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{{Short description|American banker and businessman}}
{{Short description|American banker and businessman}}


{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| name = {{nowrap|Richard Thornton Wilson Jr.}}
| name = {{nowrap|Richard Thornton Wilson Jr.}}
| image =
| image = Richard T. Wilson, Jr. - NYSPPM 3 149.jpg
| caption =
| birth_date = {{birth date|1866|9|11}}
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| birth_place = [[New York City]], [[New York (state)|New York]]<br/>[[United States|US]]
| birth_date = {{birth date|1866|9|11}}
| death_date = {{death date and age|1929|12|29|1866|9|11}}
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| birth_place = [[New York City]], [[New York (state)|New York]]<br/>[[United States]]
| death_place = New York City, New York, US
| death_date = {{death date and age|1929|12|29|1866|9|11}}
| death_place = New York City
| burial_place = [[Woodlawn Cemetery (Bronx, New York)|Woodlawn Cemetery]]
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| alma_mater = [[Columbia University]]
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| resting_place = [[Woodlawn Cemetery (Bronx, New York)|Woodlawn Cemetery]]
| occupation = Investment banker, racetrack owner and president, racehorse owner/breeder
| education =
| employer = Saratoga Racing Association<br/>R. T. Wilson & Co.
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| alma_mater = [[Columbia University]]
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| spouse = {{marriage|Marion Steedman Mason|March 11, 1902}}
| occupation = Banker/businessman<br/>Racehorse owner/breeder
⚫
| parents = [[Richard Thornton Wilson]]<br/>Melissa Clementine Johnston
| party =
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| relations = [[Marshall Orme Wilson]] (brother)<br/>[[Mary Wilson Goelet]] (sister)<br/>[[Grace Vanderbilt]] (sister)
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| spouse = {{marriage|Marion Steedman Mason|March 11, 1902}}
| children = Marion Mason Wilson<br/>Louisa Steedman Wilson
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| parents = [[Richard Thornton Wilson]]<br/>Melissa Clementine Johnston
⚫
| relations = [[Marshall Orme Wilson]] (brother)<br/>[[Mary Wilson Goelet]] (sister)<br/>[[Grace Vanderbilt]] (sister)
}}
}}


'''Richard Thornton Wilson Jr. ''' (September 11, 1866 – December 29, 1929)<ref name="RTWObit1929"/> was an American banker and businessman who was a prominent figure in [[thoroughbred]] [[horse racing]] in the early decades of the 20th century.
'''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.<ref name="RTWObit1929" /><ref name="1930Estate" />


==Early life==
==Early life==
Wilson was born in [[New York City]], one of five surviving children of [[Richard Thornton Wilson|Richard Thornton Wilson Sr.]] (1829–1910) and Melissa Clementine Johnston (1831–1908). His father was a multimillionaire [[Investment Bank|investment banker]] originally from [[Loudon, Tennessee]], who served on the staff of [[Lucius B. Northrop]], the commissary-general of the [[Confederate States of America]].
Wilson was born in [[New York City]], one of five surviving children of [[Richard Thornton Wilson|Richard Thornton Wilson Sr.]] (1829–1910) and Melissa Clementine Johnston (1831–1908).<ref name="Fromson2007" /><ref name="RTWObit1929" /> 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]].<ref name="RTWObit1929" /><ref name="Fromson2007" />


