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Events on Thursday 4 January 1877 1
1794 – 1877Cornelius Vanderbilt (1794-1877)Died 4 January 1877, aged 82Cornelius Vanderbilt built a fortune in steamships and railroads, controlling the New York Central Railroad and much of the rail traffic into New York City. At his death he was among the wealthiest men in American history and left the bulk of his estate to his son William. He endowed Vanderbilt University with a founding gift in 1873.