Cornelius Vanderbilt
/kɔːˌniːliəs ˈvændəbɪlt/
/kɔːrˌniːliəs ˈvændərbɪlt/
- (1794-1877) a US businessman who became very rich from his shipping and railway companies, and gave a lot of his money to support good causes. He established Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, in 1873. His sons, especially the oldest, William Henry Vanderbilt (1821-85), increased the family's wealth and continued its financial gifts.