Sarah (Drexel) Van Rensselaer (1862-1929)

She inherited $3.5-million from her first husband who died in 1895 leaving her with four young children (listed). Afterwards, she married Alexander Van Rensselaer who was equally wealthy. In 1897, she commissioned Peabody & Stearns to build the four story Fell-Van Rensselaer House (see images) on the northwest corner of 18th and Walnut Streets in Philadelphia. It cost $250,000, still stands today, and was most recently valued at $35-million. Sarah's family continued to live there until 1942.