The Jersey Shore, Pine Creek and Buffalo Railway Co. Issued to W.H. Vanderbilt and signed by William K. Vanderbilt, Cornelius Vanderbilt, Frederick Vanderbilt, and Chauncey Depew- 1882 dated Autograph Bond

$10,000 6% Bond issued to W.H. Vanderbilt and signed by his 3 important sons. Cornelius Vanderbilt Jr. or II, William Kissam Vanderbilt, Jr. and Frederick W. Vanderbilt. Also signed by Chauncey M. Depew.

William Henry Vanderbilt (1821-1885) was a prominent businessman and a member of the illustrious Vanderbilt family in the United States. He inherited nearly $100 million from his father, Cornelius Vanderbilt, and managed to double that amount to approximately $200 million by the time of his death, less than nine years later. At that point, he was recognized as the wealthiest individual in America, although his fortune was modest compared to the vast wealth of contemporaries such as John D. Rockefeller and Andrew Carnegie. His father meticulously guided his business education, beginning his career at the age of 18 as a clerk in a New York banking institution. After joining the executive team of the Staten Island Railway, he ascended to the position of president in 1862, and three years later, he became vice-president of the Hudson River Railway. In 1869, he was appointed vice-president of the New York Central and Hudson River Railroad Company, ultimately becoming its president in 1877. Additionally, he succeeded his father as president of several railroads, including the New York Central Railroad, the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railway, the Canada Southern Railway, and the Michigan Central Railroad. Following his father's passing, he actively expanded the family's railroad empire. By 1883, his elder sons had taken on significant roles within the business. During his tenure, the Vanderbilt women sought acknowledgment from the established yet less affluent leaders of New York City society, particularly the Astor family, whom the Vanderbilts had significantly surpassed in wealth. William Henry Vanderbilt was also engaged in various philanthropic endeavors, supporting organizations such as the YMCA, contributing to the establishment of the Metropolitan Opera, and endowing the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Columbia University. In 1880, he financed the construction of Wesley Hall at Vanderbilt University, which served as the Biblical Department and library, featuring 160 dormitory rooms for students and faculty, lecture halls, and a cafeteria. The building was lost to a fire in 1932, prompting his son Frederick to make a further donation to address the insurance shortfall and facilitate the construction of a new facility.

William Henry Vanderbilt, a passionate art collector, amassed an impressive collection featuring some of the most esteemed works by the Old Masters, acquiring over 200 paintings throughout his lifetime. His portfolio included significant railroad holdings such as the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad, the Chicago and Canada Southern Railway, the Detroit and Bay City Railroad, the Hudson River Railroad, the Hudson River Bridge, the Joliet and Northern Indiana Railroad, the Michigan Midland and Canada Railroad, the New York Central and Hudson River Railroad, the New York Central Sleeping Car Company, the New York and Harlem Rail Road, the Spuyten Duyvil and Port Morris Railroad, and the Staten Island Rail-Road. In 1883, Vanderbilt stepped down from all his company presidencies, appointing his sons as chairmen while entrusting the daily operations to seasoned professionals who were named presidents. He is perhaps best remembered for his infamous remark, "the public be damned," which he directed at an interviewer, reflecting his irritation at the suggestion that the New York Central Railroad system, under his control, should function as a public trust.

Cornelius Vanderbilt II (1843-1899) was associated with one of the most striking bonds of the 19th century, the Canada Southern Railway Bond of the Dominion of Canada. This bond, engraved by the American Bank Note Co., NY, features two richly detailed vignettes and vibrant green coloring, making it truly exceptional. The bond, valued at $10,000 and dated 1877, is in superb mint condition and includes a lightly canceled signature of Cornelius Vanderbilt. It originated from the Syracuse University Collection.

William K. Vanderbilt, Jr. (1878-1944) was a prominent railroad executive and the son ofWilliam K. Vanderbilt. He began his career with the New York Central Lines in 1903, quickly rising through the ranks. By 1910, he was appointed assistant to the President, and in 1912, he became Vice President. In 1918, Vanderbilt assumed the role of President. In addition to his railroad career, he served as a Director of the Western Union Telegraph Company. During World War I, from 1917 to 1918, he served in the U.S. Navy.

Frederick W. Vanderbilt (1856-1938) was a businessman and the son of Wm. H. Vanderbilt. He received his business training in his father's railroad system and was known for owning the steam yacht "The Warrior" and an exceptional estate at Hyde Park on the Hudson. He served as a director for many railroads and other corporations, working alongside his brothers Cornelius and William K. to keep the New York Central System strong.

Chauncey M. Depew (1834-1928) was a lawyer and railway president. He served as a member of the New York Legislature, New York Secretary of State, and was appointed as the first U.S. Minister to Japan. Depew eventually resigned from this post to work as an attorney and legislative contact for Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt's Railroads. He later served as the president of the New York Central from 1885 to 1898 and as a U.S. Senator for New York from 1899 to 1911. Known for his storytelling skills, Depew was a highly influential figure during his time.

The Jersey Shore, Pine Creek and Buffalo Railway was constructed in the early 1880s to provide the New York Central and Hudson River Railroad with access to the coal-rich areas near Clearfield, Pennsylvania. Initially intended as part of a connecting line between the East Coast and Buffalo, New York, the railroad was established on February 17, 1870 to run from Williamsport to Jersey Shore, up Pine Creek, and down the Allegheny River to Port Allegany, forming a route to Buffalo. Although organized under a new charter, this marked a continuation of the earlier Jersey Shore, Pine Creek and State Line Railroad project, which had conducted surveys with the goal of connecting with another railroad on the state's northern border, potentially extending as far west as McKean County. Upon assuming the presidency of the company, Sobieski Ross began pushing for grading from Jersey Shore towards Coudersport.

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