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Wilson attended private schools and graduated from [[Columbia University]] with a B.A. in 1887.<ref name="RTWObit1929" /><ref>{{Cite book |last= |first= |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xLgmAQAAIAAJ&dq=Richard+Thornton+Wilson+Jr.+%22columbia+college%22&pg=PA517 |title=Officers and Graduates of Columbia College: Originally the College of the Province of New York Known as King's College. General Catalogue, 1754-1894 |publisher=Columbia College |year=1894 |location=New York |language=en}}</ref> While at Columbia, he joined the Fraternity of Delta Psi ([[St. Anthony Hall]]).<ref>Meyer, H. L. G. [https://archive.org/details/catalogofmembers00fratrich/page/34/mode/2up?q=thornton 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</ref>
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Because of Wilson's and his siblings' many advantageous marriages, the Wilsons were known in New York and Newport society as the "marrying Wilsons". His sister [[Grace Vanderbilt|Grace Graham Wilson]] married [[Cornelius Vanderbilt III|Cornelius "Neily" Vanderbilt III]] of the [[Vanderbilt family]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Mrs. C. Vanderbilt Dies At Home Here. Leader of New York, Newport Society for Many Years Was Hostess to Royal Figures |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1953/01/08/archives/mrs-c-vanderbilt-dies-at-home-here-leader-of-new-york-newport.html |quote=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..... |newspaper=[[New York Times]] |date=January 8, 1953 |accessdate=2011-05-28 }}</ref>{{refn|group=lower-alpha|Neily's sister [[Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney|Gertrude]] was married to prominent horseman [[Harry Payne Whitney]].}} His older brother, [[Marshall Orme Wilson]],<ref name="MOWObit1926">{{cite news|title=DIED. WILSON|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1926/04/04/archives/obituary-1-no-title.html|accessdate=12 March 2018|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=4 April 1926}}</ref> married [[Carrie Astor Wilson|Caroline Schermerhorn "Carrie" Astor]] of the [[Astor family]].<ref name="MrsWilsonObit1948">{{cite news|title=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|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1948/09/14/archives/obituary-1-no-title-mrs-wilsonoe-t-cerhsocty-r-o-j.html|accessdate=12 March 2018|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=14 September 1948}}</ref><ref name="1948WilsonFuneral">{{cite news|title=Mrs. Wilson Rites at Trinity Church|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1948/09/16/archives/mrs-wilson-rites-at-trinity-church.html|accessdate=12 March 2018|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=16 September 1948}}</ref>{{refn|group=lower-alpha|Carrie was the youngest daughter of [[William Backhouse Astor Jr.]] and [[Caroline Webster Schermerhorn Astor|Caroline Webster Schermerhorn]], leader of the "Four Hundred", and her brother was Colonel [[John Jacob Astor IV]], richest passenger on the ''[[RMS Titanic]]''.<ref>{{cite news |title=Noted Men On The Lost Titanic. Col. Jacob Astor, with His Wife. Isidor Straus and Wife, and Benj. Guggenheim Aboard. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1912/04/16/archives/noted-men-on-the-lost-titanic-col-jacob-astor-with-his-wife-isidor.html |quote=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..... |newspaper=The New York Times |date=April 16, 1912 |accessdate=2013-12-10 }}</ref>}} Wilson's other two sisters, Belle Wilson, was married to the [[Honourable]] Sir [[Michael Henry Herbert]],<ref name="1903SirMichael">{{cite news|title=SIR MICHAEL'S FUNERAL; Body of Late Ambassador Interred Ambassador Choate Present at Ceremony -- Simultaneous Services at St. James's Palace -- Exercises in Washington.|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1903/10/07/archives/sir-michaels-funeral-body-of-late-ambassador-interred-ambassador.html|accessdate=15 March 2018|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=7 October 1903}}</ref> the [[British Ambassador to the United States]] during [[Theodore Roosevelt]]'s administration and the brother of the [[Earl of Pembroke]],<ref name="1888Bethrothal">{{cite news|title=Betrothed to an Earl's Brother.|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1888/06/29/archives/betrothed-to-an-earls-brother.html|accessdate=15 March 2018|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=29 June 1888}}</ref><ref name="1888Engagement">{{cite news|title=Engaged to an Earl's Brother.|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1888/06/30/archives/engaged-to-an-earls-brother.html|accessdate=15 March 2018|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=30 June 1888}}</ref> and [[Mary Wilson Goelet|Mary Wilson]], who was married to New York real estate heir, [[Ogden Goelet]],<ref name="MaryObitNYT">{{cite news|title=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. Cornellus Vanderbilt and R.T. Wilson. Her Hospitality. Duchess of Roxburghe Daughter.|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=9A02E3DE1E31E33ABC4C51DFB4668382639EDE&legacy=true|accessdate=29 November 2016|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=24 February 1929}}</ref> and were the parents of Wilson's niece, [[Mary Goelet]], who married the [[Duke of Roxburghe]].<ref name="RTWObit1929"/>


==Career==
==Career==
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Wilson joined R. T. Wilson & Co, a cotton trading and investment firm founded by his father in New York City after the Civil War.<ref name="Fromson2007">{{cite news|last1=Fromson|first1=Brett Duval|title=Opinion {{!}} Confederates Among Us|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/15/opinion/nyregionopinions/15CIfromson.html|accessdate=15 March 2018|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=15 April 2007}}</ref><ref name="RTWObit1929" /> He eventually succeeded his father as head of company.<ref name="RTWObit1929" />
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Wilson prepared at private schools and graduated from [[Columbia University]] in 1887.<ref name="RTWObit1929"/><ref>{{Cite book|last=University|first=Columbia|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xLgmAQAAIAAJ&dq=Richard+Thornton+Wilson+Jr.+%22columbia+college%22&pg=PA517|title=Officers and Graduates of Columbia College: Originally the College of the Province of New York Known as King's College. General Catalogue, 1754-1894|date=1894|publisher=college|language=en}}</ref>

