John D. Rockefeller

Early Life

John Davison Rockefeller was born in 1839 in New York, USA. His family did not have much money, so John learned early how important it was to work hard and save.

As a boy, he liked numbers and kept careful notes about his small jobs. He even lent small amounts of money to neighbors and tracked every penny in a notebook.

Learning About Business

John was very serious about school and believed being honest and organized was the key to success. After finishing his studies, he got a job as a bookkeeper, which means he kept track of money and records.

This job taught him how businesses worked and helped him learn how to make smart choices. John believed that planning ahead was just as important as working hard.

Building a Big Company

In the 1860s, John became interested in oil, which was becoming very important for lamps and machines. He helped start a company that later became Standard Oil.

Standard Oil grew quickly and became very successful. John became one of the richest people in the world, but he lived a simple life and did not like showing off his wealth.

Helping Others

One of the most amazing things about John D. Rockefeller was how much he gave away. He believed that money should be used to help make the world better.

He gave millions of dollars to schools, hospitals, and research centers. His donations helped create the University of Chicago and supported doctors and scientists.

Legacy

John D. Rockefeller lived to be 97 years old. By the time he passed away, he had given away most of his fortune to help others.

Today, he is remembered not just as a businessman, but as someone who believed in generosity, hard work, and careful planning. His kindness continues to help people around the world.