Reginald Claypoole Vanderbilt 1880-1925

Notable Dutch-American

Reginald Claypoole Vanderbilt was the son of Cornelius Vanderbilt II, the grandson of William Henry Vanderbilt and the great grandson of Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt. His mother was Alice Claypoole Gwynne, from whom he received his second name.

Reginald Claypoole Vanderbilt was also the younger brother of Cornelius Vanderbilt III. Unlike his brother who wanted to make a contribution to society, Reginald dropped out of Yale University after two years and decided to devote his time and effort to the equestrian industry where he became a well-known figure.

Reginald Vanderbilt was the father of Gloria Vanderbilt, and the grandfather of Anderson Cooper. At the time of Reginald’s death, Gloria Vanderbilt was only one year old. As a result she never knew her father.

Reginald’s older brother, Cornelius Vanderbilt III, was much more ambitious and was able to make a contribution to society. He decided to get a broad education by getting three degrees from Yale University. Following his studies Reginald’s brother also devoted much time to the development of technologies for the transportation industry. It was after all the transportation industry which had produced the enormous fortune on which the Vanderbilt family still depended.

Reginald Vanderbilt on the other hand decided to enjoy life by becoming an equestrian, and belonged to a number of equestrian organizations.

In 1903 Reginald married Cathleen Nelson. The couple had a daughter named Cathleen. The couple divorced in 1920. He remarried in 1923 with Gloria Morgan with whom he had a second daughter, Gloria Laura Vanderbilt in 1924. He died a year later in 1925 at Sandy Point Farm in Portsmouth, Long Island. At the time of his death he was only 45 years old.

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