Cornelius Vanderbilt III
Encyclopedia
Cornelius Vanderbilt III (September 5, 1873 – March 1, 1942) was a distinguished American
military officer, inventor, engineer, and yachtsman, and a member of the prominent American Vanderbilt family
.
.
He was born in New York City
on September 5, 1873 to Alice Claypoole Gwynne
and Cornelius Vanderbilt II
. He was educated by private tutors at St. Paul's School in Concord, New Hampshire
before attending Yale University
where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1895. Against his father's wishes, in August 1896 he married Grace Graham Wilson
, the youngest child of New York banker Richard T. Wilson, Sr. Remaining at Yale until 1899, he earned a Bachelor of Philosophy degree and, having a great deal of interest in the mechanical and engineering aspects of his family’s railroad business, he also earned a degree in mechanical engineering
.
Ostracized by his parents and even to some extent by his siblings, on his father's death in 1899 Neily Vanderbilt received only $500,000 in cash and the income from a $1 million trust fund. The bulk of his father's $70 million estate went to Neily's brother, Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt
, who then helped undo some of his father's enmity and gave Neily the amount of $6 million. However, as a result of his parents' attitude towards his marriage, it would be 27 years after his father's death before he finally reconciled with his aging mother. Neily and Grace Vanderbilt remained married for the rest of their lives and had two children, Cornelius IV
(1898-1974), who would marry seven times, and a daughter, Grace (Sept. 25, 1899-Jan. 28, 1964).
Neily Vanderbilt was an inveterate tinkerer with all things mechanical and during his lifetime he patented more than thirty inventions for improving locomotives and freight cars, including several which brought him a significant royalty income. Some of the most important were a corrugated firebox for locomotives that resulted in a substantial increase in fuel efficiency plus a cylindrical styled tank car for the transport of bulk oil as well as a revolutionary type of locomotive tender. In addition, on his travels to London
and Paris
he saw the potential for adapting their subway systems for New York City and partnered with August Belmont, Jr.
to establish the Interborough Rapid Transit Company
for the construction of the city's first subway.
In 1901, he was made a Second Lieutenant
in the Twelfth Infantry Regiment of the New York National Guard and remained a member of the military for 33 years. He fought in the border wars with Mexico
in 1916, and in World War I
served overseas as commander of the 102nd Engineers. Rising through the ranks to Brigadier General
, he was placed in command of the 25th Infantry Brigade. For his services during the War, he was given the Distinguished Service Medal
by the government of the United States, the New York State Conspicuous Service Medal, made a commander of the Order of the Crown (Belgium)
and awarded that country's Croix de Guerre
. The government of France made him a Commander of the Legion of Honor.
Following the First World War, Vanderbilt and his wife frequently returned to Europe, becoming friends and guests of numerous members of European royalty including former Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany, and his brother, Prince Henry of Prussia
, King Albert I of Belgium
, Crown Prince Olav of Norway
, Queen Marie of Romania, Reza Pahlavi of Iran, and every British monarch since Queen Victoria
.
As with other members of the Vanderbilt family, yachting was one of Neily Vanderbilt's favorite pastimes as an escape from a busy life that included a seat on the Board of Directors of a number of major American corporations. His yacht successfully defended the America's Cup
in 1903. In 1910, he piloted his yacht to victory in the New York Yacht Club's
race for the King Edward VII Cup.
In 1940, he sold the mansion he inherited in 1914 from his uncle George Washington Vanderbilt, located at 640 Fifth Avenue in New York City, to members of the Astor family
. The family retained occupancy of the house there three years after his passing from a cerebral hemorrhage while vacationing in Miami Beach, Florida
aboard his yacht in 1942. The mansion, built in 1880 by William H. Vanderbilt, was originally one of two sharing that block designed with identical exteriors and together known as the "Twin Mansions." His wife Grace Vanderbilt
lived there until 1944 when she moved to 1048 Fifth Avenue, now housing the Neuegalerie Museum. She passed away on January 7, 1953. They are buried together in the Vanderbilt family mausoleum in the Moravian Cemetery in New Dorp on Staten Island, New York.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
military officer, inventor, engineer, and yachtsman, and a member of the prominent American Vanderbilt family
Vanderbilt family
The Vanderbilt family is an American family of Dutch origin prominent during the Gilded Age. It started off with the shipping and railroad empires of Cornelius Vanderbilt, and expanded into various other areas of industry and philanthropy...
.
