The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-11-19
John Jacob Aston.


1t is a little over a century since John Jacob
Astor, the son of German peasant, arrived at
Baltimore from London, where he had gone to
join his brother, who was doing business as a
maker of musical instruments. The young
German, who had set out to seek his fortune
with few hundred dollars worth
of musical instruments, went from Baltimore to
New York, whore he exchanged his small
stock for furs, with which he returned to Lon
don, where he sold them with much profit. He
soon came back to New York and engaged in the
fur trade with such success that at the beginning
of the century he had accumulated $3.50, 900,
which was deemed a large fortune in that era of
republican simplicity and thrifty habits Mr..
Astor was now ship-owner and dealt in gen
eral merchandise He sent furs in large guam
tity to Europe, and invested the proceeds there
in commodities which fetched a high price in
New York He sent two expeditions to the Pa
cifc coast to develop the fur trade and founded,
in 1871 the settlement of Astoria at the mouth
of the Columbia river. He made large prudent
investments in real estate in New York, and
thus added considerably to his fortune, which at
the time of his death lin lo4sl, amounted
$40, 900, 600 He spent the latter years
of his life in quiet retirement and be
Queathed the bulk of his property
to his sons, John Jacob and William B. He left
also $500, 900 to found the Aston Library which
was opened in 1854, and has since received liberal
The management of the Astor property which
includes several hundred houses in New York,
has devolved on William Aston who has SPLEEN
did residence in New York and another in New
port r. l. The rapid growth of the metropolis
has added immensely to the value of the Astor
estate and the income from rents alone is very
great The Astors live quietly and are not os-
tentatious. Their entertainments are refined
and are not eXceled in elegance and brilliancy
by any in New York. The Astors arc connected
by intermarriage with some of the oldest and
best families in New York and Philadelphia
William Waldorf Astor. VINO is now United
States minister to Italy, is perhaps the only
member of the family who has shown any taste
for public life. He is Republican
and served one term as senator in
the New York Legislature. He was
subsequently, a candidate for Congress, in the
city of New York, but was defeated after a
spirited contest by Mr.. Flower the successful
speculator
MIR. Orme Wilson, who has married Miss
Astor, is a member of wealthy family which
has been on intimate terms for many years with
the Astors. He gave bachelors farewell din
ner to his ushers and groomsmen, at Delmonicos,
on Saturday evening. There were present Rich
ard T. Wilson, Brockholst Cutting Ispenard
Stewart. Reginald Rivers, j. J. Aston, jr., lie
Grand Cannon, and Woodbury. Kane.
In according. recently an interview TO a New
York Journalist ON the subject other daughters
wedding, Mrs. Astor set precedent which may
be followed by other ladies Of high social posi-
ton. Mrs. Aston spoke of the bridal attire and
of the elaborate preparation which had been
made for the wedding. General Armstrong, Il
near relative OF Mrs. Aston died about week
ago but it is understood that this old gentle
mans death was not allowed to impair the gay
ETY. and splendor of the wedding.