John D. Rockefeller was an American industrialist and philanthropist who co-founded Standard Oil Company, which became the dominant oil refining company in the United States. He was born in 1839 in New York and died at the age of 97 in 1937. Rockefeller was one of the wealthiest individuals in history, and his innovative business practices and aggressive acquisitions led to the creation of a vast oil empire. He was also a major philanthropist, donating millions of dollars to support medical research, education, and the arts. His legacy continues to influence American business and philanthropy to this day.