Richard Thornton Wilson Jr.

Richard Thornton Wilson Jr. (September 11, 1866 – December 29, 1929) was an American investment banker and capitalist who was a prominent figure in thoroughbred horse racing in the early decades of the 20th century.[1][2]

Richard Thornton Wilson Jr.
Born(1866-09-11)September 11, 1866
New York City, New York
US
DiedDecember 29, 1929(1929-12-29) (aged 63)
New York City, New York, US
Burial placeWoodlawn Cemetery
Alma materColumbia University
Occupation(s)Investment Banker
Racetrack owner and presidentr
Racehorse owner/breeder
Employer(s)Saratoga Racing Association
R. T. Wilson & Co.
Spouse
Marion Steedman Mason
​
​
(m. 1902)​
Parent(s)Richard Thornton Wilson
Melissa Clementine Johnston
RelativesMarshall Orme Wilson (brother)
Mary Wilson Goelet (sister)
Grace Vanderbilt (sister)

Early life

Wilson was born in New York City, one of five surviving children of Richard Thornton Wilson Sr. (1829–1910) and Melissa Clementine Johnston (1831–1908).[3][1] Born in Georgia, his father was a multimillionaire railroad owner and investment banker in New York City who served as the commissary general of the Confederate States of America.[1][3]

Wilson attended private schools and graduated from Columbia University with a B.A. in 1887.[1][4] While at Columbia, he joined the Fraternity of Delta Psi (St. Anthony Hall).[5]

Career

Wilson joined R. T. Wilson & Co, a cotton trading and investment firm founded by his father in New York City after the Civil War.[3][1] He eventually succeeded his father as head of company.[1]

Thoroughbred racing

In 1896, Richard Wilson Jr. and Harry Payne Whitney teamed up with a group of investors to purchase the Saratoga Race Course, which had fallen into the hands of an undesirable New Jersey brothelkeeper, Gottfried Waldbaum. Wilson served as president of the Saratoga Racing Association for the Improvement of the Breed of Horses, which operated the facility.[1] Wilson is credited with enlarging the facility and improving its appearance.[1] He also welcomed women horse owners, creating the Lady-Owners Handicap.[1]

In addition, Wilson oversaw Belmont Park as a director of the Westchester Racing Association.[1] He was also a steward in the Jockey Club.[1]

In 1896, Wilson hired Thomas J. Healey to manage his racing stable. For three decades, they would win a number of the most important East Coast races, including the Travers Stakes three times, the Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes. In 1916, he bought Kirklevington Nursery in Lexington, Kentucky, which contained over 500 acres of bluegrass land and was considered "one of the most up-to-date nurseries in the district."[6] Among Wilson's successful racehorses were:

Personal life
Richard T. Wilson home at Palmetto Bluff SC

On March 11, 1902, Wilson married Marion Steedman Mason (1875–1947) of Boston, daughter of Louisa Blake Steedman and Dr. Amos Lawrence Mason, a cousin of Bishop of Massachusetts William Lawrence.[20][1] Marion's grandparents included Rear Admiral Charles Steedman of Charleston, South Carolina, captain of the USS Ticonderoga, and Rev. Charles Mason who was the son of the U.S. Senator from New Hampshire, Jeremiah Mason.[21] Together, they had two daughters: Louisa Steedman Wilson (1904–1974) and Marion Mason Wilson (1906–1982).[1]

Their main home include 300 Park Avenue in New York City; with summer homes "Shady Lawn" in Newport, Rhode Island; and "Indian House" in Middletown, Rhode Island.[20][22][1] In 1902, Wilson purchased an 18,000 hunting estate at Palmetto Bluff in South Carolina where he raised livestock and champion horses, hunted, road, and farmed.[23] So his wife would also enjoy winters in South, he built a four-story mansion there in 1916.[23] The mansion had a gold-gilded ballroom and a vast library.[23] The home burned on March 2, 1926, and the property was sold shortly afterwards.[23]

