John D. Rockefeller

John Davison Rockefeller (1839–1937) was an American industrialist and philanthropist best known as the founder of Standard Oil. Born in Richford, New York, he entered business in Cleveland, Ohio, and moved into oil refining during the 1860s. In 1870 he helped establish Standard Oil, which grew into a dominant force in the U.S. petroleum industry through consolidation and extensive distribution networks. After retiring from active management, Rockefeller devoted much of his fortune to philanthropy, supporting education, public health, and scientific research. His major initiatives included the University of Chicago and the Rockefeller Foundation. He died in Ormond Beach, Florida.