HOME

TheInfoList



OR:

The Astor family achieved prominence in
business Business is the practice of making one's living or making money by producing or buying and selling products (such as goods and services). It is also "any activity or enterprise entered into for profit." Having a business name does not separ ...
,
society A society is a group of individuals involved in persistent social interaction, or a large social group sharing the same spatial or social territory, typically subject to the same political authority and dominant cultural expectations. Soc ...
, and politics in the
United States The United States of America (U.S.A. or USA), commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country Continental United States, primarily located in North America. It consists of 50 U.S. state, states, a Washington, D.C., ...
and the
United Kingdom The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom (UK) or Britain, is a country in Europe, off the north-western coast of the continental mainland. It comprises England, Scotland, Wales and ...
during the 19th and 20th centuries. With ancestral roots in the
Italian Alps The Alps () ; german: Alpen ; it, Alpi ; rm, Alps ; sl, Alpe . are the highest and most extensive mountain range system that lies entirely in Europe, stretching approximately across seven Alpine countries (from west to east): France, Swi ...
region of
Italy Italy ( it, Italia ), officially the Italian Republic, ) or the Republic of Italy, is a country in Southern Europe. It is located in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, and its territory largely coincides with the homonymous geographical ...
by way of
Germany Germany,, officially the Federal Republic of Germany, is a country in Central Europe. It is the second most populous country in Europe after Russia, and the most populous member state of the European Union. Germany is situated betwee ...
, the Astors settled in Germany, first appearing in North America in the 18th century with John Jacob Astor, one of the wealthiest people in history.


