Four items signed by members of the wealthy Astor family, including: an ink signature of John Jacob Astor III, "J. J. Astor," on an off-white clipped slip; a bank check filled out and signed by Caroline Astor, "Caroline W. Astor," payable to William Astor for $274.69, September 14, 1874, endorsed on the reverse, "Wm. Astor"; a mortgage document signed by William B. Astor, Sr. on behalf of his father, "John Jacob Astor, By Wm. B. Astor, his atty," June 1, 1835; and an ALS by William Waldorf Astor, signed "W. W. Astor, February 10, 1887, declining a business proposal. In fine condition.
John Jacob Astor III (1822-1890) was the wealthiest family member of his generation, remembered for serving in the army during the Civil War (reaching the rank of brevet brigadier general) and later focusing his business interests primarily on the acquisition and management of Manhattan real estate. William B. Astor, Jr. (1830-1892) was the grandchild of John Jacob Astor and an early Manhattan and Florida real estate magnate; his wife, née Caroline Webster Schermerhorn (1830-1908) was one of the most prominent socialites of 19th-century New York. William Backhouse Astor, Sr. (1792-1875) was a real estate magnate and son of John Jacob Astor. William Waldorf Astor, the son of John Jacob Astor III, was an American-born statesman, philanthropist, and financier (1848-1919) of the prominent family of New York millionaires.
