John Davison Rockefeller (July 8, 1839 – May 23, 1937) is an American industrialist and philanthropist.

He is the founder of the Standard Oil Company, which dominates the oil industry and is the first great U.S. business trust.

Rockefeller revolutionizes the petroleum industry and defines the structure of modern philanthropy.

In 1870, he founds the Standard Oil Company and aggressively runs it until he officially retires in 1897.

Standard Oil begins as an Ohio partnership formed by John D. Rockefeller, his brother William Rockefeller, Henry Flagler, Jabez Bostwick, chemist Samuel Andrews, and a silent partner, Stephen V. Harkness.

As kerosene and gasoline grow in importance, Rockefeller's wealth soars, and he becomes the world's richest man and the first American worth more than a billion dollars.

Adjusting for inflation, he is often regarded as the richest person in history.

Rockefeller spends the last 40 years of his life in retirement.

His fortune is mainly used to create the modern systematic approach of targeted philanthropy.

He is able to do this through the creation of foundations that have a major effect on medicine, education, and scientific research.

His foundations pioneer the development of medical research, and are instrumental in the eradication of hookworm and yellow fever.

He is also the founder of both the University of Chicago and Rockefeller University.

He is a devoted Northern Baptist and supports many church-based institutions throughout his life.

Rockefeller adheres to total abstinence from alcohol and tobacco throughout his life.

He has four daughters and one son; John D. Rockefeller, Jr. "Junior" is largely entrusted with the supervision of the foundations.