John D. Rockefeller’s Family, Marriage, and Friends: Everything Explained

John D. Rockefeller, born in 1839, valued his family, relationships, and friends throughout his life. He built connections that influenced his personal and professional worlds. His family and close friends often played important roles in shaping his character and guiding his decisions from childhood to his later years.

Family and Children

John D. Rockefeller was born in Richford, New York, in 1839. His parents were William Avery Rockefeller and Eliza Davison Rockefeller. He grew up in modest circumstances, which shaped his early views on life and work.

He married Laura Celestia Spelman in 1864. They met through church and community activities in Cleveland, Ohio, during the early 1860s. Their marriage took place in 1864. Laura was a teacher and philanthropist, like John later became.

Rockefeller and Laura had five children together. All were biological. Their children included one son, John D. Rockefeller Jr., who played an important part in the family business and philanthropic legacy.

His children received both parental guidance and an emphasis on education. Laura cared deeply about education and social causes, influencing their household. John D. Rockefeller Jr. would later manage much of the family estate and charitable work.

Name	Relation	Birth Year
William Avery Rockefeller	Father	1810
Eliza Davison Rockefeller	Mother	1813
Laura Celestia Spelman	Wife	1839
John D. Rockefeller Jr.	Son	1874
Edith Rockefeller	Daughter	1872
Alta Rockefeller	Daughter	1871
Elizabeth Rockefeller	Daughter	1866
Alice Rockefeller	Daughter	1869

Friends and Their Influence

Rockefeller’s circle included close business associates, church members, and advisors. He built lasting friendships with people like Frederick Gates, who served as his key philanthropic advisor for many years. Their connection began through church work and continued as Gates oversaw many of Rockefeller’s major donations.

He also maintained business friendships with Henry Flagler, his partner in founding the Standard Oil Company. Their trust formed during Rockefeller’s early business years in Cleveland. The friendship grew from shared business ambition and continued throughout their lives.

Some friendships, such as with business competitors, grew tense due to the nature of the oil industry. However, many of Rockefeller’s closest friends came from his church community. These relationships helped balance the pressures of business life with personal support and advice.

Name	Known Since	Profession
Frederick Gates	1889	Philanthropic Advisor
Henry Flagler	1867	Business Partner