Reginald Claypoole Vanderbilt (1880-1925)
R.G. Vanderbilt, Equestrian Enthusiast, of Sandy Point Farm, Rhode Island
He inherited $25 million that he squandered through drink and gambling so by the time he died (of alcoholism) all that was left was a trust fund of $5 million to be shared between his second wife (who was the same age as his elder daughter by his first marriage) and their daughter, Gloria. After his death, Gloria found herself at the center of a custody battle that gripped America. She was eventually adopted by her aunt, Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, on the grounds that her mother was neglectful and a lesbian.
