Chapters 5-6 Summary and Analysis

In the 1850s, whole oil is used to fuel lighting and there is a shortage of the product. At this time, there is oil in Pennsylvania, discovered by the Pennsylvania Rock Oil Company. In 1860, the first kerosene is made in Cleveland by C. A. Dean. Looking for financial backing, he finds it from Clark and Rockefeller and in 1863. They form the refining business, Andrews, Clark and Co. John. D. is now in the oil business. Within a year, this becomes the most profitable part of the business.

Maurice Clark and his brothers are in business with John D. in the refinery and John D. does not like this because they have the votes to override him. They dissolve their partnership on February 1865 and agree to auction the firm to the highest bidder. John D. now has control of the...