Born September 22, 1830 (New York, New York)

Died October 30, 1908 (New York, New York)

Socialite

Prior to the Gilded Age, the era of industrialization from the early 1860s to the turn of the century in which a few wealthy individuals gained tremendous power and influence, there was a limited number of very rich and privileged families in the United States. The rural nature of the country had long prevented a large wealthy class from rising, since farming did not usually generate huge profits. Similarly, few people could claim an elite ancestry, since most Americans were descended from farmers.

In 1845 there were only ten millionaires living in New York City. They generally kept to themselves and saw little need to show off their wealth. Starting in the late 1860s, however, the soaring profits of new industries created thousands of newly wealthy families, many of whom...