Business · 1839–1937
Born: 8 July 1839 · Died: 23 May 1937 · Age at death: 97
John D. Rockefeller died aged 97. He was born on 8 July 1839 and died on 23 May 1937.
American businessman who founded the Standard Oil Company
Did you know?He is widely considered the wealthiest American of all time and the first person to reach a billion-dollar net worth.
John D. Rockefeller built Standard Oil into a near-monopoly through efficiency and ruthless deals. The company controlled most US oil refining. Public anger helped produce antitrust laws, and the Supreme Court broke the company up in 1911. He then gave away much of his fortune. His foundations funded medicine, education and public health. They helped fight hookworm and yellow fever. His name became shorthand for vast wealth. His life still fuels debates about monopoly power and philanthropy.
John Davison Rockefeller Sr. (July 8, 1839 – May 23, 1937) was an American businessman and philanthropist.
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Profile
American businessman, born 1839
John D. Rockefeller was born in Richford on 8 July 1839.
He founded Standard Oil in 1870.
He is often called the richest American in history.
He gave hundreds of millions to charity.
Career highlights
Did you know?He kept detailed accounts of his spending from his first job.
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