John D. Rockefeller and Laura Spelman: billions of austerity and 50 years of family idyll

John D. Rockefeller made history as the first dollar billionaire. At the time of the 2000-ies he was the richest man in history. Forbes magazine estimated his fortune at 318 billion dollars (based on equivalent 2007).

In business, however, there was no man more ruthless and hard. It was called the Mephistopheles of Cleveland and the Reverend pastor of the dollar. However, he half-century has been tenderly devoted to his wife, and at night wept tears of children.

Rockefeller was born in a poor family, but from childhood he was attracted by one single goal: to become rich. The first makings of the entrepreneur manifested at a very young age thanks to his father. In seven years, John successfully bought candy at the store, then sell them individually to their sisters, thereby increasing their capital.

Laura John met during training courses. The girl's family was considered poor, with its head actively fought for the rights of blacks. She Laura, besides being a very supportive father, yet advocated women's rights to education.Laura was a devout and met all the representations of John D. Rockefeller of the future spouse. The more character much she looked like his beloved mother, had a practical mind. Rockefeller said: "Without her advice I would have remained poor".

Lovers behave decently attended mass in the Church, from time to time, played music together, enthusiastically read. The girl received the attentions graciously, but felt that to create the family they need a strong financial Foundation.

Offer hands and hearts, John was accompanied by the presentation of an engagement ring worth $ 118. In the fall of 1864, Rockefeller and Spelman became husband and wife. Wedding trip they made to Niagara falls, and on his return began to create his family, which was supposed to exist according to certain rules.

The work of John and Laura were phenomenal. They were both distinguished by extraordinary ability to save the modesty of the requests and the commitment to established dogma. For Laura's three pillars of happiness were family, home, Church. According to John, the basis of all must be discipline, order, economy and accounting.

Visit the Sunday service in the Church was a tradition. To violate it was impossible under any conditions, even during travel or family holidays.

Laura gave birth to five children, but one of the girls died in infancy. John was a gentle father, he jumped to the crib of a crying baby before the couple, with pleasure were engaged with children in rare moments of rest. Three daughters and one son was brought up with strict rules, once and for all established by the head of the family. Children from infancy learned to make money. Encouraged financial any help around the house, good grades in school, to work in his own garden. However, the faults are invariably punished by a fine.It is impossible to imagine, but the kids had one bike at all, as Laura was sure: this will teach them to share.

In 1914, John and Laura Rockefeller celebrated the Golden jubilee of married life. The celebration on this occasion John thanked God for his beloved, which was with him all his life.

Recent years, Laura was sick, almost couldn't get out of bed. John has already submitted its case and therefore had the opportunity to be all at the bedside of his wife. It's amazing how it blended in this man shark acumen in business and touching tenderness to the friend of your life.

Laura Rockefeller died in 1915. In her memory, John started a charitable Foundation in her name, valid today. John Davidson Rockefeller lived after the departure of the beloved more than 20 years failed to reach the century in just two years.