William Vanderbilt was an American businessman whose wealth derived from the thriving railroad industry of the late 19th century. He was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey in 1821 and died at the age of 64 on December 8, 1885. During this time he led the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railway, the Canada Southern Railway, and the Michigan Central Railroad. He took over the presidency of these organizations for his father. His father, Cornelius Vanderbilt, brought the railroad business to his family. At his death, William Vanderbilt was the richest man in the world. Its success can be attributed to its ability to take advantage of the transportation revolution that swept America years ago, and was only left with the ability to expand and grow by building more rail lines. Well versed in the cultured skills of a businessman, he turned the hundred million he inherited from his father into more than one hundred and ninety million dollars in less than nine years. Apart from being a savvy businessman, he is also known for dabbling in the philanthropic arena with charitable initiatives...