Figure 1.--The Rockefeller boys inckluded: John D. Rockefeller III (1906-1978), Nelson (1908-1979), Laurance (1910- ), Winthrop (1912-1975), and David (1915- ). This photograph shows John D. Rockefeller Jr. with his wife Abby Aldrich and their children at Seal Harbor, Maine, in 1921. The five boys (from left to right, Laurance, John III, David, Winthrop, and Nelson) appear with their older sister Babs. Laurance wears white knickers, a dark jacket, and long black stockings. John III wears white long trousers with his dark jacket. David wears white knee pants with dark ankle socks. Winthrop and Nelson wear above-the-knee white knickers with dark knee socks and shirts with ties and Eton collars. The family are formally dressed but in summer fashion for their Maine vacation.

John D., Jr in 1901 married Abby Greene Aldrich (1874-1948). They had six children, including five sons. The Rockefeller boys inckluded: John D. Rockefeller III (1906-1978), Nelson (1908-1979), Laurance (1910- ), Winthrop (1912-1975), and David (1915- ). This photograph shows John D. Rockefeller Jr. with his wife Abby Aldrich and their children at Seal Harbor, Maine, in 1921. The five boys (from left to right, Laurance, John III, David, Winthrop, and Nelson) appear with their older sister Babs. Laurance wears white knickers, a dark jacket, and long black stockings. John III wears white long trousers with his dark jacket. David wears white knee pants with dark ankle socks. Winthrop and Nelson wear above-the-knee white knickers with dark knee socks and shirts with ties and Eton collars. The family are formally dressed but in summer fashion for their Maine vacation.

Abby (1903- )

Abby was the oldest child and only girl. She was called "Babs" within the family and dubbed "the richest of all babies" in the press. She was in many ways the most rebellious of the children at the least willing to become involved in charitable work. Eventually she was deeply involved in cancer research.

John D. III (1906- )

John D. III was the most dutiful of all the children. He carefully kept the traditional ledger. He was groomed to work at his father sise, but was shy and introverted. In many ways he was replaced by Nelson's as his father's right hand. John D. III became a philanthropist and a valued expert on Asian affairs.

Nelson (1908- )

Nelson was born on his grandfather's birthday. Nelson was the natural leader among the children with a winning personality. Nelson was four times governor of New York and vice president of the United States. He was eventually rejected by the Republican Party as it turned to the right in the 1960s.

Laurance (1910- )

Laurance became a leading venture capitalist and conservationist.

Winthrop (1912- )

Winthrop was often the odd man out. He was teased by his older brothers, especilly John D. and Nelson. He took up cattle ranching in Arkansas and was elected governor.

David (1915- )

David became president of the Chase Manhattan Bank, was a leading figure in international finance.
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Created: June 10, 2004
Last updated: 9:31 PM 2/6/2011