John Rockefeller : He was America's first billionaire. In a pure sense, the goal of any capitalist is to make money. And JOHN D. ROCKEFELLER could serve as the poster child for capitalism. Overcoming humble beginnings, Rockefeller had the vision and the drive to become the richest person in America. At the turn of the century, when the average worker earned $8 to $10 per week, Rockefeller was worth millions.