, 1884-04-25
JOHN JACOB ASTOR.
His Miles of Houses. Heavy Taxes
and Charities.
Houses, Lots and Farms by the
Thouaand---A Point or Differ
ence---PersonnI Appearance
Life Mt Home.


The third richest man in the Union Is John
Jacob Astor, the chief owner and heir Of the
Aston estate. Unlike many millionaires,
Aston has both name and riches-a name
linked with fabulous wealth for three
succeeding generations. The stimated
value of the Astor estate 10 from $50, O00,-
600 to 500, 900. 900, a veritabIe mountain of
gold. John Jacob and William b. are its
sole owners, the formers interest said to DO
two-thirds.
For nearly a century the title of being ''the
landlords OF New York" has attached itself to
them. John Jacobs interests in houses, lots
and farms may be computed in the thou
sands.
Among the valuable buildings principally
owned by Mr.. Astor as chief heir to the es-
tate is the old landmark, the Astor house,
which was sold to his father by his grand
father, the founder OF the immense estate,
for 81. It's present value is said to be ST.
OH,Oo0, being assessed at sl,75O,0 600. The
Guarantee and Indemnity building, chiefly
owned by Mr.. Aston, was purchased a short
time ago for 81, 900, 900, while the Aston es
tate pays taxes on 5000 o COO Of real estate
situated below Chambers street, most Of
which consists Of business houses on Broad
way and Wall street. There Is scarcely a
ward, street or avenue in the city in which
Mr.. Aston does not own real estate, on which
the total amount of taxes is over 800, 600
annually.
Another point OF difference between Mr..
Aston and other millionaires is in his invest
ments. In Wall street his name never ap-
pears as a Spectator and seldom as an in
weston or seller of stocks, bonds or other sim
liar securities. Having an income of 10 per
cent. on the gross amount invested In real es-
tate, he quietly buys more houses or lands
when opportunity for good investment offers.
In nm in Nantn- fnn1a of hfG vaNtona nFanNa
critics AN item of s6,000,000 in cash appeared,
as "money in trust companies and banks
waiting investment in real estate"
Mr.. Aston is n man of striking personal APP
pearance, being over six feet in height, stout,
somewhat inclined to corpulence aud straight
as an arrow. When on the street his quick,
elastic step and smiling face, fringed with
small, gray side whiskers, invariably attract
attention. His dress is simple and surpris.
ingly neat. At business or on the street he
wears a broadcloth cut-away frock coat, with
pants to match, comfortable looking shoes
always highly polished, while in his hand
usually swings as he walks a large, purple
silk umbrella. In summer his costume IL
changed to a black serge coat and pants of
some lighter color, while an easy straw hat
rests lightly on his ivory-white hair.
Mr.. Aston, Though seldom speaking OF him
self, recently told a friend TINT although he
had completed threescOre years, he felt ~
we'll and hearty as he did ut 40. Benevo-
lence is his striking characteristic, one prob
ably inherited from the founders OF the
Aston library. Many OF his charities are
published, though the actual amount OF good
done with his ever-ready check-book Is little
known. In nearly all the charitable insti-
tutions of this city the names of himself
OF wife, and often jointly, appear as large
givers. During the winter months Mr..
Aston is either at his Office at 81
West Twenty-sixth street. or his home, at
No. S3S 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 surround it.
1t is built OF fine moulded brick, with trim
mings OF brown stone. and has n double
stairway leading to the front entrance. The
interior compares favorably with any palace.
During the late illness Of his wife. Mr..
Astor's time was chiefly devoted to cheering
her weary hours at the bedside with
the same untiring sffection he has shown
throughout the many years OF his married
life. His principal recreations are visits to
his elegant country seat at Rheineclitfe-
on-the-Hudson and yachting. The country
seat is an ancient.looking establishment kept
in the finest order and is a rominiscence of
ulden time. Well shaded with trees or every
kind its immense lawns and gardens ara
traversed by long drives and walks.
Here. in the long days of the summer
months, Mr.. Aston sits on the cool piazza or
under some shady tree and reads. He il
having built one Of the finest pleasure yachts
yet launched in the waters OF this country,
100000. 1t will be completed early in the
coming Slrnmpr.