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(This is a copy of your biographical sketch from The Co-Operative Press, 35 East 41st Street, New York City.  Kindly approve and return as soon as possible.)

GERTRUDE VANDERBILT WHITNEY
SCULPTOR

Many New York society women of wealth have, during the past few decades, entered business, industry or finance, but it remained for a daughter of the Vanderbilts to invade the Art world, and, by steady application and industry, though hampered by exacting social duties, achieve success and international note as a sculptor.

Mrs. Harry Payne Whitney, known in art circles as Gertrude (Vanderbilt) Whitney, is the eldest daughter of Cornelius and Alice Claypoole (Gwynne) Vanderbilt, and was born in New York City.

The Vanderbilts trace to Jan Aertsen Vander Bilt who came from Holland, in 1650 and settled in Flatbush, Long Island.  His son in 1715, settled in New Dorp, Staten Island, where in 1794, his great-great-grandson, Cornelius Vanderbilt the "Commodore", was born, and before 20 years of age laid the fortunes of the family by shipping and transportation interests.  He later went into railroads, particularly the New York Central and greatly expanded its activities.

His son, William Henry (1821-85), still further increased the New York Central's prestige and prosperity, was a noted patron of Art, of Vanderbilt University, the College of Physicians and Surgeons, and of hospitals.  He married Maria Louise Kissam, and their eldest son, Cornelius Vanderbilt (the father of Gertrude (Vanderbilt) Whitney), who was born 1843 and was married in 1870 to Alice Claypoole Gwynne, daughter of Abraham Evan Gwynne, of Cincinatti, Ohio, and Cettie (Flagg) Gwynne, daughter of Henry Collins Flagg, mayor of New Haven, Conneticuit, 1836-41.  The Gwynne family goes back to Colonial days, and the Claypooles are of English descent, tracing to Edward I