John Davison Rockefeller, Sr. was an American industrialist who played a prominent role in the early oil industry with the founding of Standard Oil (ExxonMobil is the largest of its descendants). Over a forty-year period, Rockefeller built Standard Oil into the largest company in the world, and was for a time the richest man in the world. His business career was controversial; he was accused of being a monopolist and was bitterly attacked by investigative journalists. However he spent his last forty years primarily focused on philanthropic pursuits, including education and public health, eventually giving away about half of his wealth and by the time he died his reputation was quite benign. He was a devout Northern Baptist and supported many church activities throughout his life.... More • http://en.wikipedia. ... ockefeller View • Books • Images • Videos • Search Related • Billionaires • Entrepreneurs • Founders • Philanthropists • 1900s • Cancer • Charity • Energy • Huguenots • Industrial Revolution • July 08 • Oil • USA • 19th Century • 20th Century • People