Founding family members

John Jacob Astor (born Johann Jakob Astor) was the youngest of four sons born to Johann Jacob Astor (1724–1816) and Maria Magdalena vom Berg (1730–1764). The Astor family can trace their ancestry back to Giovan Asdour (1595–1668) and Gretta Ursula Asdour (1589–). Giovan was born in
Chiavenna Chiavenna ( lmo, Ciavèna ; la, Clavenna; rm, Clavenna or ''Claven''; archaic german: Cläven or ''Kleven'') is a '' comune'' (municipality) in the Province of Sondrio in the northern Italian region of Lombardy. It is the centre of the Alpine ...
, Italy, and died in
Zürich , neighboring_municipalities = Adliswil, Dübendorf, Fällanden, Kilchberg, Maur, Oberengstringen, Opfikon, Regensdorf, Rümlang, Schlieren, Stallikon, Uitikon, Urdorf, Wallisellen, Zollikon , twintowns = Kunming, San Francisco Z ...
, Switzerland. Their son, Hans Pieter Asdor, was born in Switzerland and died in Nußloch. John Jacob and his brother George left Germany and moved to
London London is the capital and List of urban areas in the United Kingdom, largest city of England and the United Kingdom, with a population of just under 9 million. It stands on the River Thames in south-east England at the head of a estuary dow ...
in 1778. There, they established a flute making company. In 1783, John Jacob left for
Baltimore, Maryland Baltimore ( , locally: or ) is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Maryland, fourth most populous city in the Mid-Atlantic, and the 30th most populous city in the United States with a population of 585,708 in 2020. Baltimore wa ...
, leaving his brother in charge of the London business, and was active first as a dealer in
woodwind instruments Woodwind instruments are a family of musical instruments within the greater category of wind instruments. Common examples include flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, and saxophone. There are two main types of woodwind instruments: flutes and re ...
, then in New York as a merchant in
opium Opium (or poppy tears, scientific name: ''Lachryma papaveris'') is dried latex obtained from the seed capsules of the opium poppy '' Papaver somniferum''. Approximately 12 percent of opium is made up of the analgesic alkaloid morphine, which ...
, furs, pianos, and
real estate Real estate is property consisting of land and the buildings on it, along with its natural resources such as crops, minerals or water; immovable property of this nature; an interest vested in this (also) an item of real property, (more genera ...
. After moving to New York, John met and married Sarah Cox Todd (1762–1842). She worked alongside her husband as a consultant, and was accused of witchcraft after her success with the company in 1817. The accusations never led to legal action. They had eight children, including John Jacob Astor Jr. (1791–1869) and real estate businessman
William Backhouse Astor Sr. William Backhouse Astor Sr. (September 19, 1792 – November 24, 1875) was an American business magnate who inherited most of his father John Jacob Astor's fortune. He worked as a partner in his father's successful export business. His massive in ...
(1792–1875). John Jacob's fur trading company established a
Columbia River The Columbia River ( Upper Chinook: ' or '; Sahaptin: ''Nch’i-Wàna'' or ''Nchi wana''; Sinixt dialect'' '') is the largest river in the Pacific Northwest region of North America. The river rises in the Rocky Mountains of British Columbia ...
trading post at
Fort Astoria Fort Astoria (also named Fort George) was the primary fur trading post of John Jacob Astor's Pacific Fur Company (PFC). A maritime contingent of PFC staff was sent on board the ''Tonquin (1807 ship), Tonquin'', while another party traveled overl ...
in 1811, the first United States community on the Pacific coast. He financed the overland Astor Expedition in 1810–1812 to reach the outpost, which was in the then-disputed
Oregon Country Oregon Country was a large region of the Pacific Northwest of North America that was subject to a long dispute between the United Kingdom and the United States in the early 19th century. The area, which had been created by the Treaty of 1818, co ...
. Control of Fort Astoria played a key role in English and American territorial claims on the region. John and George's brother Henry (born Heinrich) (1754–1833) also emigrated to America. Henry was a
horse racing Horse racing is an equestrian performance sport, typically involving two or more horses ridden by jockeys (or sometimes driven without riders) over a set distance for competition. It is one of the most ancient of all sports, as its basic pr ...
enthusiast, and purchased a
thoroughbred The Thoroughbred is a horse breed best known for its use in horse racing. Although the word ''thoroughbred'' is sometimes used to refer to any breed of purebred horse, it technically refers only to the Thoroughbred breed. Thoroughbreds are ...
named
Messenger ''MESSENGER'' was a NASA robotic space probe that orbited the planet Mercury between 2011 and 2015, studying Mercury's chemical composition, geology, and magnetic field. The name is a backronym for "Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochem ...
, who had been brought from England to America in 1788. The horse became the founding sire of all
Standardbred The Standardbred is an American horse breed best known for its ability in harness racing, where members of the breed compete at either a trot or pace. Developed in North America, the Standardbred is recognized worldwide, and the breed can trace i ...
horses in the United States today. The third brother Melchior remained in Germany. During the 19th century, the Astors became one of the wealthiest families in the
United States The United States of America (U.S.A. or USA), commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country Continental United States, primarily located in North America. It consists of 50 U.S. state, states, a Washington, D.C., ...
. Toward the end of that century, some of the family moved to England and achieved high prominence there. During the 20th century, the number of American Astors began to decline, but their legacy lives on in their many public works including the
New York Public Library The New York Public Library (NYPL) is a public library system in New York City. With nearly 53 million items and 92 locations, the New York Public Library is the second largest public library in the United States (behind the Library of Congress) ...
. English descendants of the Astors hold two
hereditary peer The hereditary peers form part of the peerage in the United Kingdom. As of September 2022, there are 807 hereditary peers: 29 dukes (including five royal dukes), 34 marquesses, 190 earls, 111 viscounts, and 443 barons (disregarding subsidi ...
ages:
Viscount Astor Viscount Astor, of Hever Castle in the County of Kent, is a title in the Peerage of the United Kingdom. It was created in 1917 for the financier and statesman William Waldorf Astor, 1st Baron Astor. He had already been created Baron Astor, of ...
and
Baron Astor of Hever Baron Astor of Hever, of Hever Castle in the County of Kent, is a title in the Peerage of the United Kingdom. It was created in 1956 for John Jacob Astor, a prominent newspaper proprietor and Conservative politician. He was the fourth child of W ...
. While many of Astor members joined the Episcopal Church, John Jacob Astor remained a member of the Reformed congregation to his death.Reformed Congregation James Parton
Life of John Jacob Astor: To which is appended a Copy of his last will
(The American News Comp., 1865), pg. 81


