The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1884-03-19
THE GREAT LANDLORD.
John Jacob As,or's Mountain of Gold.

Inc thlfu richest man IN the Union. ac-
cording to the New York Morning Jour
nal, is John Jacob AstOr, the CHER owner
and heir Of the Astor estate. Unlike many
milionaires, says the journal writer,
Astor has both name and riches--a name
linked with fabulous wealth for three sue
cessiye generations. The estimated value
OF the Astor estate is from S90, 1000, COO to
$780, 900, 000-a veritable mountain OF gold.
John Jacob and William b. are its sole
owners, the formers interest said TO be
two thirds.
For nearly century the title OF being
" the landlords Of New York" has attached
itself to them. John Jacobs interest in
houses, lots, and farms may be computed
In the thousands.
Among the valuable buildings princi-
pally owned by Mr.. Astor as chief heir to
the estate Is the old landmark. the Astor
House, which was sold to his father by his
grandfather, the founder OF the immense
estate, for 81. Its present value is said 10
be S2,000,000, being assessed at Sl,750. 600.
The Guarantee and Indemnity building,
chiefly owned by Dir. Astor, was purchased
Il short time ago for 81 100000, while the
Astor estate pays taxes on 350,000,000 OF
real estate situated below Chambers street
most OF which consists OF businesS-houses
on Broadway and Wall street. There is
scarcely ward, street. or avenue in the
city in which Mr.. Astor does not own real
estate. on which the total amount Of taxes
is over 100000 annually.
Another point of difference between Mr.
Astor and other milionares is in his in
vestments. In Wall street his name never
appears as q SPECTATOR, and seldom as an
investor or seller OF stocks, bonds, or other
similar securities. Having an income OF
10 per cent. on the gross amount invested
in real estate, he quietly buys more houses
or lands when opportunity for good in
vcstment offers. In an inventory made Of
his various properties an Item Of $4,000
600 in cash appeared as money in trust
companies and banks waiting investment
In real estate"
Mr.. Astor Is man OF striking personal
appearance, being over six feet in height,
stout, somewhat inclined to corpulence,
and straight as an arrow. When on the
street his quick, elastic step and smiling
face, fringed with small, gray side-whis-
kers, invariably attract attention. His dress
Is simple and surprisingly neat. At bust
ness or in the street he wears broadcloth
GETAWAY or frock coat, with trousers to
match, comfortable-looking shoes, always
lightly polished, while in his hand usually
swings as he walks large, purplesilk UNI
brella. In summer his costume is changed
to black serge coat and trousers Of some
lighter color, while an easy straw hat rests
lightly on his iyory-white hair.
Mr.. Aston, though seldom speaking OF
himself, recently told friend that although
he had completed threescore years, he felt
as well and hearty as he did at forty.
Beneyolence is his striking Characteristic
one probably inherited from the founder
Of the Aston Library. Many Of his chart
ties are published, though the actual
amount OF good done with his eyer-ready
check-boOk is little known. In nearly all
the charitable institutions OF this city the
names OF himself or wife, and often joint
", appear as large givers. During the
winter months Mr.. Astor is either at his
Office at No. 81 west Twenty-siXth street.
or his home at No. 33S Fifth avenue. The
latter is familiar to nearly every resident
OF Fifth avenue, and is conspicuous for
nothing but its plainness and the spacious
grounds which surrond II. 1t is built OF
fine moulded brick, with trimmings Of
brownstone, and has a double stairway
leading to the front entrance. The in
terror compares favorably with any palace.
During the late illness Of his wife Mr.
Astor's time was chiefly devoted to cheer
ing her weary hours at the bedside with
the same untiring affection he has shown
throughout the many years Of his married
life. His principal recreatiOns are visits to
his elegant country-seat at Rheineclifle- on
the-Hudson and yachting. The country
seat is an ancient-look1ng establishment,
kept in tie finest order, and is a reminls-
cence Of olden time. Well shaded with
trees OF every kind. its immense lawns and
gardens are trayersed by long drives and
walks.
Here, in the long days Of the summer
months, Mr.. Astor sits on the cool piazza
or under some shady tree and reads. lie
is having built one OF the finest pleasure
yachts yet launched in the waters OF this
country, the cost of which is placed at n
trifle over 100000. 1t will be completed
early in the coming summer.