Biography
Called "Neily" by his close friends, he was the great-grandson of Cornelius VanderbiltCornelius Vanderbilt
Cornelius Vanderbilt , also known by the sobriquet Commodore, was an American entrepreneur 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 was born in New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
on September 5, 1873 to Alice Claypoole Gwynne
Alice Claypoole Gwynne
Alice Claypoole Gwynne Vanderbilt was the wife of Cornelius Vanderbilt II and reigned as the dowager Mrs. Vanderbilt for over 60 years.-Biography:...
and Cornelius Vanderbilt II
Cornelius Vanderbilt II
Cornelius Vanderbilt II was an American socialite, heir, businessman, and a member of the prominent United States Vanderbilt family....
. He was educated by private tutors at St. Paul's School in Concord, New Hampshire
Concord, New Hampshire
The city of Concord is the capital of the state of New Hampshire in the United States. It is also the county seat of Merrimack County. As of the 2010 census, its population was 42,695....
before attending Yale University
Yale University
Yale University is a private, Ivy League university located in New Haven, Connecticut, United States. Founded in 1701 in the Colony of Connecticut, the university is the third-oldest institution of higher education in the United States...
where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1895. Against his father's wishes, in August 1896 he married Grace Graham Wilson
Grace Vanderbilt
Grace Wilson Vanderbilt was an American socialite. She was the wife of Cornelius Vanderbilt III. She was one of the last Vanderbilts to live the luxurious life of the "head of society" that her predecessors such as Alice and Alva Vanderbilt enjoyed.-Biography:She was born Grace Graham Wilson on...
, the youngest child of New York banker Richard T. Wilson, Sr. Remaining at Yale until 1899, he earned a Bachelor of Philosophy degree and, having a great deal of interest in the mechanical and engineering aspects of his family’s railroad business, he also earned a degree in mechanical engineering
Mechanical engineering
Mechanical engineering is a discipline of engineering that applies the principles of physics and materials science for analysis, design, manufacturing, and maintenance of mechanical systems. It is the branch of engineering that involves the production and usage of heat and mechanical power for the...
.
Ostracized by his parents and even to some extent by his siblings, on his father's death in 1899 Neily Vanderbilt received only $500,000 in cash and the income from a $1 million trust fund. The bulk of his father's $70 million estate went to Neily's brother, Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt
Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt
Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt I was an extremely wealthy sportsman and a member of the famous Vanderbilt family of philanthropists. He died on the .-Life:...
, who then helped undo some of his father's enmity and gave Neily the amount of $6 million. However, as a result of his parents' attitude towards his marriage, it would be 27 years after his father's death before he finally reconciled with his aging mother. Neily and Grace Vanderbilt remained married for the rest of their lives and had two children, Cornelius IV
Cornelius Vanderbilt IV
-Biography:He was born on April 30, 1898 in Staten Island to Cornelius Vanderbilt III and Grace Graham Wilson.He attended Harstrom's Tutoring School and St. Paul's as a young man, then served in the Ambulance Service during the First World War where he became a driver when a general asked the...
(1898-1974), who would marry seven times, and a daughter, Grace (Sept. 25, 1899-Jan. 28, 1964).
Neily Vanderbilt was an inveterate tinkerer with all things mechanical and during his lifetime he patented more than thirty inventions for improving locomotives and freight cars, including several which brought him a significant royalty income. Some of the most important were a corrugated firebox for locomotives that resulted in a substantial increase in fuel efficiency plus a cylindrical styled tank car for the transport of bulk oil as well as a revolutionary type of locomotive tender. In addition, on his travels to London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
and Paris
Paris
Paris is the capital and largest city in France, situated on the river Seine, in northern France, at the heart of the Île-de-France region...
he saw the potential for adapting their subway systems for New York City and partnered with August Belmont, Jr.
August Belmont, Jr.
August Belmont, Jr. was an American financier, the builder of New York's Belmont Park racetrack, and a major owner/breeder of thoroughbred racehorses.-Early life:...
to establish the Interborough Rapid Transit Company
Interborough Rapid Transit Company
The Interborough Rapid Transit Company was the private operator of the original underground New York City Subway line that opened in 1904, as well as earlier elevated railways and additional rapid transit lines in New York City. The IRT was purchased by the City in June 1940...
for the construction of the city's first subway.
In 1901, he was made a Second Lieutenant
Second Lieutenant
Second lieutenant is a junior commissioned officer military rank in many armed forces.- United Kingdom and Commonwealth :The rank second lieutenant was introduced throughout the British Army in 1871 to replace the rank of ensign , although it had long been used in the Royal Artillery, Royal...
in the Twelfth Infantry Regiment of the New York National Guard and remained a member of the military for 33 years. He fought in the border wars with Mexico
Mexico
The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
in 1916, and in World War I
World War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
served overseas as commander of the 102nd Engineers. Rising through the ranks to Brigadier General
Brigadier General
Brigadier general is a senior rank in the armed forces. It is the lowest ranking general officer in some countries, usually sitting between the ranks of colonel and major general. When appointed to a field command, a brigadier general is typically in command of a brigade consisting of around 4,000...
