Background
He was the favorite grandson of Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt, who left him $5 million, and the eldest son of William Henry "Billy" Vanderbilt (who left him close to $70 million) and Maria Louisa Kissam.
He was the favorite grandson of Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt, who left him $5 million, and the eldest son of William Henry "Billy" Vanderbilt (who left him close to $70 million) and Maria Louisa Kissam.
In his turn he succeeded them as head of the New York Central and related railroad lines in 1885. Vanderbilt established a reputation for a strong work ethic while clerking at the Shoe and Leather Bank in New York City. Family A stroke in 1896 compelled him to reduce his active business involvement.
His philanthropy had been such that he did not increase the wealth that had been left to him.
Vanderbilt family.