Ripley built the Holland House Hotel in New York City and was responsible for the construction and operation of New Jersey 's Raritan River Railroad .
New York City was owned by members of his wife 's Van Doren family .
Ripley built the Holland House Hotel in New York City , which was owned by members of his wife 's Van Doren family , and was responsible for the construction and operation of New Jersey 's Raritan River Railroad .