Cleveland, Cincinnati, Chicago, and St. Louis Gold Bond 1893

This stunning document has an ornate brown border with a large vignette of "The Reapers" flanked by two steam trains. This historic railroad bond is 109 years old and was payable in gold coin. The 1 1/4" antique gold, wood frame has an overall size of 14 1/4" x 18 1/4". The price includes priority mailing in the U.S. International and express mailing are available for actual cost.

Cornelius "Commodore" Vanderbilt (1794-1877) and his descendants owned the controlling interest in this railroad company which was one of several in their railroad empire. Vanderbilt amassed a fortune of nearly $100 million prior to his death. At the time of his death, he was the richest man in America. His Will provided $1 million to establish Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn.

Cornelius Vanderbilt was born to a poor family and quit school at the age of 11 to work for his father in boating. At the age of 16 he persuaded his mother to loan him $100 for a boat to start his first business. He opened a transport and freight service linking New York City and Staten Island. He had a reputation for honesty, reasonable prices, and hard work. Vanderbilt got his nickname "Commodore" being in command of the largest schooner on the Hudson River.

In 1818 Vanderbilt turned his attention to steamboats. By the 1840's he operated more than 100 steamboats and his company had more employees than any other business in the United States. By 1867 he had gained control of the New York Central and other railroads. Cornelius "Commodore" Vanderbilt is one of the most famous American capitalists who found great wealth and prosperity in controlling and developing great railroad companies.