Richard Thornton Wilson Jr.

Richard Thornton Wilson Jr.
Born	New York City, U.S.
Died	29 December 1929(1929-12-29) (aged 63) New York City, U.S.
Occupation(s)	Financier, capitalist, racehorse owner and breeder
Known for	Leadership in investment banking; contributions to thoroughbred horse racing

Richard Thornton Wilson Jr. (September 11, 1866 – December 29, 1929) was a prominent American financier and capitalist, recognized for his leadership in investment banking and significant contributions to thoroughbred horse racing during the early 1900s.

Early life

Wilson was born in New York City as one of five surviving offspring of Richard Thornton Wilson Sr. (1829–1910), a wealthy railroad magnate and investment banker who had served as commissary general for the Confederate States of America. He completed his undergraduate studies at Columbia University in 1887, earning a B.A., and was affiliated with the Fraternity of Delta Psi (St. Anthony Hall).

Career

Following the Civil War, Wilson joined the family enterprise, R. T. Wilson & Co., a New York-based firm specializing in cotton trading and investments established by his father. He eventually took over leadership of the company, broadening its reach within the financial sector and associated industries.

Thoroughbred racing

In 1896, Wilson partnered with Harry Payne Whitney and other investors to acquire the Saratoga Race Course, which had fallen into disrepair under previous management. As president of the Saratoga Racing Association for the Improvement of the Breed of Horses, Wilson undertook extensive renovations and improvements to the venue, including launching the Lady-Owners Handicap to encourage participation by female horse owners.

Wilson also held a director position with the Westchester Racing Association, responsible for overseeing Belmont Park, and served as a steward within the Jockey Club.

That same year, he appointed Thomas J. Healey as manager of his racing stable. Over three decades, their collaboration yielded numerous prestigious victories on the East Coast circuit, including three wins at the Travers Stakes, as well as triumphs at the Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes. In 1916, Wilson purchased Kirklevington Nursery, a 500-acre stud farm near Lexington, Kentucky, recognized as one of the region’s foremost breeding establishments.

Among Wilson’s distinguished racehorses were:

• The Parader – winner of the 1901 Preakness Stakes, Withers Stakes, and Lawrence Realization Handicap
• Olambala – victor in the 1909 Latonia Derby, 1910 Brighton Handicap, and 1910 Suburban Handicap
• Campfire – leading U.S. money earner in 1916 and American Champion Two-Year-Old Colt
• Hannibal – winner of both the 1918 Saratoga Special Stakes and Travers Stakes
• Pillory – secured victories in the 1922 Preakness and Belmont Stakes
• Wilderness – champion of the 1923 Travers Stakes, Toronto Cup Handicap (1923), and Shenandoah (1925)
• Sunfire – winner of the 1928 Ohio Derby and consecutive Toronto Cup Handicaps in 1928 and 1929

Wilson’s targeted investments in premier racetracks and elite thoroughbreds solidified his influential role in American horse racing during this era.

Personal life

On March 11, 1902, Wilson married Marion Steedman Mason (1875–1947) from Boston, daughter of Dr. Amos Lawrence Mason and Louisa Blake Steedman. Marion was related to Bishop William Lawrence of Massachusetts; her lineage included Rear Admiral Charles Steedman and Rev. Charles Mason, son of U.S. Senator Jeremiah Mason. The couple had two daughters: Louisa Steedman Wilson (1904–1974) and Marion Mason Wilson (1906–1982).

Their residences featured an urban home at 300 Park Avenue in New York City, along with summer estates "Shady Lawn" in Newport, Rhode Island, and "Indian House" in Middletown, Rhode Island. In 1902, Wilson acquired an expansive hunting property comprising 18,000 acres at Palmetto Bluff, South Carolina, where he bred livestock alongside champion horses. He erected a four-story mansion there in 1916 that included an ornate gold-gilded ballroom and a vast library; however, it was destroyed by fire in 1926 after which the estate was sold.

The Wilson family held a distinguished status within New York and Newport society circles and earned the nickname "marrying Wilsons" due to their advantageous matrimonial alliances. Notably, his sister Grace Graham Wilson married Cornelius Vanderbilt III; brother Marshall Orme Wilson wed Caroline Schermerhorn Astor; sister Belle married Sir Michael Henry Herbert, British Ambassador to the United States; and sister Mary married real estate heir Ogden Goelet.

Wilson counted among his memberships elite New York social clubs such as The Brook, Knickerbocker Club, and Union Club. His sporting affiliations included the Racquet and Tennis Club, South Side Sportsmen's Club, and Turf & Field Club at Belmont Park. Additionally, he belonged to the Sons of the American Revolution.

After enduring several months of illness, Wilson passed away from pneumonia at his New York residence on December 29, 1929, aged 63. His funeral at St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church drew over a thousand attendees; members of Delta Psi fraternity conducted a special rite during the service. He was laid to rest in the family mausoleum located at Woodlawn Cemetery in The Bronx.

At his passing, Wilson’s estate was estimated to be worth approximately $10 million.

Further reading

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