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After graduating from Columbia, Wilson followed in his father's footsteps and joined R. T. Wilson & Co., which his father founded in New York City after his move north following the [[U.S. Civil War]].<ref name="Fromson2007">{{cite news|last1=Fromson|first1=Brett Duval|title=Opinion {{!}} Confederates Among Us|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/15/opinion/nyregionopinions/15CIfromson.html|accessdate=15 March 2018|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=15 April 2007}}</ref> He eventually succeeded his father as head of the R. T. Wilson & Co.<ref name="RTWObit1929"/>

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Wilson was a member of many prominent clubs, including the [[Union Club of the City of New York|Union Club]], the [[Knickerbocker Club]], the Brook Club, the Turf and Field Club, the [[Racquet and Tennis Club]], the South Side Sportsmen Club, and was a member of the [[Sons of the American Revolution]].<ref name="RTWObit1929"/>


===Thoroughbred racing===
===Thoroughbred racing===
In 1896, Richard Wilson Jr. and [[Harry Payne Whitney]] teamed up with a group of investors to purchase [[Saratoga Race Course]], which had fallen into the hands of an undesirable [[New Jersey]] [[brothel]]keeper, Gottfried Waldbaum. Wilson then served as president of the Saratoga Racing Association, which operated the facility.<ref name="RTWObit1929"/>
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]] [[brothel]]keeper, Gottfried Waldbaum. Wilson served as president of the [[Saratoga Racing Association for the Improvement of the Breed of Horses]], which operated the facility.<ref name="RTWObit1929"/> Wilson is credited with enlarging the facility and improving its appearance.<ref name="RTWObit1929" /> He also welcomed women horse owners, creating the Lady-Owners Handicap.<ref name="RTWObit1929" />


In addition, Wilson oversaw Belmont Park as a director of the Westchester Racing Association.<ref name="RTWObit1929" /> He was also a steward in the Jockey Club.<ref name="RTWObit1929" />
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In 1896, Wilson hired [[T. J. Healey|Thomas J. Healey]] to manage his racing stable. Together for three decades, they would win a number of the most important [[East Coast of the United States|East Coast]] races, including the [[Travers Stakes]] three times, the [[Preakness Stakes]], and the [[Belmont Stakes]]. In 1916, he bought [[Kirklevington, Lexington|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."<ref name="1916StudFarm">{{cite news|title=WILSON BUYS STUD FARM.; Owner of Campfire Takes Possession of Kirklevington Nursery.|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1916/10/14/archives/wilson-buys-stud-farm-owner-of-campfire-takes-possession-of.html|accessdate=15 March 2018|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=14 October 1916}}</ref> Among Wilson's successful racehorses were:<ref name="RTWObit1929"/>


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In 1896, Wilson hired [[T. J. Healey|Thomas J. Healey]] to manage his racing stable. For three decades, they would win a number of the most important [[East Coast of the United States|East Coast]] races, including the [[Travers Stakes]] three times, the [[Preakness Stakes]], and the [[Belmont Stakes]]. In 1916, he bought [[Kirklevington, Lexington|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."<ref name="1916StudFarm">{{cite news |date=14 October 1916 |title=Wilson Buys Stud Farm.; Owner of Campfire Takes Possession of Kirklevington Nursery. |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1916/10/14/archives/wilson-buys-stud-farm-owner-of-campfire-takes-possession-of.html |accessdate=15 March 2018}}</ref> Among Wilson's successful racehorses were:
* [[The Parader]] – won the 1901 [[Preakness Stakes]], [[Withers Stakes]], [[Lawrence Realization Stakes|Lawrence Realization Handicap]].<ref name="1901Parader">{{cite news|title=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.|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1901/05/29/archives/the-parader-won-easily-rt-wilson-jrs-colt-ran-over-his-opponents-in.html|accessdate=15 March 2018|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=29 May 1901}}</ref>

