John D. Rockefeller: The Life and Career of the Richest Man in Modern History

John Davison Rockefeller was born on July 8, 1839, in Richford, New York, to William Avery Rockefeller and Eliza Davison Rockefeller, in circumstances that would profoundly shape his character and worldview. His father, known as "Big Bill," was a traveling salesman who sold patent medicines and various tonics, often disappearing for months at a time on mysterious business ventures that left the family in financial uncertainty. This irregular income and frequent absence of the family patriarch created an environment of economic instability that taught young John the importance of thrift, self-reliance, and careful financial planning from an early age.

Eliza Rockefeller provided the moral and spiritual foundation that would guide her son throughout his life. A devout Baptist who instilled strong religious principles in her children, she emphasized the virtues of hard work, honesty, and frugality while teaching that worldly success was a sign of divine favor when used responsibly. Her influence was particularly profound because of her husband's frequent absences, making her the primary moral authority in the household. The combination of financial uncertainty from his father's irregular business practices and moral certainty from his mother's religious teachings created a unique personality that would blend shrewd business acumen with genuine philanthropic conviction.

The family's move to Moravia, New York, in 1843 and later to Owego in 1850 exposed young John to various communities and business environments that broadened his understanding of commerce and human nature. These relocations were driven partly by his father's restless pursuit of business opportunities and partly by the need to escape the consequences of his increasingly questionable business dealings. Each move required the family to establish new relationships and adapt to different economic conditions, teaching John valuable lessons about the importance of reputation, local connections, and community standing in business success.