Rockefeller, Nelson A.

Rockefeller, Nelson A. (Aldrich) (1908–79) vice-president, public servant; born in Bar Harbor, Maine (grandson of John D. Rockefeller). He studied economics and managed family oil holdings in Latin America before turning to public service in 1940. He held important government posts during the Roosevelt, Truman, and Eisenhower administrations. He served as governor of New York (1958–1973), and his standing as a progressive governor was damaged when he ordered the controversial attack on the state prison at Attica in 1971. He earnestly wanted to become president, but the goal persistently eluded him. He lost the 1964 nomination to the ultra-conservative Barry Goldwater. In 1974 he was nominated for the vice-presidency by President Gerald Ford; after several months of hearings, he was confirmed. A loyal and active vice-president, he campaigned for Ford in 1976 even after he was dropped from the ticket. He returned to New York City and managed family business enterprises.