Pierre Lorillard was an American merchant, sportsman, breeder of race horses, and businessman.
Background
Pierre Lorillard was born on October 13, 1833 in New York City, New York, United States, the son of Peter and Catherine (Griswold) Lorillard. His family, originally of German stock, had been engaged for two generations in the manufacture of tobacco and snuff.
Career
In his youth Pierre distinguished himself in various sports--notably in shooting and yachting. As the owner of the schooner Vesta and the steam yacht Radha he made Newport a yachting center. Later he became a road driver of trotting horses in the days of Bonner and Vanderbilt. Taking up the breeding of trotters, he sent from his stables five or six peers of the road in their day. In 1873 he bought 1, 200 acres of land at Jobstown, New Jersey, and established a famous stock farm known as "Rancocas. " From there he began in 1878 to ship horses to run the principal English races. In 1879 he sent over Iroquois, winner of the Derby in 1881 and one of the greatest racers ever bred in America. Pontiac and several other horses from the "Rancocas" stables made heavy winnings at home and abroad.
Lorillard became a "plunger" in betting. In 1898 he formed a partnership with Lord William Beresford on the English turf. Since 1812 Lorillard's family had owned a tract of 7, 000 acres in Orange County, New York. Pierre bought up the interests of the other heirs in this property, acquiring a clear title to the entire tract. His purpose was to establish a shooting and fishing club and to that end he enclosed 5, 000 acres in wire fence eight feet high. Thus a game preserve was formed, containing deer, pheasants, and a trout hatchery (the lake on the domain had been stocked with black bass as early as 1860). The club was organized, the name Tuxedo Park adopted, and a clubhouse built. The plans were expanded to include a residential park, developed in accordance with the best engineering practice of the day, with modern roads, sewer and water systems.
After his father's death Lorillard had bought the interests of his four brothers in the tobacco industry and had been unusually successful in expanding the business. His income from that source was exceptionally large.
Achievements
Membership
Lorillard was a member of the Jekyll Island Club, also known as The Millionaires Club, and the Saint Nicholas Society of the City of New York.
Connections
Lorillard married, in 1858, Emily Taylor of New York. She with a son and two daughters survived him.