John D. Rockefeller was a businessman from the start, always finding something to sell, even as a child. Though he didn't begin in the oil industry, he entered it in 1863 by investing in a refinery in Cleveland, Ohio. This move sparked a historic journey that led to the creation of the iconic Standard Oil Company. Rockefeller's strategy of acquiring rival refineries helped him dominate the market, but it also drew scrutiny. In 1909, the Standard Oil Trust was dissolved, and by 1911, Standard Oil of New Jersey was broken up into more than 30 separate companies. A dedicated philanthropist, Rockefeller left behind a powerful legacy of both industrial influence and generosity. He passed away on May 23, 1937, at the age of 97 just shy of his dream to live to 100.