Vanderbilt, William Henry

Vanderbilt, William Henry (1821-1885), American industrialist, son of Cornelius Vanderbilt, born in New Brunswick, New Jersey. He was already a successful railway executive in his own right when, about 1863, he joined the family enterprises. He served his father as chief aide and succeeded him as president of the New York Central and several other railways. Carrying on the policies of his father, he invested heavily and successfully in a number of additional railways. He gave substantial sums to Vanderbilt University, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, and other institutions of higher learning.