Cornelius Vanderbilt Crane facts for kids

Cornelius Vanderbilt Crane and his sister Florence, painted in 1914

Cornelius Vanderbilt Crane (born June 29, 1905 – died July 9, 1962) was an American explorer and a generous person who supported many good causes, known as a philanthropist. He is most famous for leading and funding a big scientific journey around the world.

Early Life

Cornelius was the son of Richard Teller Crane Jr. and Florence Crane. His family was well-known because his grandfather, Richard T. Crane, started a big company called Crane Co..

The Crane Pacific Expedition

Cornelius Crane is best known for the Crane Pacific Expedition, which took place from 1928 to 1929. He paid for this entire journey himself. The expedition sailed on his yacht, named Illyria.

Purpose of the Expedition

This important expedition was supported by the Chicago Museum of Natural History. Many scientists and experts joined the trip. Their main goal was to collect samples of plants, animals, and other natural items from different parts of the world. This helped scientists learn more about Earth's biodiversity.

Journey Around the World

The Illyria left Boston Harbor on November 16, 1928.

• It first stopped in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
• Then, it went through the Panama Canal.
• After leaving the canal on December 30, 1928, the expedition visited the Cocos Islands and Galapagos Islands. Here, they collected many fish and birds.
• The journey continued to many other places, including the Marquesas group, the Tuamotu Archipelago, Tahiti, Bora Bora, Fiji, New Hebrides, Solomon Islands, New Guinea, and Borneo.
• The expedition eventually traveled all the way around the world, making it a circumnavigation.

Personal Life

During his expedition, Cornelius Crane met Cathalene Isabella Parker Browning. They got married in 1929.

Later Life and Family

He later married Minescule "Miné" Sawahara in 1955 in Japan. She later created a scholarship in his name at the famous Juilliard School, which is a performing arts school.

Cornelius Crane passed away in July 1962.

Legacy

Cornelius Crane's contributions to exploration are remembered. A species of lizard, called Sphenomorphus cranei, was named after him. This is a way scientists honor people who help with scientific discoveries.