Morris tribune., 1884-07-30
JOHN JACOB ASTOR.
His Miles Of Houses. Heavy Take
and Charities.
Houses, Lots and Farms by the
ThOusand---A Point Of Differ.
ence---PersonaI Appearance.
Life at Home.
New York Morning Journal.

New York Morning Journal
The third richest man in the Union is John
Jacob Aston, the chief owner and heir of the
Aston 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 $50, 000,,
O00 to 500, 000, 900, 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 tc
them. John Jacobs interests in houses, lots
and farms may be computed in the thou.
sands.
Among the valuable buildings principally
owned by Mr.. Aston 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. Its present value is said to DO ST.
100000, being assessed at $1,750, 900. The
Guarantee and Indemnity building, chiefly
owned by MIR. Astor, was purchased a short
time ago for 81 ZOO, 900, while the Astor es
tate pays taxes on $50, 600, 900 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 $500, DOC
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 Spectator and seldom as an in.
<~f OBJ Il. -,
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 an inventory made of his various prop
critics an item of 100000 in cash appeared,
as "nioney in trust companies and banks
waiting investment in real estate"
Mr.. Aston is man of striking personal ap-
pearance, 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-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, willie in his hand
usually swings as he walks large, purple
silk umbrella. In summer his costume is
changed to black serge coat andspants Of
some lighter color, while an easy straw hal
rests lightly on his ivory-white hair.
Mr.. Aston, though seldom speaking of him
self, recently told friend that although he
had completed threescore years, he felt as
well and hearty as he did at 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
buttons Of this city the names Of himself
or 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, al
No. 1888 Fifth avenue. The latter is familiar
to nearly every resident of Fifth avenue, ant
is conspicuous for nothing but its plainness
and the spacious grounds which surround it,
1t Is built Of fine moulded brick, with trim.
mihgs Of brown stone. ( and has dohhlt