The Life of John D Rockefeller

THE LIFE OF JOHN D. ROCKELLER AND THE RISE OF THE OIL INDUSTRY

Abstract

John Davison Rockefeller was born the second of six children on July 8, 1839, in Richford, New York. In 1853, his family moved to a farm in Strongsville, Ohio, near Cleveland. He pursued a public education, but left high school to take business training. In 1855, Rockefeller found his first job, working as an assistant bookkeeper for less than four dollars a week. In 1859, Rockefeller’s hard work was rewarded by being made a partner. In that same year, oil was discovered in Titusville, Pennsylvania, touching off the growth of a new industry driven largely by the demand for kerosene for lighting. Rockefeller was immediately attracted to the oil business.

THE LIFE OF JOHN D. ROCKEFELLER

The Life of John D. Rockefeller and the Rise of The Oil Industry

John Davison Rockefeller is known as one of the wealthiest man in business history. John D. Rockefeller was born July 8, 1839, in Richford, New York. He was the second of six children and the oldest boy. His father, William Rockefeller, was an itinerant quack doctor who pedaled worthless elixirs. He taught young John D. and his bothers lessons of business conduct, especially that sentimentality should not influence business transactions. “I cheat my boys every chance I get,” he once said. “I want to make’em sharp.” (Business, Government & Regulation Vol 1 Political Science)

In 1853, his family moved to Strongsville, Ohio, near Cleveland. He pursued a public education, but left high school to take business training. In 1855, Rockefeller found his first job, working as an assistant bookkeeper for less than four dollars a week. He showed a talent for detail and a strong work ethic from the beginning. In 1859, Rockefeller diligence was rewarded by being made a partner. (www.u-s-history.com)

In 1859, Rockefeller formed a successful partnership with two others in the produce business in Cleveland and proved himself an intense...