Historical Figure
John D. Rockefeller
1874–1937
American financier and philanthropist (1874–1960)
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Biography
John Davison Rockefeller Jr. was an American financier and philanthropist. Rockefeller was the fifth child and only son of Standard Oil co-founder John D. Rockefeller. He was involved in the development of the vast office complex in Midtown Manhattan known as Rockefeller Center, making him one of the largest real estate holders in the city at that time. Towards the end of his life, he was famous for his philanthropy, donating over $500 million to a wide variety of different causes, including educational establishments. Among his projects was the reconstruction of Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia. He was widely blamed for having orchestrated the Ludlow Massacre and other offenses during the Colorado Coalfield War. Rockefeller was the father of six children: Abby, John III, Nelson, Laurance, Winthrop, and David.
Timeline
The story of John D. Rockefeller, told in moments.
Incorporates Standard Oil of Ohio. He's 30. Within a decade, he'll control 90% of American oil refining through a web of trusts, secret railroad rebates, and relentless acquisition. He doesn't drill for oil. He refines it, ships it, and sets the price.
The Supreme Court breaks Standard Oil into 34 companies under the Sherman Antitrust Act. The irony: the breakup makes him richer. His shares in the successor companies are worth more separately than together. ExxonMobil, Chevron, and BP all trace back to Standard Oil.
Creates the Rockefeller Foundation with $100 million. Roughly $3 billion in today's money. He'd already funded the University of Chicago and medical research. The Foundation will eradicate hookworm in the American South and fund the Green Revolution.
His net worth crosses $1 billion. He's the first person to reach that number. Adjusted for the economy's size, he may be the richest American who ever lived. He gives dimes to strangers on the street.
Dies in Ormond Beach, Florida, at 97. He'd built his first refinery in Cleveland at 23. His daily routine in old age: golf, Bible study, and handing out dimes. He left behind a fortune that still funds museums, universities, and medical research.
In Their Own Words (19)
I would rather hire a man with enthusiasm, than a man who knows everything.
As quoted in Classic Wisdom for the Professional Life (2010) by Bryan Curtis, p. 75, 2010
Next to doing the right thing, the most important thing is to let people know you are doing the right thing.
As quoted in The Forbes Book of Business Quotations (2007) edited by Ted Goodman, p. 175, 2007
If your only goal is to become rich, you will never achieve it.
As quoted in Complete Speaker's and Toastmaster's Library (1992) edited by Jacob Morton Braude and Glenn Van Ekeren, 1992
The way to make money is to buy when blood is running in the streets.
Attributed in The Fourth — And by Far the Most Recent 637 Best Things Anybody Ever Said (1990) by Robert Byrne; attributed elsewhere to Nathan M. Rothschild, 1990
If you want to succeed you should strike out on new paths, rather than travel the worn paths of accepted success.
As quoted in Steps to the Top (1985) by Zig Ziglar, p. 16, 1985
Artifacts (15)
John D Rockefeller arriving in
http://www.wikidata.org/entity/Q110975090
Fragtskibet John D. Rockefeller ved kaj
Damgaard, Holger (24.7.1870-15.1.1945) photographer
Havnen, Det amerikanske fragtskib John D. Rockefeller ved kaj
Damgaard, Holger (24.7.1870-15.1.1945) photographer
Mrs Milton ( formerly )
http://www.wikidata.org/entity/Q110975090
Rockefeller's grandson threatened by kidnappers._x000D_ A
TopFoto
Mr J D Rockefeller ill
http://www.wikidata.org/entity/Q110975090
World 's most famous shrine
http://www.wikidata.org/entity/Q110975090
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