, he was placed in command of the 25th Infantry Brigade. For his services during the War, he was given the Distinguished Service Medal
Distinguished Service Medal (United States)
The Distinguished Service Medal is the highest non-valorous military and civilian decoration of the United States military which is issued for exceptionally meritorious service to the government of the United States in either a senior government service position or as a senior officer of the United...
by the government of the United States, the New York State Conspicuous Service Medal, made a commander of the Order of the Crown (Belgium)
Order of the Crown (Belgium)
The Order of the Crown is an Order of Belgium which was created on 15 October 1897 by King Leopold II in his capacity as ruler of the Congo Free State. The order was first intended to recognize heroic deeds and distinguished service achieved from service in the Congo Free State - many of which acts...
and awarded that country's Croix de Guerre
Croix de guerre
The Croix de guerre is a military decoration of France. It was first created in 1915 and consists of a square-cross medal on two crossed swords, hanging from a ribbon with various degree pins. The decoration was awarded during World War I, again in World War II, and in other conflicts...
. The government of France made him a Commander of the Legion of Honor.
Following the First World War, Vanderbilt and his wife frequently returned to Europe, becoming friends and guests of numerous members of European royalty including former Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany, and his brother, Prince Henry of Prussia
Prince Henry of Prussia
Frederick Henry Louis , commonly known as Henry , was a Prince of Prussia. He also served as a general and statesman, and, in 1786, was suggested as a candidate for a monarch for the United States....
, King Albert I of Belgium
Albert I of Belgium
Albert I reigned as King of the Belgians from 1909 until 1934.-Early life:Born Albert Léopold Clément Marie Meinrad in Brussels, he was the fifth child and second son of Prince Philippe, Count of Flanders, and his wife, Princess Marie of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen...
, Crown Prince Olav of Norway
Olav V of Norway
Olav V was the king of Norway from 1957 until his death. A member of the House of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Glücksburg, Olav was born in the United Kingdom as the son of King Haakon VII of Norway and Queen Maud of Norway...
, Queen Marie of Romania, Reza Pahlavi of Iran, and every British monarch since Queen Victoria
Victoria of the United Kingdom
Victoria was the monarch of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland from 20 June 1837 until her death. From 1 May 1876, she used the additional title of Empress of India....
.
As with other members of the Vanderbilt family, yachting was one of Neily Vanderbilt's favorite pastimes as an escape from a busy life that included a seat on the Board of Directors of a number of major American corporations. His yacht successfully defended the America's Cup
America's Cup
The America’s Cup is a trophy awarded to the winner of the America's Cup match races between two yachts. One yacht, known as the defender, represents the yacht club that currently holds the America's Cup and the second yacht, known as the challenger, represents the yacht club that is challenging...
in 1903. In 1910, he piloted his yacht to victory in the New York Yacht Club's
New York Yacht Club
The New York Yacht Club is a private social club and yacht club based in New York City and Newport, Rhode Island. It was founded in 1844 by nine prominent sportsmen. The members have contributed to the sport of yachting and yacht design. The organization has over 3,000 members as of 2011. ...
race for the King Edward VII Cup.
In 1940, he sold the mansion he inherited in 1914 from his uncle George Washington Vanderbilt, located at 640 Fifth Avenue in New York City, to members of the Astor family
Astor family
The Astor family is a Anglo-American business family of German descent notable for their prominence in business, society, and politics.-Founding family members:...
. The family retained occupancy of the house there three years after his passing from a cerebral hemorrhage while vacationing in Miami Beach, Florida
Miami Beach, Florida
Miami Beach is a coastal resort city in Miami-Dade County, Florida, United States, incorporated on March 26, 1915. The municipality is located on a barrier island between the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay, the latter which separates the Beach from Miami city proper...
aboard his yacht in 1942. The mansion, built in 1880 by William H. Vanderbilt, was originally one of two sharing that block designed with identical exteriors and together known as the "Twin Mansions." His wife Grace Vanderbilt
Grace Vanderbilt
Grace Wilson Vanderbilt was an American socialite. She was the wife of Cornelius Vanderbilt III. She was one of the last Vanderbilts to live the luxurious life of the "head of society" that her predecessors such as Alice and Alva Vanderbilt enjoyed.-Biography:She was born Grace Graham Wilson on...
lived there until 1944 when she moved to 1048 Fifth Avenue, now housing the Neuegalerie Museum. She passed away on January 7, 1953. They are buried together in the Vanderbilt family mausoleum in the Moravian Cemetery in New Dorp on Staten Island, New York.