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Astor, William Backhouse

merchant, was born Sept. 19, 1792, in New York. Upon his father's death Mr. Astor became the sole heir of an immense estate. Thereafter he devoted himself to the preservation and growth of his property. He was a progressive man and one of the most active builders of his generation. It was said in 1867 that he had inherited and built seven hundred and twenty dwellings and stores in this city. He had also promoted important railroad and insurance enterprises. He added $250,000 to the endowment of the Astor library, and made a total of $550,000 in gifts to that institution. His estate was divided mainly and equally between his sons, John Jacob and William Astor.

He died Nov. 24, 1875, in New York city.