John D. Rockefeller

John Davison Rockefeller (July 8, 1839 – May 23, 1937) was an American capitalist most known for his role in the early petroleum industry and the founding of Standard Oil (ExxonMobil is the largest of its descendants). Through a number of widely-criticized business tactics, Rockefeller built Standard Oil into the largest oil refining business in the world, and was for a time himself the richest man in the United States. Much of this wealth was then given away, resulting in his legacy as a great philanthropist.

Private life

Rockefeller married Laura Celestia ("Cettie") Spelman (1839-1915), on September 8, 1864 in Cleveland. The couple had five children; four daughters and a son. The oldest daugter, Bessie (1866-1906), married Charles Strong. The second daughter, Alice (1869-1870), died in infancy. Alta (1871-1962), married E. Parmalee Prentice, and the youngest daugter, Edith (1872-1932), married Harold Fowler McCormick. The only son, John D., Jr. (1874-1960), inherited much of the family fortune and continued his father's philanthropic work.

Related Topics:
September 8 - 1864 - Cleveland - Edith - John D., Jr.

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Rockefeller died on the morning of May 23, 1937, at the Casements, his home in Ormond Beach, Florida. He was 97 years old and was buried in Lake View Cemetery in Cleveland, the city he and his family considered home.

Related Topics:
Ormond Beach, Florida - Lake View Cemetery

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