The Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio) 1875-1903, 1884-04-17
The Great Landlord.

The third richest man in the Union
Is John Jacob Astor, 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 800, 900, 900 to
300, ZOO, 900, veritable mountain of
gold. John Jacob and William B. are
its sole owners, the formers interest
said to be two-thirds.
For nearly century tie title of be-
ing ''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 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. Its
present value is said to be $4,000, 900,
being assessed at S1,750,OOO. The
Guarantee and Indemnity building,
chiefly owned by Mr.. Astor, was pur-
chased short time ago for 81, ,O00, 900.
while the Astor estate pays taxes on
$50, ,000, 900 of real estate situated be-
low 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 $400, 600 annually.
Another point of difference between
Mr.. Astor and other millionaires is in
his. investments. In Wall Street his
name never appears as q speculator
and seldom as 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 an inventory made of his
| various properties an item of Sc, ,000, 600
in cash appeared as s'money in trust
companies and banks waiting invest
ment in real estate"
Mr.. Astor is 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 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 he
did at forty. Benevolence>is his striking
characteristic, one probably inherited
from the founder of the Astor 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
institutions of this city the names of
himself or wife. and often jointly, ap-
pear as large givers. During the win
ter months Mr.. Astor is either at his
Office at No. 81 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 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 te
cheering her weary hours at the bed
side with the same untiring affection he
has shown throughout the many years
of his married life. His principal recre
ations are visits to his elegant country
seat at Rheinecliffe-on Hudson and
yachting. The country seat is an an
cient-looking establishment. keptin the
finest order, and is reminiscence O.
olden time. Well shaded with trees Of
every kind, its immense lawns and gar
dens are traversed by long drives anG
walks.
Here, in the long days of the summer
months, Mr.. Astor sits on the coo
piazza or under some shady trees ant
reads. He is having built one of thu
finest pleasure yachts yet launched il
the waters of this country, the cost o
which is placed at trifie over 5000,
900. 1t will be completed early in thu
summer.-M. Y. Morning Journal.