The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1884-04-19

is John Jacob Aston, the chief owner
and heir of the Astor estate. Unlike
many millionaireS, Astor has both
name and riches-a name linked with
fabulous wealth for three succeeding
generations. The estimated value of
the Astor estate is from 500, 600, 900 to
$l00, 100000, q 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 be-
ing "the landlords of New York; has
attached itself to them. John Jacob S
interest in houses, lots and farms may
be computed in the thousands. >
Among the valuable buildings prin-
cipally 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. ItJ
present value is said to be S2,OOO,O00,
being assessed ut $1,75O,000. Tho
Guarantee and Indemnity building,
chiefly owned by MIR. Ast0r, was pur-
chased short time ago for 81, O00,0 900,
while the Aston estate pays taxes on
$50, 10000 of real estate situated be-
low Chambers Street, most of which
consists of business houses on Broadway
and Wall Street. There is scarcely a
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 800, 900 annually.
Another point OF difference between
Mr.. Aston and other millionaires is in
his investments. In Wall Street his
name never appears as a Spectator
and seldom Us an investor or seller of
stocks, bonds or other similar securities.
Having an income of ten per cent. on
the gross amount invested in real estate,
he quietly buys more houses or lands
when opportunity for good investment
offers. In IN inventory made of his
various properties an item of So, 900, 000
in cash appeared rs 'money in. trust
companies and banks waiting invest
ment in real estate.n
MIR. Astor is q man of striking per-
sonal appearance, being over six feet in
height, stout, somewhat inclined TO cor
pulence and 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 surprisingly neat. At business or
in the street he wears q broadcloth cut
away or frock coat, with trousers to
match, comfortable looking shoes al
ways lightly polished, while in his hand
usually swings as he walks large,
purple silk umbrella. In summer his
costume is changed to black serge
coat and trousers some lighter color,
while an easy straw hat rests lightly
on his ivory-white hair
Mr.. Astor, though seldom speaking
of himself, recently told friend that
although he had completed threescore
years, he felt as well and hearty as NE
did at forty. Benevolence is his striking
characteristic, one probably inherited
from the founder of the Aston Library.
Many of his charities are published,
though the actual amount of good done
with his ever-ready check-bool1 is little
known. In nearly all the charitable
institutions of this city the names of
himself or wife. and often jointly, APP
pear as large givers. During the win
ter months MIR. Astor 10 either ut his
Office at No. q West Twenty-sixth
Street, or at his home at No. 338 Fifth
Avenue. The house 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 trimmings of
brown-stone, and has double stairway
leading to the front entrance. The in
terror compares favorably with any
palace.
Duringthe late illness of his wife, Mr..
Astors time was chiefly devoted to
cheering her weary hours at the bed
sac with the same untiring affection he
mas SHOWN throughout the many years
OF his married life. His principal recre-
ations are visits to his elegant country
seat at Rheinecliife-on-the- Hudson and
yachting. The country seat is an an
cient-looking establishment, kept in the
finest order, and is a "Reminiscences of
olden time. Well shaded with trees of
every kind, its immense lawns and gar
,dens 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 trees and
reads. He is having built one of the
finest pleasure yachts yet launched in
the waters of this country, the cost of
which is placed at a tritle over $780,
900. 1t will be completed early in the
summer.-N. Y. Morning Journal.