The Topeka state journal., 1899-09-12
was informed of his fathers death that
he was on his way to this city.
NEWPORT Is SHOCKED.

ne was on ms way 10 TINS city
NEWPORT IS SHOCKED.
Newport, r. /, Sept 1.-THE an
nouncement of the sudden death of
Cornelius Vanderbilt in New York this
morning was a heavy blow to the resi-
dents of Newport, among whom he had
been a familiar figure for fifteen years.
Mr. Vanderbilt's immediate friends
were deeply affected by the news.
Mr.. and Mrs. Vanderbilt left New
port yesterday for New York. On his
departure Mr.. Vanderbilt appeared in
excellent health. He had taken a
prominent place in the summer life at
Newport and his entertainments have
been of the most elaborate character
Since his first illness of 1896 he had
lived quietly at his villa during the
summer entertaining but little but dur
ing the past season he had taken a
greater interest in the social affairs of
the city, being especially interested in
the Newport Casino of which he was
for many years president. He was
regular attendant at the morning con-
certs, the tennis tournament and horse
show and drove out daily with his wife.
He had always a kindly nod, or d word
for his many friends and acquaintances. .
He was a regular attendant at the
services of Trinity church and contri-
buted largely to it's support. He was
a generous contributor to local charity
and gave annually a gOodly sum in aid
of the local Young Mems Christian As
sOciation. His purse was ever open to
aid the sick and distressed in Newport
and on his departure in the autumn
each year he left considerable fund
for distribution among the poor during
the winter Two of his children. Mr.
4 n Tr-
~ Payne Whitney occupy cottages
here.
Mr.. Vanderbilt purchased" "The Break
ers'' from Pierre Lorillard in 1884 and
occupied the villa until the fall of 1898
when it was destroyed by the fire. The
following year he began the construc-
tion of the new Breakers which is one
of the most palatial and extensive es-
tateS in Newport, its cost alone being
estimated at S1.000.000.
A BUSY LIFE.
Cornelius Vanderbilt who died this
morning, was the grandson of Commo-
dore Vanderbilt and the Oldest son of
William H. Vanderbilt He was born
November p, 1913. on his fathers farm
on Staten Island, New York. For many
years he headed the directorate of the
New York Central and the allied rail-
road interests of the Vanderbilts. More
recently i'll health compelled him to re-
sign his position and his place was ia
ken by Chauncey NJ. Depew as repre-
sentative of the family interests.
After an academic education he left
his books to enter the Shoe and Leath-
er bank as a clerk and after a time
became clerk for the Wall street firm
of Kissam & Co. Even at this early
stage of his career it was evident that
he possessed the remarkable business
ability of his family and would make
his mark in any calling. In 1865 his
father called him to a cler1ship in the
office of the New York & Harlem rail-
road, in order that his training in rail-
road management should begin a the
beginning and be thorough and com
prehensive. Making himself perfectly
familiar with the system of accounts
he became in 1867 treasurer of the COM
pany. a position which he held for ten
years. In 1877 he was elected vice
president of the New York & Harlem
railroad and first vice president of the
New York Central & Hudson River
railroad.
In these important stations Mr.. Van
derbilt displayed excellent capacity for
dealing with large questions. sound and
keen judgment and the ability to de-
eide safely and without hesitation Dur
ing the following years before his faith
er's practical retirement had placed up
on him the weight of enormous trusts
he served in an official capacity in the
direction of other Vanderbilt railroads.
He was treasurer of the Michigan Cen
tral railroad 1S7S-S3; vice president |
1SSO-S3 and treasurer and vice presi- !
dent of the Canada Southern railroad
1S7S-s3.
DeIighting in the study of railroad
problems, systematic, industrious and
rapid in the execution of work he dis
charged every trust committed TO him
with fidelity and success. When, in