Births on May 8

William Henry Vanderbilt

Born on May 8, 1821

William Henry Vanderbilt, American businessman and philanthropist (d. 1885)

William Henry "Billy" Vanderbilt (May 8, 1821 – December 8, 1885) was an American businessman and philanthropist. He was the eldest son of Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt, an heir to his fortune and a prominent member of the Vanderbilt family. Vanderbilt became the richest American after he took over his father's fortune in 1877 until his own death in 1885, passing on a substantial part of the fortune to his wife and children, particularly to his sons Cornelius II and William. He inherited nearly $100 million from his father. The fortune had doubled when he died less than nine years later.

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William Henry Vanderbilt

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Events on 1821

22 Feb

Danubian Principalities
Greek War of Independence: Alexander Ypsilantis crosses the Prut river at Sculeni into the Danubian Principalities.
26 May

Greek War of Independence
Establishment of the Peloponnesian Senate by the Greek rebels.
9 Jul

Greek War of Independence
Four hundred and seventy prominent Cypriots including Archbishop Kyprianos are executed in response to Cypriot aid to the Greek War of Independence
23 Jul

Monemvasia
While the Mora Rebellion continues, Greeks capture Monemvasia Castle. Turkish troops and citizens are transferred to Minor Asia coasts.
28 Nov

Gran Colombia
Panama Independence Day: Panama separates from Spain and joins Gran Colombia.

Births on May 8

William Henry Vanderbilt

Born on May 8, 1821

References

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Events on 1821

Danubian Principalities

Greek War of Independence

Greek War of Independence

Monemvasia

Gran Colombia