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One of the richest men in U.S. history, John D. Rockefeller began his lucrative Standard Oil Company in Cleveland. Rockefeller grew up here, after moving with his family from New York in 1853. He began his career as an assistant bookkeeper for a commission merchant before beginning his own commission business in 1859. Rockefeller ventured into the oil industry in 1863, leaving his commission business to organize the Standard Oil Company, which he directed until his retirement in 1896. He was remained the company's president until 1911. By 1880, Rockefeller was worth about $18 million. His other Cleveland business ventures included stock in the Cleveland Arcade Company and the 16-story building named after him at the corner of Superior Avenue and West 6th Street. He also donated much of his fortune to various charities, including Western Reserve Historical Society, YMCA and Women's Christian Temperance Union. |
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