* [[Olambala]] – wins include the 1909 [[Latonia Derby]]<ref name="1909Olambala">{{cite news|title=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.|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1909/10/03/archives/olambala-gallops-in-for-long-race-threeyearold-easily-beats.html|accessdate=15 March 2018|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=3 October 1909}}</ref> and 1910 [[Brighton Handicap|Brighton]] and [[Suburban Handicap]]s.<ref name="1910Olambala">{{cite news|title=OLAMBALA ROMPS IN BRIGHTON HANDICAP; R.T. Wilson, Jr's, Crack Racer Wins Stake at Empire City Easily.|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1910/07/10/archives/olambala-romps-in-brighton-handicap-rt-wilson-jrs-crack-racer-wins.html|accessdate=15 March 2018|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=10 July 1910}}</ref><ref name="1910Commonwealth">{{cite news|title=OLAMBALA EQUALS AMERICAN RECORD; R.T. Wilson, Jr.'s Great Horse Wins Commonwealth Handicap in 2:02 4-5.|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1910/07/03/archives/olambala-equals-american-record-rt-wilson-jrs-great-horse-wins.html|accessdate=15 March 2018|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=3 July 1910}}</ref>
* [[Campfire (horse)|Campfire]] – United States leading money winner in 1916 and [[American Champion Two-Year-Old Colt]].<ref name="1916Campfire">{{cite news|title=CAMPFIRE CAPTURES THE HOPEFUL STAKES; Wilson Colt Defeats Probably the Best Field of Two-year-olds of the Season.|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1916/08/27/archives/campfire-captures-the-hopeful-stakes-wilson-colt-defeats-probably.html|accessdate=15 March 2018|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=27 August 1916}}</ref>
* [[The Parader]] – 1901 [[Preakness Stakes]], 1901 [[Withers Stakes]], 1901 [[Lawrence Realization Stakes|Lawrence Realization Handicap]]<ref name="1901Parader">{{cite news |date=29 May 1901 |title=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. |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1901/05/29/archives/the-parader-won-easily-rt-wilson-jrs-colt-ran-over-his-opponents-in.html |accessdate=15 March 2018}}</ref>
* [[Hannibal (horse)|Hannibal]] – won 1918 [[Saratoga Special Stakes]],<ref name="1918Hannibal">{{cite news|title=HANNIBAL GALLOPS HOME FAR IN VAN; Wilson's Colt Captures Keene Memorial Stakes at Belmont by Ten Lengths.|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1918/06/13/archives/hannibal-gallops-home-far-in-van-wilsons-colt-captures-keene.html|accessdate=15 March 2018|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=13 June 1918}}</ref> 1919 Travers Stakes.<ref name="1919Hannibal">{{cite news|title=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.|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1919/08/17/archives/wilsons-fleet-three-yearold-hannibal-wins-travers-stakes-at.html|accessdate=15 March 2018|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=17 August 1919}}</ref><ref name="1919Victory">{{cite news|title=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.|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1919/10/19/archives/hannibal-races-to-fine-victory-big-empire-city-crowd-sees.html|accessdate=15 March 2018|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=19 October 1919}}</ref>
* [[Olambala]] – 1909 [[Latonia Derby]], 1910 [[Brighton Handicap|Brighton]] Handicap, and 1910 [[Suburban Handicap]]<ref name="1910Olambala">{{cite news |date=10 July 1910 |title=Olambala Romps in Brighton Handicap; R.T. Wilson, Jr's, Crack Racer Wins Stake at Empire City Easily. |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1910/07/10/archives/olambala-romps-in-brighton-handicap-rt-wilson-jrs-crack-racer-wins.html |accessdate=15 March 2018}}</ref><ref name="1910Commonwealth">{{cite news |date=3 July 1910 |title=Olambala Equals American Record; R.T. Wilson, Jr.'s Great Horse Wins Commonwealth Handicap in 2:02 4-5. |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1910/07/03/archives/olambala-equals-american-record-rt-wilson-jrs-great-horse-wins.html |accessdate=15 March 2018}}</ref><ref name="1909Olambala">{{cite news |date=3 October 1909 |title=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. |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1909/10/03/archives/olambala-gallops-in-for-long-race-threeyearold-easily-beats.html |accessdate=15 March 2018}}</ref>
* [[Campfire (horse)|Campfire]] – United States leading money winner in 1916 and [[American Champion Two-Year-Old Colt]]<ref name="1916Campfire">{{cite news |date=27 August 1916 |title=Campfire Captures the Hopeful Stakes; Wilson Colt Defeats Probably the Best Field of Two-year-olds of the Season. |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1916/08/27/archives/campfire-captures-the-hopeful-stakes-wilson-colt-defeats-probably.html |accessdate=15 March 2018}}</ref>