Family namesake places

For many years, the members of the Astor family were known as "the landlords of New York". Their New York City namesakes are the famous
Waldorf-Astoria Hotel The Waldorf Astoria New York is a luxury hotel and condominium residence in Midtown Manhattan in New York City. The structure, at 301 Park Avenue between 49th and 50th Streets, is a 47-story Art Deco landmark designed by architects Schult ...
, an Astor Row,
Astor Court The Astor Court, located in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, is a re-creation of a Ming dynasty-style, Chinese-garden courtyard. It is also known as the Ming Hall (明軒). The first permanent cultural exchange between the U.S ...
,
Astor Place Astor Place is a one-block street in NoHo/ East Village, in the lower part of the New York City borough of Manhattan. It runs from Broadway in the west (just below East 8th Street) to Lafayette Street. The street encompasses two plazas at ...
, and Astor Avenue in the
Bronx The Bronx () is a borough of New York City, coextensive with Bronx County, in the state of New York. It is south of Westchester County; north and east of the New York City borough of Manhattan, across the Harlem River; and north of the New Y ...
, where the Astors stabled horses. The neighborhood of
Astoria, Queens Astoria is a neighborhood in the western portion of the New York City borough of Queens. Astoria is bounded by the East River and is adjacent to three other Queens neighborhoods: Long Island City to the southwest, Sunnyside to the southeas ...
, was renamed to incite John Jacob Astor to invest there. Beyond New York City, the Astor family name is imprinted in a great deal of United States history and geography. Astor Street, in Chicago's landmark Gold Coast district, is named after John Jacob Astor. There are towns of Astor in the states of
Florida Florida is a state located in the Southeastern region of the United States. Florida is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, to the northwest by Alabama, to the north by Georgia, to the east by the Bahamas and Atlantic Ocean, and ...
,
Georgia Georgia most commonly refers to: * Georgia (country), a country in the Caucasus region of Eurasia * Georgia (U.S. state), a state in the Southeast United States Georgia may also refer to: Places Historical states and entities * Related to the ...
,
Iowa Iowa () is a U.S. state, state in the Midwestern United States, Midwestern region of the United States, bordered by the Mississippi River to the east and the Missouri River and Big Sioux River to the west. It is bordered by six states: Wiscon ...
, and
Kansas Kansas () is a U.S. state, state in the Midwestern United States, Midwestern United States. Its Capital city, capital is Topeka, Kansas, Topeka, and its largest city is Wichita, Kansas, Wichita. Kansas is a landlocked state bordered by Nebras ...
and there are Astorias in
Illinois Illinois ( ) is a state in the Midwestern United States. Its largest metropolitan areas include the Chicago metropolitan area, and the Metro East section, of Greater St. Louis. Other smaller metropolitan areas include, Peoria and Rock ...
,
Missouri Missouri is a state in the Midwestern region of the United States. Ranking 21st in land area, it is bordered by eight states (tied for the most with Tennessee): Iowa to the north, Illinois, Kentucky and Tennessee to the east, Arkansas t ...
, and
Oregon Oregon () is a U.S. state, state in the Pacific Northwest region of the Western United States. The Columbia River delineates much of Oregon's northern boundary with Washington (state), Washington, while the Snake River delineates much of it ...
. In Astoria, Oregon, the primary elementary school is called John Jacob Astor Elementary and the city is home to the Astoria Column. There is a neighborhood called Astor Park just south of downtown Green Bay,
Wisconsin Wisconsin () is a state in the upper Midwestern United States. Wisconsin is the 25th-largest state by total area and the 20th-most populous. It is bordered by Minnesota to the west, Iowa to the southwest, Illinois to the south, Lake M ...
. At the heart of this neighborhood is a park (also called "Astor Park"); the Astor family donated this land for the building of a trade school. The Astors were also prominent on
Mackinac Island Mackinac Island ( ; french: Île Mackinac; oj, Mishimikinaak ᒥᔑᒥᑭᓈᒃ; otw, Michilimackinac) is an island and resort area, covering in land area, in the U.S. state of Michigan. The name of the island in Odawa is Michilimackinac ...
,
Michigan Michigan () is a state in the Great Lakes region of the upper Midwestern United States. With a population of nearly 10.12 million and an area of nearly , Michigan is the 10th-largest state by population, the 11th-largest by area, and t ...
, and
Newport, Rhode Island Newport is an American seaside city on Aquidneck Island in Newport County, Rhode Island. It is located in Narragansett Bay, approximately southeast of Providence, south of Fall River, Massachusetts, south of Boston, and northeast of New Yor ...
, with their summer house, Beechwood. At Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, there are the Lord and Lady Astor Suites; the hotel salon is called Astor's. There is even a Hostel in
York York is a cathedral city with Roman origins, sited at the confluence of the rivers Ouse and Foss in North Yorkshire, England. It is the historic county town of Yorkshire. The city has many historic buildings and other structures, such as a ...
, England called The Astor. In addition, a dormitory at St. George's School in Newport, Rhode Island, bears Astor's name. The Danubius Hotel Astoria in the center of Pest, Budapest, Hungary, opened in 1914, was given its name by the original hotel owners and Mihály Gellér, the first General Manager of the hotel, who formerly worked for the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York. In Shanghai, China there is the Astor House Hotel in the Bund. Mount Astor in
Antarctica Antarctica () is Earth's southernmost and least-populated continent. Situated almost entirely south of the Antarctic Circle and surrounded by the Southern Ocean, it contains the geographic South Pole. Antarctica is the fifth-largest cont ...
was named after
Vincent Astor William Vincent Astor (November 15, 1891 – February 3, 1959) was an American businessman, philanthropist, and member of the prominent Astor family. Early life Called Vincent, he was born in New York City on November 15, 1891. Astor was the el ...
by the explorer
Richard Evelyn Byrd Richard Evelyn Byrd Jr. (October 25, 1888 – March 11, 1957) was an American naval officer and explorer. He was a recipient of the Medal of Honor, the highest honor for valor given by the United States, and was a pioneering American aviator, p ...
.