Because of Wilson's and his siblings' advantageous marriages, the Wilsons were known in New York and Newport society as the "marrying Wilsons." His sister Grace Graham Wilson married Cornelius "Neily" Vanderbilt III.[24] His older brother, Marshall Orme Wilson, married Caroline Schermerhorn "Carrie" Astor.[25][26][lower-alpha 1][28] His sister Belle married the Sir Michael Henry Herbert, the British Ambassador to the United States and the brother of the Earl of Pembroke.[29][30][31] His sister Mary Wilson married New York real estate heir Ogden Goelet.[1][32]

Wilson was a member of many prominent social clubs, including The Brook, the Knickerbocker Club, and the Union Club of the City of New York.[1] His sports clubs included the Racquet and Tennis Club, the South Side Sportsmen's Club, and the Turf & Field Club at the Belmont Park[1] He was also a member of the Sons of the American Revolution.[1]

After an illness lasting several months, Wilson died of pneumonia at his home in New York City on December 29, 1929, at the age of 63.[1] Wilson's funeral service at St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church in New York on January 1, 1930, was attended by more than 1,000 people.[33] His Delta Psi fraternity brothers conducted a special ceremony at the funeral.[33] He was interred in the family mausoleum at Woodlawn Cemetery in The Bronx.[33]

His estate was estimated at $10,000,000 at his death.[2]

Notes
  1. Carrie was the youngest daughter of William Backhouse Astor Jr. and Caroline Webster Schermerhorn, leader of the "Four Hundred", and her brother was Colonel John Jacob Astor IV, richest passenger on the RMS Titanic.[27]

