Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)/Astor, William Backhouse

ASTOR, WILLIAM BACKHOUSE, an American capitalist, born in New York City, Sept. 19, 1792; eldest son of John Jacob Astor; was associated with his father in business; increased the family fortune to $45,000,000; and gave $550,000 to the Astor Library. He died in New York, Nov. 24, 1875.

Source: Collier's New Encyclopedia 1. (1921) New York: P.F. Collier & Son Company. 314.