Astor family tree

* John Jacob Astor Sr. (1763–1848) **Magdalena Astor (1788–1832) *** Charles Astor Bristed Sr. (1820–1874) **
William Backhouse Astor Sr. William Backhouse Astor Sr. (September 19, 1792 – November 24, 1875) was an American business magnate who inherited most of his father John Jacob Astor's fortune. He worked as a partner in his father's successful export business. His massive in ...
(1792–1875) ***Emily Astor (1819–1841) **** Margaret Astor "Maddie" Ward (1838–1875) *****
John Armstrong Chaloner John "Archie" Armstrong Chaloner (né Chanler; October 10, 1862 – June 1, 1935) was an American writer and activist, known for his catch phrase "Who's looney now?". Early life Chaloner was born John Armstrong Chanler on October 10, 1862 to Mar ...
(1862–1935) *****
Winthrop Astor Chanler Winthrop Astor Chanler (October 14, 1863 – August 24, 1926) was an American sportsman and soldier who fought in the Spanish–American War and World War I. Chanler, a descendant of many prominent American families including the Dudley–Winthr ...
(1863–1926) ****** Theodore Chanler (1902–1961) ***** William Astor "Willie" Chanler Sr. (1867–1934) ***** Lewis Stuyvesant Chanler Sr. (1869–1942) ***** Margaret Chanler Aldrich (1870–1963) *****
Robert Winthrop Chanler Robert Winthrop Chanler (February 22, 1872 – October 24, 1930) was an American artist and member of the Astor and Dudley–Winthrop families. A designer and muralist, Chanler received much of his art training in France at the École des Beaux ...
(1872–1930) ***
John Jacob Astor III John Jacob Astor III (June 10, 1822 – February 22, 1890) was an American financier, philanthropist and a soldier during the American Civil War. He was a prominent member of the Astor family, becoming the wealthiest member in his generation and ...
(1822–1890) **** William Waldorf Astor I (1848–1919) *****
Waldorf Astor Waldorf Astor, 2nd Viscount Astor, DL (19 May 1879 – 30 September 1952) was an American-born English politician and newspaper proprietor. He was a member of the Astor family. He was active in minor political roles. He was devoted to charitab ...
(1879–1952) ****** William Waldorf "Bill" Astor II (1907–1966) ******* William Waldorf Astor III (born 1951) ********Flora Katherine Astor (born 1976) ********William Waldorf "Will" Astor IV (born 1979) ******** James Jacob Astor (born 1981) ******Nancy Phyllis Louise Astor, Countess of Ancaster (1909–1975) *******
Jane Heathcote-Drummond-Willoughby, 28th Baroness Willoughby de Eresby Nancy Jane Marie Heathcote-Drummond-Willoughby, 28th Baroness Willoughby de Eresby ( ; born 1 December 1934) is an English peer and member of the Astor family. She is a holder of the office of Lord Great Chamberlain, which is exercised by the ...
(born 1938) ****** Francis David Langhorne Astor (1912–2001) ****** Michael Langhorne Astor (1916–1980) ****** John Jacob "Jakie" Astor VII (1918–2000) *****The Hon. Pauline Astor (1880–1972) ****** Rachel Pauline Spender-Clay, Lady Bowes-Lyon (1907–1996) *******Davina Katherine Bowes-Lyon, Countess of Stair (1930–2017) ******** John Dalrymple, 14th Earl of Stair (born 1961) ******* Simon Bowes-Lyon (born 1932) *****
John Jacob Astor V Lieutenant-Colonel John Jacob Astor V, 1st Baron Astor of Hever, DL (20 May 1886 – 19 July 1971) was an American-born English newspaper proprietor, politician, sportsman, military officer, and a member of the Astor family. Biography Astor wa ...
(1886–1971) ****** Gavin Astor (1918–1984) ******* John Jacob "Johnny" Astor VIII (born 1946) ****** John Astor (1923–1987) ***Mary Alida Astor (1826–1881) **** Margaret Laura Astor Carey (1853–1911) ***** Louis Zborowski (1895–1924) ***
William Backhouse Astor Jr. William Backhouse Astor Jr. (July 12, 1829 – April 25, 1892) was an American businessman, racehorse owner/breeder, and yachtsman who was a member of the prominent Astor family. His elder brother, financier and philanthropist John Jacob Astor II ...
