Life History of John D. Rockefeller: From Zero to Oil King

Life History of John D. Rockefeller: From Zero to Oil King


Childhood and Education

  • John Davison Rockefeller was born on July 8, 1839 in Richford, New York, to William Avery Rockefeller and Eliza Davison. 
  • His father was an itinerant peddler and drug dealer who traveled frequently, so John was raised by his mother. 
  • From childhood, John showed a talent for calculating and saving. He diligently helps his mother manage the family finances. 
  • John attended Central High School in Cleveland, Ohio, and then continued his studies at Folsom's Commercial College.

Early Career and Personal Life

  • At the age of 16, John worked as an assistant bookkeeper for a shipping company. 
  • In 1859, he worked as a bookkeeper for Hewitt & Tuttle, an oil processing and refining company. 
  • There, John saw great potential in the oil industry and began investing in oil refineries. 
  • In 1864, John married Laura Celestia Spelman and had five children.

Building Standard Oil

  • In 1870, John founded the Standard Oil Company with his brother Henry and several other investors. 
  • Standard Oil grew rapidly through a strategy of acquisitions and mergers, controlling nearly 90% of the oil market in the United States. 
  • John implemented aggressive business strategies, including monopolistic practices and low pricing to eliminate competitors.

Wealth and Controversy

  • John Rockefeller became the richest person in the world at that time, with a fortune of $300 billion (equivalent to $9 trillion today). 
  • His immense wealth made him the target of public criticism and hatred. 
  • In 1911, the United States Supreme Court decided to break up Standard Oil because it violated antitrust laws.

Philanthropy and End of Life

  • Behind the controversy, John Rockefeller was also known as a generous philanthropist. 
  • He donated most of his wealth to education, health, and scientific research. 
  • John Rockefeller died on May 23, 1937 at the age of 97.

John D. Rockefeller's Legacy

  • John D. Rockefeller is one of the most influential figures in United States history. 
  • He left behind a complex legacy, including oil industry glory, controversial business practices, and extraordinary philanthropy.
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