John D. Rockefeller (1839-1937), founder of the Standard Oil Company, became one of the world's wealthiest men and a major philanthropist. Born into modest circumstances ... Over the next few years, he acquired new partners and expanded his business interests in the growing oil industry. read more
John D. Rockefeller: Standard Oil In 1865, Rockefeller borrowed money to buy out some of his partners and take control of the refinery, which had become the largest in Cleveland. Over the next few years, he acquired new partners and expanded his business interests in the growing oil industry. read more
John D. Rockefeller's painting by John Singer Sargent in 1917 Rockefeller had a long and controversial career in the oil industry followed by a long career in philanthropy. His image is an amalgam of all of these experiences and the many ways he was viewed by his contemporaries. read more