Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt was born on October 20, 1877, in New York City, NY. He was the son of Cornelius Vanderbilt II, a prominent businessman, and Alice Claypoole Gwynne. From a young age, Alfred was exposed to a life of luxury and privilege, being a member of the illustrious Vanderbilt Family.
Alfred received his education at St. Paul's School in Concord, New Hampshire, where he excelled academically and socially. He later went on to study at Yale University, where he became a member of the secret society Skull and Bones. It was during his time at Yale that Alfred developed a passion for fox hunting, a pastime that would stay with him throughout his life.
After completing his education, Alfred initially worked as a clerk in the offices of the New York Central Railroad, a company that was owned by his family. However, he soon realized that his true passion lay in business and finance. He began to delve into various business ventures, eventually inheriting over 40 million dollars following his father's death in 1899.
In 1901, Alfred married Ellen "Elsie" Tuck French, with whom he had three sons: William Henry Vanderbilt III, Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt Jr., and George Washington Vanderbilt III. Tragically, the marriage ended in divorce, and Alfred later remarried Margaret Mary Emerson. Despite his personal struggles, Alfred remained dedicated to his family and was a loving father to his three sons.
Alfred's life was cut short in a heroic act of bravery. In 1915, he was onboard the RMS Lusitania when a German U-boat attacked and sank the ship. Amidst the chaos, Alfred selflessly sacrificed himself to save another female passenger, displaying unwavering courage and valor until the very end.
Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt may have passed away at a young age, but his legacy continues to live on. His contributions to the business world and his acts of heroism on the RMS Lusitania serve as a testament to his character and spirit. He will always be remembered as a beloved member of the Vanderbilt Family and an inspiration to all who knew him.