Full Name: Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt Sr.
Profession: Business Magnate
Biography: A member of the Vanderbilt family, Alfred Vanderbilt inherited enormous wealth on the death of his father Cornelius. Alfred became a director in a number of companies owned by his family including the New York Central Railroad and the Pullman Company.
Alfred died in the sinking of the RMS Lusitania by a German Navy-U boat during World War I.
Born: October 20, 1877
Birthplace: NYC, New York, USA
Star Sign: Libra
Died: May 7, 1915 (aged 37)
Cause of Death: Died in the sinking of the RMS Lusitania after it was torpedoed by a German U-boat during World War I. Vanderbilt helped others into lifeboats and gave his lifejacket to a female passenger with an infant, tying it on himself despite not being able to swim. His body was never recovered and is presumed to have drowned.
Articles and Photos
Rise and Fall of the Vanderbilt Empire
When he died on this day Cornelius Vanderbilt allegedly possessed more money than the U.S. Treasury. Much of it was squandered in lavish spending by descendants
January 4, 1877Hero Millionaire Saves Lusitania Children
American millionaire Alfred Vanderbilt died a hero on this day trying to save women and children aboard the liner Lusitania, which was sunk by a German U-boat.
May 7, 1915
Historical Events
- 1915-05-01 British liner Lusitania leaves NY for Liverpool
- 1915-05-07 RMS Lusitania sunk by German submarine off the southern coast of Ireland; 1198 lives lost
- 1916-02-16 The German ambassador in Washington announces that Germany will pay an indemnity for American lives lost on the Lusitania
Biographies and Sources
- Mr. Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt - The Lusitania Resource
Ambrose Burnside
André Michelin
Carl Icahn
Oskar Schindler
Robert Kraft
Werner von Siemens