Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1896-07-17
The Head of the Fumily-HOw Vast
Fortune Has Grown.

The Head of the Fnmily-HOw n Vast
Fortune Has Grown.
When Cornelius Vanderbilt. who is now
lying at the point of death, was born, in
New York, in 1S43, the commodore. his
grandfather, for whom he was named was
not a very rich man, and his father. Will
liam H.. was comparatively poor. Young
Cornelius received a fair education, and
then began the study of how to acquire and
hold on to a fortune.
AS boy Cornelius was noted for his dill
gence and thoroughness. In his eighteenth
year he went into bank on Wall street.
and had been twice promoted, when the old
commodore, who up to this time had totally
ignored his eldest sons family, began to
look into his namesake's character. The
investigation was satisfactory, and young
Cornelius was made assistant. treasurer of
the Harlem railroad, which the commodore
virtually owned. In this Office and in that
OF treasurer the younger Cornelius remained
for ten or twelve years. Here he distin-
guished himself as one of the most con-
scientious, hard-working and pains-taking
men in the office, winning the respect and
affection of all who met him by his sim
certify. his directness and thoroughness. He
was invariably the first to arrive at the
office. and the last to leave. The accuracy
of his accounts delighted the commodore
and the clearness of his financial state
appreciation from the directors. He was re-
garded by those in the office even then as
the coming man in the Vanderbilt family
He was looked upon by the commodore as
worthy OF the name he bore.
From his grandfather the young man
learned the intricacies of railway manage
ment. the mysteries of stock speculations
and the art of handling men. Upon the
death of the commodore, and his fathers
assumption of the vast estate Young Cor
nelius was made first vice president of the
New Central, and was intrusted with the
department of finance. This Office he held
until May 4, 1883, when his father retired
from the presidency; he and his brother,
William K, resigned their vice presidencies.
Cornelius becoming chairman of the board
of directors. a position which in England Is
above that of president. He had In the
meantime been made at different times
director In the Canada Southern, st. Paul
and Omaha. and Nickel-Plate railways
ana IN the Union Trust Company of New
YORK In every corporation in which his
father had an interest the son had put his
money, and by his increased wealth had
extended his holdings.
His Church and Social Life.
In 1870 Mr.. Vanderbilt married Miss Alice
Gwynne. He was already a worker in the
cause Of the Episcopal Church, and with
the growth Of his fortune gave more ard
more literally to religious and charitable
works. He is member of St Bartholo-
news Church. and has frequently passed
the collection plate in DIR. Greer's church.
He was an earnest advocate of the Penny
Provident Fund and other organizations
for the welfare of the poor
His liberality has not been confined to
church matters. He has subscribed largely
to the Metropolitan Museum of Art the
American Museum Of Natural History and
many other educational institutions. He
has been lavish entertainer His rnorniG
cent home at 9th street nd -
probably the finest house in this country
while at Newport the Breakers has a fence
that alone cost s200,O00. Mr.. Vanderbilt has
given as much as $1,000 to grand opera art
lists to sing one evening at his home Ho
hired Hading and Coquelin to recite for his
guests.
Mr.. Vanderbilt has added greatly to the
fortunes left by his grandfather nd father
and is believed to be worth anywhere rom
$100O00.000 to $20000O0OO Unlike many
other millionaires, he is credited with know
ing to a cent just how much of worldly
goods he has.
Relations With His Father.
His relations with his father are we'll
known. In point of affection the youngest
son, George, was his fathers fayorfte son
but in point of judgment Cornelius ranked
highest. His opinion always commanded
respect, no matter whether 1t was exDress
ed in the drawing room or at the gather
ings of philanthrorists or at the counsels
of railway magnates. He rever was a
reader or student He relied on his
strong common sense. natural sagacftv and
intelligence rather than on the precedents
laid down in Books. Like the Younger
Pitt, as a boy be was too Indifferent to
books, and as man be is too BUSY He
dispatches business with surprising expedi-
ton and decides the most complicated prob-
lens unhesitatingly and unerringly
One who has knewn him Intimately for
many years said: Cornelius Is the bright
est Of all the Vanderbilts He ia NOT an
sharp as his grandfather or so shrewd a q
his father, but IL mental equipoise he Is
their superior. He Is more phlegmatic than
either, never allows his passions to sway
him, Is always courteous, considerate and
gentle; unlike either Of his ancestors. he ytss
never heard to use a harsh or impure
word, and is known for Eis blameless. up-
right life"
Mr.. Vanderbilt has devoted much time
and a share of his wealth to the advance
ments Of the interests of his EMPLOYEES. nv
whom he is held in the greatest affection.
He is q director in more than thirty rail-
way companies, and officially connected
with some fifteen church and charitable
organizations He Is a member Of the Met
ropolitan, Union League, City, Union,
Knickerbocker, Century. st. Nicholas, Play
Association, Country, Riding, Racquet and
the New York Yacht clubs
The Vanderbilt Fortune.
Absolutely. For Life. Total
Cornelius ... $685. ESQ 600 Sc, 100 600 s62 500 600
William K..... 54,25oooo 6,150,0oO 60, 10000
Fred. W.. 5,65o0oo 6,15o,0o0 1l,sOO'OOO
Srs shepai ssseeSS e1sSoSS
Mrs. Sloane 80. 665OOOO 6,15OOOO II SO1 mn
Ms. Wee0;;:. sssS 9S9 $4,000 $4,000