The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. 2001-07.
Astor, William Backhouse, 1829–92, American financier and sportsman
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).