(1829–1892) ****Emily Astor (1854–1881) ***** James Laurens Van Alen (1878–1927) ******
Jimmy Van Alen James Henry Van Alen II (September 19, 1902 – July 3, 1991) was an American tennis official and former player. Van Alen was a poet, musician, publisher, civic leader, and raconteur. He was best known for his influence of tennis, especially for ...
(1902–1991) ****** Louise Astor Van Alen (1910–1997) ****Helen Schermerhorn Astor (1855–1893) ***** James Roosevelt "Tadd" Roosevelt Jr. (1879–1958) ****
Carrie Astor Wilson Caroline Schermerhorn Astor Wilson (October 10, 1861 – September 13, 1948) was an American heiress, social leader, and prominent member of New York society. Early life Caroline Schermerhorn Astor was born in New York City on October 10, 1861, a ...
(1861–1948) ***** Marshall Orme Wilson Jr. (1885–1966) **** John Jacob "Jack" Astor IV (1864–
1912 Events January * January 1 – The Republic of China is established. * January 5 – The Prague Conference (6th All-Russian Conference of the Russian Social Democratic Labour Party) opens. * January 6 ** German geophysicist Alfred ...
) ***** William Vincent Astor (1891–1959) *****
Ava Alice Muriel Astor Ava Alice Muriel Astor (July 7, 1902 – July 19, 1956) was an American heiress, socialite, and member of the Astor family. She was the daughter of John Jacob Astor IV and Ava Lowle Willing, and sister of Vincent Astor and half-sister of John J ...
(1902–1956) ****** Prince Ivan Sergeyevich Obolensky (1925–2019) *******Marina Ivanovna Obolensky (born 1951) *******Ivan Ivanovich Obolensky (born 1952) *******David Ivanovich Obolensky (born 1953) ********Natalya Elizabeth Davidovna Obolensky (born 1984) ********Octavia Willing Davidovna Obolensky (born 1989) *******Sergei Ivanovich Obolensky (born 1960) ********Alexander Vasily Sergeyevich Obolensky (born 1994) ********Christopher Chapman Sergeyevich Obolensky (born 1999) ****** Sylvia Sergeyevna Obolensky (1931–1997) ***** John Jacob "Jakey" Astor VI (1912–1992) ******Mary Jacqueline Astor (1949-present) *******Nicholas Astor Drexel (1987- present) ** Dorothea Astor 1795–1874) ***Eliza Astor Langdon (1818–1896) ****
Matthew Astor Wilks Matthew Astor Wilks (March 3, 1844 – July 9, 1926) was an American clubman who was prominent in New York society during the Gilded Age. Early life Wilks was born in New York City on March 3, 1844. He was the one of seven children born to Matt ...
(1844–1926) *** Louisa Dorothea Langdon (1820–1894) ****
DeLancey Astor Kane DeLancey Astor Kane (August 28, 1844 – April 4, 1915) was an American soldier and horseman who was prominent in New York Society during the Gilded Age. He was called the "father of coaching in the United States." Early life Kane was born on Au ...
(1844–1915) **** S. Nicholson Kane (1846–1906) ****
John Innes Kane John Innes Kane (July 29, 1850 – February 1, 1913) was an American explorer, scientist and philanthropist who was prominent in New York Society during the Gilded Age. Early life Kane was born in 1850, one of eight children born to Oliver DeLa ...
(1850–1913) ****Emily Astor Kane (1854–1932) ***** Peter Augustus Jay (1877–1933) ****** Susan Mary Jay (1918–2004) ****
Sybil Kent Kane Sybil Kent Kane (1856 – February 15, 1946) was an American socialite who was prominent in New York Society during the Gilded Age. Early life Kane was born at the family home on August 28, 1844, in Newport, Rhode Island. She was the second you ...
(1856–1946) ****
Woodbury Kane Woodbury Kane (February 8, 1859 – December 5, 1905) was a noted yachtsman and bon vivant, and member of Theodore Roosevelt's Rough Riders. A director of the Metropolitan Register Company, Kane served aboard the ''Columbia'' in the 1899 America' ...
(1859–1905)


