John Davison Rockefeller (July 8, 1839 – May 23, 1937) was an American oil industrialist, investor, and philanthropist. He was the founder of the Standard Oil Company, which dominated the oil industry and was the first great U.S. business trust. Rockefeller revolutionized the petroleum industry and defined the structure of modern philanthropy. In 1870, he founded the Standard Oil Company and aggressively ran it until he officially retired in 1897. Standard Oil began as an Ohio partnership formed by John D. Rockefeller, his brother William Rockefeller, Henry Flagler, Jabez Bostwick, chemist Samuel Andrews, and asilent partner, Stephen V. Harkness. As kerosene and gasoline grew in importance, Rockefeller's wealth soared, and he became the world's richest man and first American worth more than a billion dollars. Adjusting for inflation, he is often regarded as the richest person in history.

Rockefeller spent the last 40 years of his life in retirement. His fortune was mainly used to create the modern systematic approach of targeted philanthropy with foundations that had a major effect on medicine, education, and scientific research.

His foundations pioneered the development of medical research, and were instrumental in the eradication of hookworm and yellow fever. He is also the founder of both the University of Chicago and Rockefeller University. He was a devoted Northern Baptist and supported many church-based institutions throughout his life. Rockefeller adhered to total abstinence from alcohol and tobacco throughout his life.

He had four daughters and one son; John D. Rockefeller, Jr. "Junior" was largely entrusted with the supervision of the foundations.

Asteroid 904 Rockefellia is named in his honour.

 

John Davison Rockefeller John D. Rockefeller in 1885 Born July 8, 1839 Richford, New York, U.S. Died May 23, 1937 (aged 97) The Casements, Ormond Beach, Florida, United States Resting place Lake View Cemetery, Cleveland, Ohio, United States 41.511°N 81.591°W Nationality American Occupation

• Founder and former chairman of the Standard Oil Company
• Founder of the University of Chicago and Rockefeller University
• Founder of the General Education Board
• Founder of the Rockefeller Foundation

Net worth $663.4 billion in 2007 dollars, according to List of wealthiest historical figures, based on information from Forbes – February 2008. Religion Baptist

Rockefeller died of arteriosclerosis on May 23, 1937, two months shy of his 98th birthday, at the Casements, his home in Ormond Beach, Florida. He was buried inLake View Cemetery in Cleveland.

 

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