Though They Had Millions, The Rockefeller Family Was 'Cursed' By A Shadow Of Controversies

Many rich and powerful families leave a bloody trail of cheating, lies, and controversy in their wake, and the legendary Rockefeller family is no different. Though they set America's booming industrial revolution and other progressive movements in motion, the dark stories of their rise to the top demonstrate why, in some circles, their name has lived on in infamy. This is the story of the American dream, turned into American greed.

Origins of Wealth

The tainted image of the Rockefeller family dates all the way back to the original patriarch, the lesser-known William A. Rockefeller. He was the father of the infamous John D. Rockefeller and his brother, William Rockefeller, and he was the one who taught his boys how to "win" in business.

Bringing Home Immorality

William Rockefeller Sr. became a notorious con man. As the breadwinner of the family, he worked as a traveling salesman, peddling lie after lie. He'd often fake being deaf and mute to barter sympathy while selling "miracle remedies" that were in fact useless. Although his immoral business barely brought home a profit, his boys must have learned something from their con artist of a dad.

Rising To Riches

Around the time of the Civil War, John D. Rockefeller was making a name for himself through his oil company, Standard Oil. Unlike his father, he brought real riches to himself and his family, but not without a bit of immoral judgment. Aside from the way he handled his company, there was also the matter of his hand in the Civil War.

Cheating War

Rockefeller ensured he was exempt from fighting in the Civil War with the excuse that he had to care for his family. In the end, it was his money that did the fighting through hired soldiers who fought on his behalf. While this was a common practice for the rich, it’s still pretty darn messed up. The government was probably happy to oblige him, as Mr. Rockefeller came to control one of the world's most valuable resources.