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* [[Pillory (horse)|Pillory]] – won 1922 Preakness and [[Belmont Stakes]].<ref name="1922Pillory">{{cite news|title=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.|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1922/05/14/archives/pillory-at-11-to-1-takes-preakness-son-of-olambala-finishes-a-head.html|accessdate=15 March 2018|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=14 May 1922}}</ref><ref name="1922Belmont">{{cite news|title=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. HE A GETS THIRD PLACE $50,000 See Race at Belmont Park-- of Victor 2:18 4-5-Cherry Pie Takes Keene Memorial.|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1922/06/11/archives/pillory-is-first-in-belmont-stakes-t-wilson-jrs-preakness-inner.html|accessdate=15 March 2018|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=11 June 1922}}</ref>
* Wilderness – won 1923 [[Travers Stakes]],<ref name="1923Travers">{{cite news|title=WILDERNESS TAKES TRAVERS BY A HEAD; Wilson Colt Wins $12,500 Turf Classic in Great Finish With Flagstaff. BIG BLAZE CAUSES UPSET 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 Bev- erwyck -- Crowd of 35,000 Fills Stands at Saratoga Track.|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1923/08/19/archives/wilderness-takes-travers-by-a-head-wilson-colt-wins-12500-turf.html|accessdate=15 March 2018|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=19 August 1923}}</ref> [[Toronto Cup Stakes|Toronto Cup Handicap]], and 1925 [[Summit Point Motorsports Park|Shenandoah]].<ref name="1925Shenandoah">{{cite news|title=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.|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1925/11/25/archives/wilderness-wins-the-shenandoah-trails-at-start-but-closes-with-rush.html|accessdate=15 March 2018|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=25 November 1925}}</ref>
* [[Hannibal (horse)|Hannibal]] – 1918 [[Saratoga Special Stakes]] and 1918 Travers Stakes<ref name="1919Hannibal">{{cite news |date=17 August 1919 |title=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. |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1919/08/17/archives/wilsons-fleet-three-yearold-hannibal-wins-travers-stakes-at.html |accessdate=15 March 2018}}</ref><ref name="1919Victory">{{cite news |date=19 October 1919 |title=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. |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1919/10/19/archives/hannibal-races-to-fine-victory-big-empire-city-crowd-sees.html |accessdate=15 March 2018}}</ref><ref name="1918Hannibal">{{cite news |date=13 June 1918 |title=Hannibal Gallops Home Far in Van; Wilson's Colt Captures Keene Memorial Stakes at Belmont by Ten Lengths. |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1918/06/13/archives/hannibal-gallops-home-far-in-van-wilsons-colt-captures-keene.html |accessdate=15 March 2018}}</ref>
⚫
* [[Pillory (horse)|Pillory]] – 1922 Preakness and 1922 [[Belmont Stakes]].<ref name="1922Pillory">{{cite news |date=14 May 1922 |title=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. |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1922/05/14/archives/pillory-at-11-to-1-takes-preakness-son-of-olambala-finishes-a-head.html |accessdate=15 March 2018}}</ref><ref name="1922Belmont">{{cite news |date=11 June 1922 |title=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. |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1922/06/11/archives/pillory-is-first-in-belmont-stakes-t-wilson-jrs-preakness-inner.html |accessdate=15 March 2018}}</ref>
⚫
* [[Sunfire (horse)|Sunfire]] – won the 1928 [[Ohio Derby]] and back-to-back runnings of the [[Toronto Cup Stakes|Toronto Cup Handicap]] in 1928–1929.<ref name="1928Derby">{{cite news|title=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.|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1928/08/12/archives/sunfire-captures-12000-ohio-derby-wilson-entry-sets-new-bainbridge.html|accessdate=15 March 2018|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=12 August 1928}}</ref>
* Wilderness – 1923 [[Travers Stakes]], 1923 [[Toronto Cup Stakes|Toronto Cup Handicap]], and 1925 [[Summit Point Motorsports Park|Shenandoah]]<ref name="1925Shenandoah">{{cite news |date=25 November 1925 |title=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. |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1925/11/25/archives/wilderness-wins-the-shenandoah-trails-at-start-but-closes-with-rush.html |accessdate=15 March 2018}}</ref><ref name="1923Travers">{{cite news |date=19 August 1923 |title=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. |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1923/08/19/archives/wilderness-takes-travers-by-a-head-wilson-colt-wins-12500-turf.html |accessdate=15 March 2018}}</ref>
⚫
* [[Sunfire (horse)|Sunfire]] – 1928 [[Ohio Derby]] and the 1928 & 1929 [[Toronto Cup Stakes|Toronto Cup Handicap]]<ref name="1928Derby">{{cite news |date=12 August 1928 |title=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. |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1928/08/12/archives/sunfire-captures-12000-ohio-derby-wilson-entry-sets-new-bainbridge.html |accessdate=15 March 2018}}</ref>