Members by birth order

# John Jacob Astor Sr. (1763–1848) #
William Backhouse Astor Sr. William Backhouse Astor Sr. (September 19, 1792 – November 24, 1875) was an American business magnate who inherited most of his father John Jacob Astor's fortune. He worked as a partner in his father's successful export business. His massive in ...
(1792–1875) # Charles Astor Bristed Sr. (1820–1874) #
John Jacob Astor III John Jacob Astor III (June 10, 1822 – February 22, 1890) was an American financier, philanthropist and a soldier during the American Civil War. He was a prominent member of the Astor family, becoming the wealthiest member in his generation and ...
(1822–1890) #
William Backhouse Astor Jr. William Backhouse Astor Jr. (July 12, 1829 – April 25, 1892) was an American businessman, racehorse owner/breeder, and yachtsman who was a member of the prominent Astor family. His elder brother, financier and philanthropist John Jacob Astor II ...
(1829–1892) #
Matthew Astor Wilks Matthew Astor Wilks (March 3, 1844 – July 9, 1926) was an American clubman who was prominent in New York society during the Gilded Age. Early life Wilks was born in New York City on March 3, 1844. He was the one of seven children born to Matt ...
(1844–1926) #
DeLancey Astor Kane DeLancey Astor Kane (August 28, 1844 – April 4, 1915) was an American soldier and horseman who was prominent in New York Society during the Gilded Age. He was called the "father of coaching in the United States." Early life Kane was born on Au ...
(1844–1915) # S. Nicholson Kane (1846–1906) # William Waldorf Astor I (1848–1919) #
John Innes Kane John Innes Kane (July 29, 1850 – February 1, 1913) was an American explorer, scientist and philanthropist who was prominent in New York Society during the Gilded Age. Early life Kane was born in 1850, one of eight children born to Oliver DeLa ...
(1850–1913) #
Sybil Kent Kane Sybil Kent Kane (1856 – February 15, 1946) was an American socialite who was prominent in New York Society during the Gilded Age. Early life Kane was born at the family home on August 28, 1844, in Newport, Rhode Island. She was the second you ...
(1856–1946) #
Woodbury Kane Woodbury Kane (February 8, 1859 – December 5, 1905) was a noted yachtsman and bon vivant, and member of Theodore Roosevelt's Rough Riders. A director of the Metropolitan Register Company, Kane served aboard the ''Columbia'' in the 1899 America' ...
(1859–1905) #
Carrie Astor Wilson Caroline Schermerhorn Astor Wilson (October 10, 1861 – September 13, 1948) was an American heiress, social leader, and prominent member of New York society. Early life Caroline Schermerhorn Astor was born in New York City on October 10, 1861, a ...
(1861–1948) #
John Armstrong Chaloner John "Archie" Armstrong Chaloner (né Chanler; October 10, 1862 – June 1, 1935) was an American writer and activist, known for his catch phrase "Who's looney now?". Early life Chaloner was born John Armstrong Chanler on October 10, 1862 to Mar ...
(1862–1935) #
Winthrop Astor Chanler Winthrop Astor Chanler (October 14, 1863 – August 24, 1926) was an American sportsman and soldier who fought in the Spanish–American War and World War I. Chanler, a descendant of many prominent American families including the Dudley–Winthr ...
(1863–1926) # John Jacob "Jack" Astor IV (1864–1912, died in the sinking of the ''Titanic'') #Sasha Chanler (1866-1934) # William Astor "Willie" Chanler Sr. (1867–1934) # Lewis Stuyvesant Chanler Sr. (1869–1942) # Margaret Chanler Aldrich (1870–1963) #
Robert Winthrop Chanler Robert Winthrop Chanler (February 22, 1872 – October 24, 1930) was an American artist and member of the Astor and Dudley–Winthrop families. A designer and muralist, Chanler received much of his art training in France at the École des Beaux ...
(1872–1930) # Peter Augustus Jay (1877–1933) #
Waldorf Astor Waldorf Astor, 2nd Viscount Astor, DL (19 May 1879 – 30 September 1952) was an American-born English politician and newspaper proprietor. He was a member of the Astor family. He was active in minor political roles. He was devoted to charitab ...
(1879–1952) # James Roosevelt "Tadd" Roosevelt Jr. (1879–1958) # Marshall Orme Wilson Jr. (1885–1966) #
John Jacob Astor V Lieutenant-Colonel John Jacob Astor V, 1st Baron Astor of Hever, DL (20 May 1886 – 19 July 1971) was an American-born English newspaper proprietor, politician, sportsman, military officer, and a member of the Astor family. Biography Astor wa ...
(1886–1971) # William Vincent Astor (1891–1959) # Louis Zborowski (1895–1924) # Theodore Chanler (1902–1961) #
Ava Alice Muriel Astor Ava Alice Muriel Astor (July 7, 1902 – July 19, 1956) was an American heiress, socialite, and member of the Astor family. She was the daughter of John Jacob Astor IV and Ava Lowle Willing, and sister of Vincent Astor and half-sister of John J ...
(1902–1956) #
Jimmy Van Alen James Henry Van Alen II (September 19, 1902 – July 3, 1991) was an American tennis official and former player. Van Alen was a poet, musician, publisher, civic leader, and raconteur. He was best known for his influence of tennis, especially for ...
(1902–1991) # William Waldorf "Bill" Astor II (1907–1966) # Francis David Langhorne Astor (1912–2001) # John Jacob "Jakey" Astor VI (1912–1992) # Michael Langhorne Astor (1916–1980) # Susan Mary Jay (1918–2004) # John Jacob "Jakie" Astor VII (1918–2000) # Gavin Astor (1918–1984) # John Astor (1923–1987) # Prince Ivan Sergeyevich Obolensky (1925–2019) # Princess Sylvia Sergeyevna Obolensky (1931–1997) # Simon Bowes-Lyon (born 1932) #
Jane Heathcote-Drummond-Willoughby, 28th Baroness Willoughby de Eresby Nancy Jane Marie Heathcote-Drummond-Willoughby, 28th Baroness Willoughby de Eresby ( ; born 1 December 1934) is an English peer and member of the Astor family. She is a holder of the office of Lord Great Chamberlain, which is exercised by the ...
(born 1938) # John Jacob "Johnny" Astor VIII (born 1946) # William Waldorf Astor III (born 1951) # John Dalrymple, 14th Earl of Stair (born 1961)


