Cornelius Vanderbilt

Cornelius Vanderbilt (May 27, 1794 – January 4, 1877), also known by the sobriquet Commodore, was an American industrialist and philanthropist who built his wealth in shipping and railroads. He was also the patriarch of the Vanderbilt family and one of the richest Americans in history. He provided the initial gift to found Vanderbilt University, which is named in his honor.

Read more about Cornelius Vanderbilt:  Ancestry, Early Years, Steamboat Entrepreneur, Oceangoing Steamship Lines, American Civil War, Death and Legacy, Descendants, Railroads Controlled By Vanderbilt

Famous quotes containing the word vanderbilt:

    We must learn which ceremonies may be breached occasionally at our convenience and which ones may never be if we are to live pleasantly with our fellow man.
    —Amy Vanderbilt (1908–1974)