Cornelius Vanderbilt III

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. Called "Neily" by his close friends, he was the great-grandson of Cornelius Vanderbilt, and son of Alice Claypoole Gwynne and Cornelius Vanderbilt II. Born in New York City, he was educated by private tutors at St. Paul's School in Concord, New Hamp... more

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. Called "Neily" by his close friends, he was the great-grandson of Cornelius Vanderbilt, and son of Alice Claypoole Gwynne and Cornelius Vanderbilt II. Born in New York City, 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 a disagreement that actually led to physical blows, 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... less