References
  1. "Richard T. Wilson, Turf Leader, Dead; Brother of Mrs. Cornelius Vanderbilt Succumbs to Pneumonia in 63d Year. Had Headed Banking Firm. President of Association to Improve Breed of Horses--Won Many Victories on Track. Son of New York Banker. His Greatest Turf Victory". The New York Times. 30 December 1929. p. 16. Retrieved April 26, 2022.
  2. "R.T. Wilson Left $10,000,000 Estate; Two Daughters Are to Receive Fortune After Death of His Widow. Secretary Gets $7,500 Will of Capitalist and Turf Patron Provides for Eventual Setting Up of Trusteeship" (PDF). The New York Times. January 8, 1930. p. 12. Retrieved April 26, 2022.
  3. Fromson, Brett Duval (15 April 2007). "Opinion | Confederates Among Us". The New York Times. Retrieved 15 March 2018.
  4. Officers and Graduates of Columbia College: Originally the College of the Province of New York Known as King's College. General Catalogue, 1754-1894. New York: Columbia College. 1894.
  5. Meyer, H. L. G. Catalog of the Members of the Fraternity of Delta Psi Revised and Corrected to July 1906. New York: Fraternity of Delta Psi, 1906 via Google Books
  6. "Wilson Buys Stud Farm.; Owner of Campfire Takes Possession of Kirklevington Nursery". The New York Times. 14 October 1916. Retrieved 15 March 2018.
  7. "The Parader Won Easily; R.T. Wilson, Jr.'s, Colt Ran Over His Opponents in the Stretch. Disadvantage Took a Stake. Backed at Long Odds, Smyth's Filly Beat Luciline for the Clover Stakes at Gravesend". The New York Times. 29 May 1901. Retrieved 15 March 2018.
  8. "Olambala Romps in Brighton Handicap; R.T. Wilson, Jr's, Crack Racer Wins Stake at Empire City Easily". The New York Times. 10 July 1910. Retrieved 15 March 2018.
  9. "Olambala Equals American Record; R.T. Wilson, Jr.'s Great Horse Wins Commonwealth Handicap in 2:02 4-5". The New York Times. 3 July 1910. Retrieved 15 March 2018.
  10. "Olambala Gallops in for Long Race; Three-Year-Old Easily Beats Moquette for the Municipal Handicap Stakes. Sir Wooster's Champion Virginia Jumper Stays Best in the Three-and-a-Half-Mile Steeplechase at Belmont Park". The New York Times. 3 October 1909. Retrieved 15 March 2018.
  11. "Campfire Captures the Hopeful Stakes; Wilson Colt Defeats Probably the Best Field of Two-year-olds of the Season". The New York Times. 27 August 1916. Retrieved 15 March 2018.
  12. "Wilson's Fleet Three Year-Old Hannibal Wins Travers Stakes at Saratoga Easily; Hannibal Defeats Fast Field at Spa. Wilson's Entry Leads War Pennant Home by Four Lengthsin Travers Stakes. Record Crowd at Track. Constancy Surprises Turfmen by Beating Afternoon Handilyin the Spinaway Stakes. Hannibal's Victory Popular. Is a Winner All the Way. Away to Excellent Start. No Surprise to Ross. Doublet First Over Jumps". The New York Times. 17 August 1919. Retrieved 15 March 2018.
  13. "Hannibal Races to Fine Victory; Big Empire City Crowd Sees Three-Year-Old Capture the Westchester Handicap. Masda Leads Sprinters. Gains Decision Over Arnold and Enfilade at Six Furlongs--Bright Gold Wins Juvenile Event. Andacious Not in Form. Victory by Four Lengths. Bill McCloy Sets Early Pace. Albert A.'s Fine Performance". The New York Times. 19 October 1919. Retrieved 15 March 2018.
  14. "Hannibal Gallops Home Far in Van; Wilson's Colt Captures Keene Memorial Stakes at Belmont by Ten Lengths". The New York Times. 13 June 1918. Retrieved 15 March 2018.
  15. "Pillory at 11 to 1, Takes Preakness;; Son of Olambala Finishes a Head in Front of Hea in Pimlico Classic. Equals Man 'O' War's Time. Wilson's Colt, Hard Driven at End, Covers Course in 1:51 3-5 --June Grass Is Third. Miss Joy Far in the Rear. Favorite Runs Disappointing Race-- Ideal Conditions Govern Event Which Draws Crowd of 30,000". The New York Times. 14 May 1922. Retrieved 15 March 2018.
  16. "Pillory is First in Belmont Stakes; T. Wilson Jr.'s Preakness inner Smothers Field in $50,000 Classic. Snob II, Falters at End. Favorite, Under the Whip, Peaks in Stretch Run When Pillory Comes From Rear. Hea Gets Third Place $50,000 See Race at Belmont Park-- of Victor 2:18 4-5-Cherry Pie Takes Keene Memorial". The New York Times. 11 June 1922. Retrieved 15 March 2018.
