Person:Cornelius Vanderbilt II (1)

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Cornelius "Corneil" Vanderbilt II (November 27, 1843 – September 12, 1899) was an American socialite and a member of the prominent United States Vanderbilt family.

Noted Financier and Head of the House of Vanderbilt in the third generation. Eldest son of William Henry Vanderbilt (1821-1885) and Maria Louisa Kissam Vanderbilt (1821-1896) ~ grandson, and namesake, of 'Commodore' Cornelius Vanderbilt (1794-1877). Cornelius II assumed leadership as Chairman of the Board of the New York Central, and related railway systems, in 1885; withdrawing from active management in July, 1896, as the result of a paralytic stroke. Though retired from active control he took an advisory role in the many properties in which he, and the family, had made investments. Regarded as a capable and conservative railroad manager, and a splendid accountant; mastering the intricacies of the banking system during his association with the Shoe and Leather Bank of New York. Between 1885 and his untimely death in 1899 the stock of the leading railroads, with which the Vanderbilt name was then identified, had enhanced in value to the amount of $173,497,000. over their worth at the time he assumed control. Kindly, charitable, and democratic, he held the respect of employees at all levels of the Vanderbilt railroad interests. This Cornelius, deriving no pleasure in yachting, or the Turf, sought the satisfactions of philanthropy, fine music, good paintings and exquisite architecture. His New York residence on Fifth Avenue, imposing and dignified, was the largest private townhouse ever built in the City; his country retreat, "The Breakers," at Newport, Rhode Island, was the most splendid house at that summer resort.

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1 1.2} Cornelius Vanderbilt II, in Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia.
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1 2.2} Cornelius Vanderbilt, II, in Find A Grave.

   Distinguished American military officer, engineer, inventor and notable yachtsman. Second son of Cornelius Vanderbilt II (1843-1899), and Alice Claypoole Gwynne Vanderbilt (1845-1934); great-grandson, and namesake, of 'Commodore' Cornelius Vanderbilt (1794-1877) ~ founder of the family fortune. Cornelius III, affectionately called "Neily" by the family, was educated at St. Paul's School, Concord, New Hampshire, and Yale University; graduating with the degrees of Bachelor of Arts in 1895, Bachelor of Philosophy in 1898, and that of Mechanical Engineer in 1899.
   Entering the motive engineering department of the New York Central Railroad, the family's principal investment, he designed improvements for locomotives and freight cars resulting in significant increases of fuel efficiency and revenue for the rail line, and the patents on his inventions brought him substantial royalty income. His study of the Metro systems of London and Paris enabled him to improve on New York City's subway system; entering into partnership with August Belmont, Jr. to incorporate the Interborough Rapid Transit Company in April, 1902.
   A member of the military for three decades he fought in the border wars with Mexico, and in World War I was commander of the 102nd Engineers overseas, rising to the rank of Brigadier General; earning the Distinguished Service Medal; the New York State Conspicuous Service Medal; the Belgian 'Commander of the Order of the Crown'; and was made 'Commander of the Legion of Honor' of France. Serving as Brigadier General of the New York organized reserve until 1935 when he requested to be relieved of his duties due to the increased pressure of his business responsibilities.
   A businessman of broad interests, in the early part of the 20th century, he was on the boards of directors of many corporations including railroads, insurance companies, and financial institutions. A 'Commodore' of the New York Yacht Club, 1903 to 1908, of which he became a member in 1891, General Vanderbilt devoted his private life to yachting ~ piloting his own craft across the Atlantic to take part in regattas in England and Germany. His "North Star" was the most famed of his many yachts, and on which he entertained the rulers and nobility of Britain and Europe. In earlier years his sloop "Aurora" won the King Edward VII Cup for the New York Yacht Club; his schooner yacht "Atlantic" won the transatlantic race for a cup offered by Kaiser Wilhelm II. Vanderbilt formed a firm friendship with the Kaiser, as well as with Kings Edward VII and George V of Great Britain, entertaining them aboard the "North Star" at naval regattas at Kiel, and Cowes. Prominent socially, every year when the annual compilation of club members of New York was made, he was listed as a member of nearly twenty clubs ~ which was usually the greatest figure for any individual.
   Suffering from a heart ailment during the lasts months of his life, he succumbed to a cerebral hemorrhage aboard the yacht "Ambassadress" on Biscayne Bay in Miami, at the age of 68. Funeral services were held at Saint Thomas' Church on Fifth Avenue, in New York City, and were attended by over one thousand persons including military and civic leaders, and representatives of New York society, and the General's business interests. Entombment took place in the Vanderbilt Mausoleum on Staten Island, in a vault adjacent to those of his immediate family.