John D. Rockefeller Biography
- Full Name: John Davison Rockefeller Sr.
- Birthdate: July 8, 1839
- Place of Birth: Richford, New York
- Date of Death: May 23, 1937
- Occupation: Businessman, industrialist, philanthropist
John D. Rockefeller Nationality & Age
- Nationality: American
- Lived to: 97 years old
John D. Rockefeller Education and Schooling
- Briefly attended local schools in Richford, New York.
- Self-taught in business practices and accounting.
John D. Rockefeller Relationship and Personal Life
- Married: Laura Celestia “Cettie” Spelman (1864-1917)
- Children: John D. Jr., Bessie, Edith, Alta, Harold, Cena
- Known for: Strong work ethic, devout Baptist faith, frugal lifestyle, complex family dynamics
John D. Rockefeller Career Beginnings
- Started in business at 16 as a bookkeeper in Cleveland, Ohio.
- Founded Standard Oil Company in 1870, revolutionized the oil industry.
- Built his fortune through aggressive business tactics, accused of monopolistic practices.
John D. Rockefeller Career and Contributions
- Revolutionized the oil industry by creating efficiencies in transportation, refining, and distribution.
- Founded numerous institutions, including Standard Oil, University of Chicago, Rockefeller Foundation.
- Philanthropic contributions focused on education, medicine, public health research.
John D. Rockefeller Achievements and Awards
- Built Standard Oil into the world’s largest oil company.
- Became America’s first billionaire.
- Recognized for his philanthropy, though also criticized for business practices.
John D. Rockefeller Conclusion and Legacy
- John D. Rockefeller remains a controversial figure due to his ruthless business tactics but also his significant philanthropic contributions.
- His legacy is complex, encompassing both innovation and exploitation, wealth accumulation and societal impact.