==Personal life==
==Personal life==
[[File:Richard T. Wilson home at Palmetto Bluff SC.png|thumb|300px|Richard T. Wilson home at Palmetto Bluff SC]]
[[File:Richard T. Wilson home at Palmetto Bluff SC.png|thumb|300px|Richard T. Wilson home at Palmetto Bluff SC]]


On March 11, 1902, he married Marion Steedman Mason (1875–1947),<ref name="MrsRTWObit1947">{{cite news|title=MRS. R.T. WILSON DEAD IN NEWPORT; Widow of Banker and Ex-Head of Saratoga Racing Group Was a Social Leader|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1947/07/06/archives/mrs-rt-wilson-dead-in-newport-widow-of-banker-and-exhead-of.html|accessdate=15 March 2018|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=6 July 1947}}</ref> daughter of Dr. Amos Lawrence Mason, a cousin of [[List of bishops in the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts|Bishop of Massachusetts]] [[William Lawrence (bishop)|William Lawrence]], and Louisa Blake Steedman. Her grandparents included [[Rear Admiral (United States)|Rear Admiral]] [[Second Fort Fisher Union order of battle|Charles Steedman]] of [[Charleston, South Carolina]], captain of the [[USS Ticonderoga (1863)|USS ''Ticonderoga'']], and Rev. Charles Mason, himself the son of [[List of United States Senators from New Hampshire|U.S. Senator from New Hampshire]] [[Jeremiah Mason]].<ref name="ALMObit1914">{{cite news|title=DR. AMOS L. MASON DEAD.; Prominent Boston Physician Was Father of Mrs. Richard T. Wilson.|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1914/06/06/archives/dr-amos-l-mason-dead-prominent-boston-physician-was-father-of-mrs.html|accessdate=15 March 2018|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=6 June 1914}}</ref>
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 [[List of bishops in the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts|Bishop of Massachusetts]] [[William Lawrence (bishop)|William Lawrence]].<ref name="MrsRTWObit1947">{{cite news |date=6 July 1947 |title=Mrs. R. T. Wilson Dead in Newport; Widow of Banker and Ex-Head of Saratoga Racing Group Was a Social Leader |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1947/07/06/archives/mrs-rt-wilson-dead-in-newport-widow-of-banker-and-exhead-of.html |accessdate=15 March 2018}}</ref><ref name="RTWObit1929" /> Marion's grandparents included [[Rear Admiral (United States)|Rear Admiral]] [[Second Fort Fisher Union order of battle|Charles Steedman]] of [[Charleston, South Carolina]], captain of the [[USS Ticonderoga (1863)|USS ''Ticonderoga'']], and Rev. Charles Mason who was the son of the [[List of United States Senators from New Hampshire|U.S. Senator from New Hampshire]], [[Jeremiah Mason]].<ref name="ALMObit1914">{{cite news |date=6 June 1914 |title=Dr. Amos L. Mason Dead.; Prominent Boston Physician Was Father of Mrs. Richard T. Wilson. |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1914/06/06/archives/dr-amos-l-mason-dead-prominent-boston-physician-was-father-of-mrs.html |accessdate=15 March 2018}}</ref> Together, they had two daughters: Louisa Steedman Wilson (1904–1974) and Marion Mason Wilson (1906–1982).<ref name="RTWObit1929" />

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]].<ref name="MrsRTWObit1947" /><ref name="salve">{{cite journal |title="Shady Lawn Manor Newport, Rhode Island" |url=https://digitalcommons.salve.edu/postcards/534/ |journal=Newport Postcard Collection |date=13 July 2010 |publisher=[[Salve Regina University]] |language=en |accessdate=15 March 2018}}</ref><ref name="RTWObit1929" /> 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.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=R.T. Wilson at Palmetto Bluff |url=https://www.discoverlowcountry.com/random-1 |access-date=April 26, 2022 |website=Discover Low County |language=en}}</ref> So his wife would also enjoy winters in South, he built a four-story mansion there in 1916.<ref name=":0" /> The mansion had a gold-gilded ballroom and a vast library.<ref name=":0" /> The home burned on March 2, 1926, and the property was sold shortly afterwards.<ref name=":0" />

