Cornelius Vanderbilt III

The namesake and great-grandson of the “Commodore” from whose little fleet of ferryboats in New York harbor grew the vast transportation system of the New York Central, Cornelius Vanderbilt survived both the handicap of riches and the disapproval of a father [Cornelius Vanderbilt II] to become a hardworking and highly useful citizen. Centurions who knew him from school and college days recall first of all his shyness; he was slow to make friends and seldom crossed the threshold of a club. Railroading was his first love. By his own choice he began his career as an apprentice in the engineers’ department of the New York Central. He studied both the theory and practice of steam motive power. He invented and perfected a new firebox for locomotives, as well as other improvements in railroad engineering and operative technique. He handled the throttle on both passenger trains and fast freights between New York and Albany. When cut off from the major portion of his inheritance by his father’s will, he turned to the three activities that filled his later years. Joining in the financing of the City’s first subway system, he began an active career in finance, handling his own investments and serving faithfully as a director upon a long list of corporation boards. His second great interest was the National Guard; altogether he served the armed forces of state and nation for thirty-three years. He was already, in 1916, a colonel commanding the 22d Engineers on the Mexican border. He went overseas at the head of the same regiment (designated the 102d Engineers, A.E.F.), seeing action on the Western Front and ending the war as brigadier general and chief of staff of the 27th Division. His decorations were many. After the war he continued his interest in military affairs as a reserve officer. His third great enthusiasm was for yachting. Several fast-sailing craft, including the redoubtable Rainbow, were his, as well as The North Star and a succession of other seagoing steam yachts. He often crossed the Atlantic in the latter and a Centurion who made the voyage with him recalls a cyclonic storm which made it necessary to lasso the piano and dining-room table. He remembers not less the good humor and thoughtful courtesy of his host and friend through whatever adventures.

Geoffrey Parsons
1942 Century Memorials