John D. Rockefeller A rags to (extremely) riches story

Rockefeller: From Rags to Riches — 

On a recent trip to Cleveland, I found myself standing at the grave of a man who, at one time, was the wealthiest person on Earth: John D. Rockefeller.

Born into a large, poor family in upstate New York, Rockefeller’s early life was one of frequent moves and financial struggle. Eventually, his family settled in Cleveland, Ohio — the very city where, in 1870, he would found the Standard Oil Company. As the demand for kerosene and gasoline surged, Rockefeller’s wealth exploded. At his peak, he controlled nearly 90% of all oil in the United States, a staggering level of dominance that earned him not only immense wealth but also fierce scrutiny. Still, his rise remains one of the greatest rags-to-riches stories in American history.

Later in life, Rockefeller became close friends with fellow industrial titan Andrew Carnegie, the steel magnate. Both men spent the final decades of their lives focused on philanthropy, believing strongly in using their fortunes to better the world. Rockefeller helped establish and fund numerous institutions, including the University of Chicago. A devout Baptist, he also founded Riverside Church in New York City — a pulpit that would eventually host some of history’s most powerful voices, from Dr. Harry Emerson Fosdick to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

His legacy extended into politics as well. His son, Nelson Rockefeller, served as the 41st Vice President of the United States and as Governor of New York from 1959 to 1973.

Just before his death on May 23, 1937, at the age of 97, Rockefeller penned a few lines that summed up the spirit of his life:

I was early taught to work as well as play,
My life has been one long, happy holiday;
Full of work and full of play—
I dropped the worry on the way—
And God was good to me every day.

1839-1937