⚫
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 Vanderbilt|Grace Graham Wilson]] married [[Cornelius Vanderbilt III|Cornelius "Neily" Vanderbilt III]].<ref>{{cite news |date=January 8, 1953 |title=Mrs. C. Vanderbilt Dies At Home Here. Leader of New York, Newport Society for Many Years Was Hostess to Royal Figures |newspaper=[[New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1953/01/08/archives/mrs-c-vanderbilt-dies-at-home-here-leader-of-new-york-newport.html |quote=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..... |accessdate=2011-05-28}}</ref> His older brother, [[Marshall Orme Wilson]], married [[Carrie Astor Wilson|Caroline Schermerhorn "Carrie" Astor]].<ref name="MrsWilsonObit1948">{{cite news |date=14 September 1948 |title=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 |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1948/09/14/archives/obituary-1-no-title-mrs-wilsonoe-t-cerhsocty-r-o-j.html |accessdate=12 March 2018}}</ref><ref name="1948WilsonFuneral">{{cite news |date=16 September 1948 |title=Mrs. Wilson Rites at Trinity Church |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1948/09/16/archives/mrs-wilson-rites-at-trinity-church.html |accessdate=12 March 2018}}</ref>{{refn|group=lower-alpha|Carrie was the youngest daughter of [[William Backhouse Astor Jr.]] and [[Caroline Webster Schermerhorn Astor|Caroline Webster Schermerhorn]], leader of the "Four Hundred", and her brother was Colonel [[John Jacob Astor IV]], richest passenger on the ''[[RMS Titanic]]''.<ref>{{cite news |title=Noted Men On The Lost Titanic. Col. Jacob Astor, with His Wife. Isidor Straus and Wife, and Benj. Guggenheim Aboard. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1912/04/16/archives/noted-men-on-the-lost-titanic-col-jacob-astor-with-his-wife-isidor.html |quote=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..... |newspaper=The New York Times |date=April 16, 1912 |accessdate=2013-12-10 }}</ref>}}<ref name="MOWObit1926">{{cite news |date=4 April 1926 |title=Died. Wilson. |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1926/04/04/archives/obituary-1-no-title.html |accessdate=12 March 2018}}</ref> His sister Belle married the Sir [[Michael Henry Herbert]], the [[British Ambassador to the United States]] and the brother of the [[Earl of Pembroke]].<ref name="1888Bethrothal">{{cite news |date=29 June 1888 |title=Betrothed to an Earl's Brother. |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1888/06/29/archives/betrothed-to-an-earls-brother.html |accessdate=15 March 2018}}</ref><ref name="1888Engagement">{{cite news |date=30 June 1888 |title=Engaged to an Earl's Brother. |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1888/06/30/archives/engaged-to-an-earls-brother.html |accessdate=15 March 2018}}</ref><ref name="1903SirMichael">{{cite news |date=7 October 1903 |title=Sir Michael's Funeral; Body of Late Ambassador Interred Ambassador Choate Present at Ceremony -- Simultaneous Services at St. James's Palace -- Exercises in Washington. |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1903/10/07/archives/sir-michaels-funeral-body-of-late-ambassador-interred-ambassador.html |accessdate=15 March 2018}}</ref> His sister [[Mary Wilson Goelet|Mary Wilson]] married New York real estate heir [[Ogden Goelet]].<ref name="RTWObit1929" /><ref name="MaryObitNYT">{{cite news |date=24 February 1929 |title=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. |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=9A02E3DE1E31E33ABC4C51DFB4668382639EDE&legacy=true |accessdate=29 November 2016}}</ref>


⚫
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]].<ref name="RTWObit1929" /> His sports clubs included the [[Racquet and Tennis Club]], the [[South Side Sportsmen's Club]], and the Turf & Field Club at the [[Belmont Park]]<ref name="RTWObit1929" /> He was also a member of the [[Sons of the American Revolution]].<ref name="RTWObit1929" />
In 1902, Wilson purchased an estate at Palmetto Bluff in [[South Carolina]] from [[Estill, South Carolina|John Holbrook Estill]] where, in 1916, he built a mansion and maintained a stable and a blacksmith shop. The home burned down in 1926 and the property was sold.<ref name="palmetto">{{cite web|title=History {{!}} An early history. {{!}} The Wilson era.|url=https://www.palmettobluff.com/about/history/|website=www.palmettobluff.com|publisher=Palmetto Bluff|accessdate=15 March 2018}}</ref> They also had homes at 300 [[Park Avenue]] in New York City, "Shady Lawn" in [[Newport, Rhode Island]],<ref name="salve">{{cite web|title="Shady Lawn Manor Newport, Rhode Island"|url=https://digitalcommons.salve.edu/postcards/534/|website=digitalcommons.salve.edu|publisher=[[Salve Regina University]]|accessdate=15 March 2018|language=en}}</ref> and "Indian House" in [[Middletown, Rhode Island]].<ref name="MrsRTWObit1947"/> Together, they had two daughters:<ref name="RTWObit1929"/>


