William Henry Vanderbilt Quotes

United States, Businessman
May 8, 1821 – December, 8, 1885.

William Henry "Billy" Vanderbilt was an American businessman and philanthropist. He was the eldest son of Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt, an heir to his fortune and a prominent member of the Vanderbilt family. Vanderbilt became the richest American after he took over his father's fortune in 1877 until his own death in 1885, passing on a substantial part of the fortune to his wife and children, particularly to his sons Cornelius II and William. He inherited nearly $100 million from his father. The fortune had doubled when he died less than nine years later.

I have had no real gratification or enjoyment of any sort more than my neighbour on the next block who is worth only half a million.

William Henry Vanderbilt
The railroads are not run for the benefit of the dear public. That cry is nonsense. They are built for men who invest their money and expect to get a fair percentage of the same.

William Henry Vanderbilt
- Men
- Money
- Invest

The public be damned. I am working for my stockholders.

William Henry Vanderbilt