Vanderbilt, Cornelius

Vanderbilt, Cornelius (1843-1899), American industrialist and philanthropist, son of William Henry Vanderbilt, born on Staten Island, New York. He became associated with the New York and Harlem Railroad about 1867, serving as president from 1886, about which time he began to act as head of the Vanderbilt family. He was a benefactor of the Cathedral of St John the Divine in New York, the New York Theological Seminary, and many other institutions.