Jr. and his wife, Abby Aldrich Rockefeller, had six children: 1. Abby Rockefeller Mauzé (1903-1976) 2. John D. Rockefeller III (1906-1978) 3. Nelson Rockefeller (1908-1979) – who served as the 41st Vice President of the United States. 4. Laurance Rockefeller (1910-2004) 5. Winthrop Rockefeller (1912-1973) – who served as the 37th Governor of Arkansas. 6. David Rockefeller (1915-2017) – a prominent banker and philanthropist.