  17. "Wilderness Wins the Shenandoah; Trails at Start, but Closes With Rush to Beat Cudgeller at Bowie Track. Six Favorites in Front; Public Choices Prove Their Mettle -- Thurber First With Nomad, Forecaster and Opperman". The New York Times. 25 November 1925. Retrieved 15 March 2018.
  18. "Wilderness Takes Travers by a Head; Wilson Colt Wins $12,500 Turf Classic in Great Finish With Flagstaff. Big Blaze Causes Upste. T Riddle Juvenile, at 8 to 1, Beats St. James in Grand Union Stakes -- Sets New Record. Bullseye First in 'Chase. Cosden Jumper Is First in the Beverwyck -- Crowd of 35,000 Fills Stands at Saratoga Track". The New York Times. 19 August 1923. Retrieved 15 March 2018.
  19. "Sunfire Captures $12,000 Ohio Derby; Wilson Entry Sets New Bainbridge Mark of 1:52 1-5 for, Mile and a Furlong. Winner Pays $6.30 for $2 Easter Stockings Is Second, and Golden Racket Third in Feature Event". The New York Times. 12 August 1928. Retrieved 15 March 2018.
  20. "Mrs. R. T. Wilson Dead in Newport; Widow of Banker and Ex-Head of Saratoga Racing Group Was a Social Leader". The New York Times. 6 July 1947. Retrieved 15 March 2018.
  21. "Dr. Amos L. Mason Dead.; Prominent Boston Physician Was Father of Mrs. Richard T. Wilson". The New York Times. 6 June 1914. Retrieved 15 March 2018.
  22. ""Shady Lawn Manor Newport, Rhode Island"". Newport Postcard Collection. Salve Regina University. 13 July 2010. Retrieved 15 March 2018.
  23. "R.T. Wilson at Palmetto Bluff". Discover Low County. Retrieved April 26, 2022.
  24. "Mrs. C. Vanderbilt Dies At Home Here. Leader of New York, Newport Society for Many Years Was Hostess to Royal Figures". New York Times. January 8, 1953. Retrieved 2011-05-28. Mrs. Cornelius Vanderbilt, still recognized as the leader of New York and Newport society although inactive in recent years, died of pneumonia last night at her home, 1048 Fifth Avenue. She was believed to have been in her eighty-third year.....
  25. "Mrs. Wilson Dead; Leader in Society | Great-Granddaughter of John J. Astor, Founder of Noted Family, Widow of Banker | Known for Large Parties | Last of William's Children Aided Welfare Groups in City--Her Mother 'The' Mrs. Astor". The New York Times. 14 September 1948. Retrieved 12 March 2018.
  26. "Mrs. Wilson Rites at Trinity Church". The New York Times. 16 September 1948. Retrieved 12 March 2018.
  27. "Noted Men On The Lost Titanic. Col. Jacob Astor, with His Wife. Isidor Straus and Wife, and Benj. Guggenheim Aboard". The New York Times. April 16, 1912. Retrieved 2013-12-10. Following are sketches of a few of the well-known persons among the 1,300 passengers on the lost Titanic. The fate of most of them at this time is, of course, not known. Col. John Jacob Astor and Mrs. Astor, Isidor Straus and Mrs. Straus, J. Bruce Ismay, Managing Director of the White Star Line: Benjamin Guggenheim, and Frank D. Millet, the artist, are perhaps the most widely known of the passengers.....
  28. "Died. Wilson". The New York Times. 4 April 1926. Retrieved 12 March 2018.
  29. "Betrothed to an Earl's Brother". The New York Times. 29 June 1888. Retrieved 15 March 2018.
  30. "Engaged to an Earl's Brother". The New York Times. 30 June 1888. Retrieved 15 March 2018.
  31. "Sir Michael's Funeral; Body of Late Ambassador Interred Ambassador Choate Present at Ceremony -- Simultaneous Services at St. James's Palace -- Exercises in Washington". The New York Times. 7 October 1903. Retrieved 15 March 2018.
  32. "Mrs. Ogden Goelet Dies of Pneumonia; Duchess of Roxburghe's Mother Long Noted for Her Lavish Entertaining. Was Hostess to Royalty. Edward VII, as Prince of Wales, Among Guests--Sister of Mrs. Cornelius Vanderbilt and R.T. Wilson. Her Hospitality. Duchess of Roxburghe Daughter". The New York Times. 24 February 1929. Retrieved 29 November 2016.
  33. "Notables Attend R. T. Wilson Funeral; More Than 1,000 Pay Homage, Including Social Leaders and Turf Delegations. Delta Psi Service Held. His Racing Associates Serve as Honorary Pallbearers--Burial in Family Mausoleum" (PDF). The New York Times. 1 January 1930. p. 29. Retrieved April 26, 2022.

Further reading
  • Reeves, Richard Stone & Ashforth, David. Crown Jewels of Thoroughbred Racing (1997) Eclipse Press ISBN 978-0-939049-90-5
  • Vanderbilt, Jr. Cornelius. Queen of the Golden Age (1999) George Mann Books. ISBN 9780704102767
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