William Henry Vanderbilt
William Henry Vanderbilt (May 8, 1821 - December 8, 1885) inherited nearly $100 million from his father Cornelius Vanderbilt and had increased it to about $200 million at his death less than nine years later.He was the richest man America had ever seen, and by some measures perhaps still the richest it has ever had.
He actively led the family's railroad empire, though in 1883 his elder sons assumed key positions. It was in his time that the Vanderbilts demanded recognition from the older but less moneyed leaders of New York society, centered on the Astor family, whom the Vanderbilts had now far outstripped in wealth.
William Henry Vanderbilt is perhaps most remembered for snapping "the public be damned" at an interviewer..in context, an irritated reaction to the other's suggestion that the New York Central system, which Vanderbilt controlled, ought to be operated as if it were a public trust. He was an active philanthropist as well as builder of opulent Fifth Avenue mansions.
In 1841 he married Maria Louisa Kissam (1821-1896).
On his death, his estate was divided among his four sons, Cornelius Vanderbilt II, William Kissam Vanderbilt, Frederick William Vanderbilt, and George Washington Vanderbilt.
his last home is on the left in the image linked at the Saint Thomas Episcopal Church article.
Referenced By
Businessmen | Cornelius Vanderbilt | Cornelius Vanderbilt II | Frederick William Vanderbilt | George Washington Vanderbilt | List of business people | List of corporate leaders | Madison Square Garden | St. Thomas Episcopal Church | Vanderbilt | William Kissam Vanderbilt
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