Cornelius Vanderbilt II facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Cornelius Vanderbilt II
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Portrait of Vanderbilt by John Singer Sargent
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| Born | November 27, 1843 Staten Island, New York, U.S.
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| Died | September 12, 1899 (aged 55) New York City, U.S.
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| Resting place | Vanderbilt Family Mausoleum, Staten Island, New York, U.S. |
| Employer | New York Central Railroad |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse(s) | |
| Children | Alice Gwynne Vanderbilt William Henry Vanderbilt II Cornelius Vanderbilt III Gertrude Vanderbilt Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt Reginald Claypoole Vanderbilt Gladys Moore Vanderbilt |
| Parent(s) | William Henry Vanderbilt Maria Louisa Kissam |
| Relatives | See Vanderbilt family |
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Cornelius "Corneil" Vanderbilt II (born November 27, 1843 – died September 12, 1899) was an important American businessman. He was a member of the very famous Vanderbilt family in the United States.
Contents
A Family of Railroads
Cornelius Vanderbilt II was the favorite grandson of Cornelius Vanderbilt, often called the "Commodore." The Commodore was a very successful businessman who built a huge fortune in shipping and railroads. He left Cornelius II $5 million in his will.
Cornelius II was also the oldest son of William Henry Vanderbilt, who was known as "Billy." Billy left his son about $70 million. After his father passed away, Cornelius II took over as the head of the New York Central Railroad and other related train lines in 1885.
Early Life and Work
Cornelius Vanderbilt II was born on November 27, 1843, on Staten Island, New York. His parents were William Henry Vanderbilt and Maria Louisa Kissam.
He started his career working at the Shoe and Leather Bank in New York City. He was known for being a very hard worker. This strong work ethic impressed his grandfather, the Commodore, who believed in working hard to achieve success.
Cornelius II was involved in many different groups and charities. These included the YMCA, the Red Cross, and The Salvation Army. He also supported churches like Trinity Church and St. Bartholomew's Church.
Family Life
On February 4, 1867, Cornelius II married Alice Claypoole Gwynne. They met while teaching Sunday School at St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church.
Cornelius and Alice had seven children together:
- Alice Gwynne Vanderbilt (1869–1874), who sadly passed away at age five.
- William Henry Vanderbilt II (1870–1892), who died while attending Yale University.
- Cornelius "Neily" Vanderbilt III (1873–1942).
- Gertrude Vanderbilt (1875–1942), who became a famous sculptor.
- Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt (1877–1915), who died when the RMS Lusitania sank.
- Reginald Claypoole Vanderbilt (1880–1925).
- Gladys Moore Vanderbilt (1886–1965).
Cornelius Vanderbilt II had some health issues in 1896, which led him to reduce his work. He passed away on September 12, 1899, at his home in Manhattan, New York City. After his death, his brother, William Kissam Vanderbilt, took over the family's business leadership.
Cornelius II was known for his generosity. He gave away a lot of money to charity. His large summer home, The Breakers, in Newport, Rhode Island, is now a historic house museum that people can visit.
His Descendants
Through his son, Reginald Claypoole Vanderbilt, Cornelius II was the grandfather of Gloria Vanderbilt. She was a well-known socialite and fashion designer. He was also the great-grandfather of news anchor Anderson Cooper.
Through his son, Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt, he was the grandfather of William Henry Vanderbilt III, Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt Jr., and George Washington Vanderbilt III.
His Legacy
Many of the grand homes that Cornelius II, his brothers, and his sons lived in on Fifth Avenue in New York City have been torn down. However, his beautiful summer home, The Breakers, in Newport, Rhode Island, still stands. It serves as a reminder of the grand lifestyle of the Vanderbilt family during that time.
Images for kids
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An unissued bond from the Canada Southern Railway Company, signed by Cornelius Vanderbilt II.
