Cornelius Vanderbilt, most commonly known as “The Commodore”, was an American businessman and philanthropist. Vanderbilt used perseverance, intelligence, and luck to work his way into leadership positions and invest in the rapidly growing railroad industry. He is also known for owning the New York Central Railroad. Though Vanderbilt had relinquished his presidency of the Stonington Railroad during the California gold rush, he took and interest in several railroads during the 1850’s. In 1863, he took control of Harlem in a famous stock market corner, and was elected its president. Vanderbilt brought his oldest son Billy, as …show more content…
Rockefeller was an American oil industry businessman, industrialist, and philanthropist. He is widely considered the wealthiest American of all time, and the richest person in modern history. Rockefeller was born into a large family in upstate New York and was shaped by his distant father and religious mother. His family had moved several times before settling in Cleveland, Ohio. Rockefeller and his brother William founded Rockefeller & Andrews. Instead of drilling for oil, they concentrated on oil refining. In 1867, Henry Flagler entered the partnership, changing the name to Rockefeller, Andrews & Flagler. Rockefeller formally founded his most famous company, The Standard Oil Company, Inc., in 1870. He ran until 1897. As kerosene and gasoline grew in importance, Rockefeller’s wealth soared and he became the richest person in the country, controlling 90% of oil in the United