Cornelius Vanderbilt (May 27, 1794 – January 4, 1877)[1] was an American businessman, philanthropist, and slave owner.[2] A lot of his wealth came from railroads and shipping.[3][4]
Quick Facts Born, Died ...
Cornelius Vanderbilt |
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Born | May 27, 1794
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Died | January 4, 1877(1877-01-04) (aged 82)
New York City, U.S. |
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Occupation(s) | Railroad/Water transport businessman, philanthropist |
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Spouses |
- Sophia Johnson
(m. 1813—1868; her death)
- Frank Armstrong Crawford
(m. 1869—1877; his death)
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Children |
- Phebe Jane Vanderbilt
- Ethelinda Vanderbilt
- Eliza Vanderbilt
- William Henry Vanderbilt
- Emily Almira Vanderbilt
- Sophia Johnson Vanderbilt
- Maria Louisa Vanderbilt
- Frances Lavinia Vanderbilt
- Cornelius Jeremiah Vanderbilt
- George W. Vanderbilt
- Mary Alicia Vanderbilt
- Catherine Juliette Vanderbilt
- George Washington Vanderbilt
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Parents |
- Cornelius van Derbilt
- Phebe Hand
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Relatives |
- Cornelius Vanderbilt II (grandson)
- Margaret Louisa Vanderbilt (granddaughter)
- William Kissam Vanderbilt (grandson)
- Emily Thorn Vanderbilt (granddaughter)
- Florence Adele Vanderbilt (granddaughter)
- Frederick William Vanderbilt (grandson)
- Eliza Osgood Vanderbilt (granddaughter)
- George Washington Vanderbilt II (grandson)
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He was also the patriarch of the Vanderbilt family. He was one of the richest Americans in history. He provided the initial gift to found Vanderbilt University, which is named in his honor.
Vanderbilt died on January 4, 1877 in New York City, New York from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), aged 82.[3]
Vanderbilt was worth more than $100 million at the time of his death (equivalent to approximately $2,671,921,875 in 2024 dollars).[5]