Copyright The Columbia University Press
The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed. The Columbia University PressAstor, William Backhouse (1829–92, American financier and sportsman)
William Backhouse Astor, 1829–92, American financier and sportsman, b. New York City. The son of William Backhouse Astor (1792–1875), he was a retiring man, notable principally for his wealth and for his marriage to Caroline Schermerhorn. With the assistance of Ward McAlister, she became famous as the Mrs. Astor of modern folklore, queen of New York City society's legendary Four Hundred. Their son was John Jacob Astor (1864–1912).
Copyright The Columbia University Press
The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed. The Columbia University PressAstor, William Backhouse (1792–1875, American financier)
William Backhouse Astor, 1792–1875, American financier, b. New York City; son of John Jacob Astor (1763–1848). Educated in Germany, he was associated with his father in business after 1818. Later called the landlord of New York, he also inherited money from his uncle Henry Astor and left an immense fortune.