Avery Rockefeller

Who was Avery Rockefeller?

Avery Rockefeller was the son of Percy Avery Rockefeller, one of the richest financiers of his time.

Rockefeller attended Yale University, but on 20 September 1923, he secretly married Anna Griffith Mark, daughter of Clayton Mark, a wealthy steel manufacturer. Following the marriage, the newlyweds eloped, planning to complete their education before telling their parents. However, the arrival of Avery, Jr. in 1924 made a mess of their plans and they were forced to reveal the marriage.

In 1928, Rockefeller joined the storied J. Henry Schroder Banking Corporation and became Assistant Treasurer in 1931. On 8 July 1936, Rockefeller co-founded Schroder, Rockefeller & Co., Inc. Its purpose was to take over the underwriting and general securities business formerly carried out by the J. Henry Schroder Banking Corporation. The firm had a capital of $3,000,000. Its first President was Carlton P. Fuller, former Vice President of the J. Henry Schroder Banking Corporation. The original stock holders were Rockfeller, Fuller, Gerald E. Donovan, John. L. Simpson, Frederick B. Adams and the J. Henry Schroder Banking Corporation. He served as Vice President and Later President of Schroder, Rockefeller & Co. In 1961, James E. Madden was appointed as President and Avery Rockefeller was appointed as Chairman of the Board. Rockefeller retired in 1967 and the company was merged into the J. Henry Schroder Banking Corporation.