The Russellville Democrat., 1881-12-15
William H. Vanderbilt.

Although ths enormous wealth of this gentleman must entitle him to marked consideration on all occasions, yet he becomes more especially man of the hour at the present moment from his participation, either from choice or ne- cessity, in the existing railroad war which has reduced freight and passenger | fares very much below their former values in this part of the world, and which bids fair to infiict no small in- jury upon certain rival lines that are not, as is alleged, in a condition to com pete successfully with the road under his control.
 William H. Vanderbilt is the oldest son of the late Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt. He was born at the summer residence of his father, near New Bruns- wick, N. J., and after an excellent and practical education at Columbia College Grammar School, he entered, in his eighteenth year the financial house of Drew, Robinson & Co.,, New York, where he exibited such industry and executive ability, that on the expiration of two years he was offered a partnership The close confinement, however having be- gun to prey on his health, he determinsd to take up farming as ss means of recuper- ation; and, the Commodore having bought him seventy-fve acres of unim- proved iand on Staten Island, he at once took his young wife there, and set to work with such skill and energy that he not only cleared the seventy five acres, but soon had larger tract purchased and $50 acres under cultivation.
 Shortly after this period the Staten Island Railroad Company became en- barrassed, when Mir. Vanderbilt and his uncle Jacob entering the management relieved the road of it's difficulties, and improved it's prospects in marked de- gree. The experience acquired here gave him such an insight into railroad affairs and so advanced him in the opinion of certain capitalists and stock holders, that in 1891 he was elected president of the New York and Harlem, and in 1866 of the Hudson River line, which under his management became so prosperous that he was un- hesitatingly recognized as not only a railroad manager of profound knowl- edge and experience. but worthy the confidence of the Commodore to the fullest extent It was now plain sailing until the death of his father, when, as the world knows, he suddenly became possessed of untold wealth.
 In 1S41, Mir. Vanderbilt married Miss Nissan, the daughter of a New York clergyman, and Christian lady of ster- ling qualities and attainments. This union has been blessed with nine chil- dren, eight of whom are still alive, comprising most interesting and charming family of sons and daughters, all fnely educated. He has made various visits to Europe where he has purchased numerous works of art for the adornment of his home on this side of the Atlantic. His charities and pub lie spirit are not unworthy of his vast wealth, although he does not seem to court notGriety through these channels. This may be inferred from the fact, that notwithstanding he has defrayed the whole cost of the obelisk, Cleopatra's Needle from Alexandria, Egypt, to its site in Central Park, New York, it was some time before the public was made aware oi the circumstance.
 Though Mir. Vanderbilts personal habits are not extravagant, he Is about to occupy one of the most magnificent private residences in the world, costing when finished. $2,000,000 He is a great lover of horses, and in his stable are some very me equlnes, among them the peerless mare Maud s." the fastest | trotter upon the turf, with a record of 2.10i Mir. Vanderbilt is now sixty years of age, and is still hale and active. When in New York he spends much of his time with his family and the few friends that he has selected from among his many acquaintances. In private life he is frank, open and generous, but always has an eye to business. He looks upon the present railroad war with hegreatest complacency, observing simply that it is not his war. There is nothing about his dress or general appearance to dis. tinguish him from an ordinary American ] gentleman. His hair was once dark
 but is now iron gray, and his side whiskers large and flowing, although he wears no mustache. He is rather heavily l built, and looks like man who has yet
 many years of usefulness before him.