Vanderbilt, Cornelius (1794–1877)

US industrialist who made a fortune of more than $100 million in steamships and (from the age of 70) by financing railways. He defeated stock raids and takeover attempts by other financiers in the process of amassing his fortune. Despite his wealth, he did not engage in any philanthropic activities until near his death, when he gave $1 million to what would become Vanderbilt University. See also Jay Gould.

Born in Port Richmond, New York, Vanderbilt, at the age of 16, began a ferry operation between Staten Island and Manhattan. By 1829, he had established his own steamship line, at first to service local New York and New England ports, and from 1850 to reach California by a shorter route, through Nicaragua. In the 1860s he began to acquire and merge railway lines in New York and Chicago.

His eldest son, William Henry Vanderbilt (1821–85), joined him in business, acquiring further extensive railway control, and also left an immense fortune.

Vanderbilt, Cornelius (1843–1899)

US businessman and philanthropist. Patriarch of the Vanderbilts from 1885, he directed the family investments with the aid of his brother William Vanderbilt, and he served on the boards of many corporations. Among his benefactions was the New York College of Physicians and Surgeons (Columbia University), the New York General Theological Seminary, and Yale University.

Vanderbilt was born near New Dorp, New York. The eldest son of William H Vanderbilt, he was a favourite of the Commodore and became an assistant treasurer of the New York & Harlem Railroad in 1867, serving as its president from 1886–99.