John D. Rockefeller Jr.: Legacy Passed On Through Generations

John D. Rockefeller Jr. was another popular financier and philanthropist from the world renowned Rockefeller family. He was the only son of John D. Rockefeller Sr. who co-founded the Standard Oil. Rockefeller Jr. was born on January 29, 1874. He wanted to enter Yale University but went to Brown University instead. Known by his nickname “Johnny Rock”, Rockefeller Jr. showed early signs of success. He was known to be very careful with his money, unlike the sons of other rich men during his time.

In 1897, Rockefeller Jr. earned his Bachelor of Arts degree at Brown University. He joined his father after graduation and helped him set up the operations of the family’s business. Johnny Rock was one of Standard Oil’s directors. Rockefeller Jr. also became a director of US Steel Company. In 1910, he was forced to resign from both companies in his effort to clear his financial and philanthropic interests following the scandal of John Dustin Archbold (his father’s successor at Standard Oil) and two members of Congress.

At the height of the Great Depression, Rockefeller Jr. solely financed the Rockefeller Center in downtown Manhattan. Rockefeller Center became one of the largest real estate companies in New York. Johnny Rock’s influence attracted many blue-chip corporations into the Rockefeller Center.

Among the other accomplishments of Rockefeller Jr. included owning the largest shareholding of the Chase National Bank. Johnny Rock also founded the Dunbar National Bank.