The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1883-08-30
FOUR VANDERBILTs.
Cornelius, William, Frederick and George.

If Commodore Vanderbilt could to-
day revisit New York he would un-
doubtedly be glad to find the destinies
of the house Of Vanderbilt in such good
hands. Since the retirement of William
II. Vanderbilt from active participation
in affairs his three sons, Cornelius,
William X. and Frederick have been,
so to speak, joint regents. The heir ap-
parent, the Crown Prince of the Van
derbilt dynasty, is Cornelius.
The future railroad monarch is now
about thirty-fve years of age. His per-
sonal appearance is decidedly prepos-
sessing. He is very tall, and has an
erect, slender and graceful figure. His
hair and his eyes are very dark and his
face, which is clean shaved, with the ex-
ception of small, closely cut side whis-
kers, shows strength and decision in
every line. He began his commercial
education as q clerk in brokers' office
in Broad street. and after being thor
oughly grounded in the principles of
business was transferred to one of the
clerical departments of the New York
Central Railroad in the Grand Central
Depot. There his position was by no
means sinecure. as he was obliged to
perform exactly the same duties as his
fellow clerks, whose futures were less
brilliant. BY steady application and
natural business ability, without one
particle of favor being shown him, he
gradually rose step by step, passing by
degrees from one department to anoth-
er and mastering successfully every
detail of railroad management, until he
had thoroughly fitted himselffor the ex-
alted position he now holds. 1t is prob
able that no one in this country is more
thoroughly conversant with railroad
methods than he is
At his fathers abdication Cornelius
became chairman of the board of direc-
tors of the New York Central and pres
ident of the ''Nickel Plate" In addi-
ton, he is director to countless other
roads. When quite young he married
Miss Gwyn, of Philadelphia. He has
now four children, the eldest of whom
is about eleven years of age.
The second son, William Kissam Van
derbilt the head of the Lake Shore
Road, somewhat resembles his eldest
brother in personal appearance, without,
however being able to lay claim to the
same amount of good looks. He seems
to have a wonderful power of grasping
the most difficult business problems. 1t
was said of him the other day by n
prominent railroad man that the rapid
ity with which he could analyze ques-
tions involving the consideration of a
half dozen conflicting interests and al
most instantly arrive at an unerring
conclusion was simply marvellous and
,,,ola II r.oo11xy r,1oo ff, do h.,osnnCo
with him. He is an indefatigable work
er and devotes almost the whole of his
time to railroad affairs. Like his grand
father, he is great lover of cards and
horses, but his taste in hOrsefiesh, is un-
like the Commodore, very English. He
is strong supporter of the turf so far
as running horses are concerned, but
cares nothing for trotters. He married
Miss Smith, of Mobile, and has three
children. OF late years he has gone
much into fashionable society, particu-
larly among the English set, his wife
being relative by marriage of Lady
Vaudeville. His house at Islip is man
aged after the fashion of an English
country home. In fact, he seems to be
strong supporter of the prevailing
Anglomania.
The third son, Frederick, Is also di-
rector in most of the roads controlled
by the family, but holds no executive
position and does not take very active
part in affairs. His personal appear
ance is very different to that of his
brothers, his Complexion being fair and
his hair and whiskers of pronounced
reddish hue. He is married, but has nc
children.
George Vanderbilt is the fourth and
youngest son. He is now 10. He is
by nature a student, an ardent lover OF
books. 1t is quite probable that he will
make his mark in the world of litera-
ture. 1t is his intention to take no part
in business beyond what is necessary in
caring for his vast estate.--M T.Journd..