Jean Paul Getty

Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA on December 15, 1892 — died June 6, 1976 (aged 83)

His first big break in the oil business occurred in 1915, when he purchased an interest in an oil lease on a farm south of Tulsa, Oklahoma for $500. His contemporaries thought him foolish, but 3 days after striking oil, he realized $11,850 from his share of the profits. By the age of 24, he had made his first $1 million.