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.<ref name="RTWObit1929">{{cite news |date=30 December 1929 |title=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. |pages=16 |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1929/12/30/archives/richard-t-wilson-turf-leader-dead-brother-of-mrs-cornelius.html |access-date=April 26, 2022}}</ref> Wilson's funeral service at [[St. Bartholomew's Church (Manhattan)|St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church]] in New York on January 1, 1930, was attended by more than 1,000 people.<ref name="RTWFuneral" /> His Delta Psi fraternity brothers conducted a special ceremony at the funeral.<ref name="RTWFuneral" /> He was interred in the family mausoleum at [[Woodlawn Cemetery (Bronx, New York)|Woodlawn Cemetery]] in [[The Bronx]].<ref name="RTWFuneral">{{cite news |date=1 January 1930 |title=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. |pages=29 |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1930/01/01/92052464.pdf?pdf_redirect=true&ip=0 |access-date=April 26, 2022}}</ref>
* Louisa Steedman Wilson (1904–1974)
* Marion Mason Wilson (1906–1982)


His estate was estimated at $10,000,000 at his death.<ref name="1930Estate">{{cite news |date=January 8, 1930 |title=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. |pages=12 |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1930/01/08/94228636.pdf?pdf_redirect=true&ip=0 |access-date=April 26, 2022}}</ref>
Wilson died at his home in New York City, on December 29, 1929.<ref name="RTWObit1929">{{cite news|title=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.|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1929/12/30/archives/richard-t-wilson-turf-leader-dead-brother-of-mrs-cornelius.html|accessdate=15 March 2018|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=30 December 1929}}</ref> Wilson, who was an [[Episcopal Church (United States)|Episcopalian]], had his funeral service held at [[St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church, New York]]. He was interred in the family mausoleum at [[Woodlawn Cemetery (Bronx, New York)|Woodlawn Cemetery]] in [[The Bronx]].<ref name="RTWFuneral">{{cite news|title=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.|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=9803E3DD1339E43ABC4953DFB766838B629EDE&legacy=true|accessdate=29 November 2016|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=1 January 1930}}</ref> His estate was estimated at $10,000,000 at his death.<ref name="1930Estate">{{cite news|title=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.|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1930/01/08/archives/rt-wilson-left-10000000-estate-two-daughters-are-to-receive-fortune.html|accessdate=15 March 2018|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=January 8, 1930}}</ref> His widow lived for another 17 and a half years until July 5, 1947 when she died at the [[Newport Hospital]] following a heart attack at her residence in [[Middletown, Rhode Island]].<ref name="MrsRTWObit1947"/>


==Notes==
==Notes==
Line 65: Line 63:
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


== Further reading ==
==External links==
⚫
*Reeves, Richard Stone & Ashforth, David. ''Crown Jewels of Thoroughbred Racing'' (1997) [[Eclipse Press]] {{ISBN|978-0-939049-90-5}}
* {{find a Grave|79586615}}
⚫
* Vanderbilt, Jr. Cornelius. ''Queen of the Golden Age'' (1999) George Mann Books. ISBN 9780704102767
⚫
*[[Richard Stone Reeves|Reeves, Richard Stone]] & Ashforth, David. ''Crown Jewels of Thoroughbred Racing'' (1997) [[Eclipse Press]] {{ISBN|978-0-939049-90-5}}
⚫
* Vanderbilt, Cornelius ''Queen of the Golden Age''


{{DEFAULTSORT:Wilson, Richard Thornton Jr.}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Wilson, Richard Thornton Jr.}}
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[[Category:People from Hampton County, South Carolina]]
[[Category:People from Hampton County, South Carolina]]
[[Category:Episcopalians from New York (state)]]
[[Category:Episcopalians from New York (state)]]
⚫
[[Category:Burials at Woodlawn Cemetery (Bronx, New York)]]
[[Category:St. Anthony Hall]]
[[Category:Wilson family of New York]]

Latest revision as of 01:52, 15 June 2024

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 president, 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)

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]

Early life

[edit]

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

[edit]

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

[edit]

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

[edit]
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][a][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

[edit]
  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

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s "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. ^ a b "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. ^ a b c 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. ^ a b "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. ^ a b c d "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. ^ a b c "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

[edit]
  • 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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