John D. Rockefeller: A Detailed Biography

John Davison Rockefeller Sr. (1839–1937) was the American business magnate who founded Standard Oil, became the world’s first billionaire, and pioneered systematic philanthropy. Ruthlessly efficient and deeply religious, he controlled 90% of U.S. oil refining at his peak and gave away over half a billion dollars. This biography covers his upstate New York childhood, rise through the oil industry, creation of the Standard Oil monopoly, 1911 breakup, massive philanthropy, and record-breaking longevity, as documented by the Encyclopaedia Britannica, the Rockefeller Archive Center, and the PBS American Experience.

Early Life in Upstate New York

Birth in Richford

Born on July 8, 1839, in Richford, New York, John was the second of six children of travelling salesman William “Big Bill” Rockefeller and devout Baptist Eliza Davison. The family moved to Cleveland, Ohio, in 1853, as detailed by the History.com.

First Job and Entry into Oil

At age 16 Rockefeller got his first job as a bookkeeper earning 50¢ a day. Meticulous and frugal, he tracked every penny in Ledger A. In 1863, aged 24, he invested in his first oil refinery — the industry was just four years old.

Standard Oil and Monopoly (1870–1911)

“The trust that ate the world”

Founded Standard Oil in 1870. Through ruthless tactics — secret railroad rebates, predatory pricing, and buying out competitors — Standard controlled 90% of U.S. oil refining by 1880. Rockefeller became the richest man in the world, as documented by the Smithsonian Magazine.

Supreme Court Breakup (1911)

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Standard Oil an illegal monopoly and ordered its breakup into 34 companies — many became today’s ExxonMobil, Chevron, BP Amoco, and ConocoPhillips. Ironically, the breakup made Rockefeller even richer as the parts were worth more than the whole, as preserved by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Philanthropy Revolution

“The business of benevolence”

Retiring from business in the 1890s, Rockefeller gave away ~$540 million (over $10 billion today). He founded: - University of Chicago (1890) - Rockefeller University (1901) - Rockefeller Foundation (1913) - General Education Board — eradicated hookworm in the South His scientific giving led to the cure of yellow fever and creation of modern medical research, as documented by the Rockefeller Foundation.

Personal Life

Married Laura Spelman in 1864; they had four daughters and one son (John D. Jr.). Deeply religious, he tithed 10% from his first paycheck and taught Sunday school. Lived simply despite wealth — oatmeal breakfasts and golf were his passions.

Death and Legacy

John D. Rockefeller’s Enduring Impact

Rockefeller died of a heart attack on May 23, 1937, at The Casements, Florida, aged 97 — the oldest billionaire ever. His fortune peaked at ~$400 billion in today’s dollars. His model of scientific philanthropy revolutionised giving; the Rockefeller Foundation still operates today, as celebrated by the The Henry Ford.

Frequently Asked Questions About John D. Rockefeller

Why Is John D. Rockefeller Famous?

For founding Standard Oil and becoming the richest American ever.

How Rich Was John D. Rockefeller?

~ $400 billion in today’s dollars — 1.5–2% of U.S. GDP at peak.

Where Was John D. Rockefeller Born?

Richford, New York, July 8, 1839.

What Was Standard Oil?

1870 company that controlled 90% of U.S. oil refining.

Did Rockefeller Give Away His Money?

Yes — ~$540 million (over $10 billion today).

Was John D. Rockefeller Religious?

Yes — devout Baptist who tithed from age 16.

How Did John D. Rockefeller Die?

Heart attack on May 23, 1937, aged 97.