Spouses by birth order

#
Vincent Rumpff Vincent II, Count von Rumpff (10 January 1789 – 13 February 1867) was a German diplomat who served as Minister of the Hanseatic cities to the United States and Paris. Early life Count von Rumpff was born on 10 January 1789 in Hamburg, German ...
(1789–1867): husband of Eliza Astor #
Franklin Hughes Delano Franklin Hughes Delano (July 27, 1813 – December 23, 1893) was an American merchant, diplomat and society man. Early life Delano was born in Dartmouth, Massachusetts on July 27, 1813 and grew up in Fairhaven. He was a son of Captain Warren Del ...
(1813–1893): husband of Laura Eugenia Astor # Samuel Cutler "Sam" Ward (1814–1884): husband of Emily Astor #
John Winthrop Chanler John Winthrop Chanler (September 14, 1826 – October 19, 1877) was a prominent New York lawyer and a U.S. Representative from New York. He was a member of the Dudley–Winthrop family and married Margaret Astor Ward, a member of the Astor family ...
(1826–1877): husband and widower of Margaret Astor Ward # Caroline Webster Schermerhorn (1830–1908): widow of
William Backhouse Astor Jr. William Backhouse Astor Jr. (July 12, 1829 – April 25, 1892) was an American businessman, racehorse owner/breeder, and yachtsman who was a member of the prominent Astor family. His elder brother, financier and philanthropist John Jacob Astor II ...
# James John Van Alen (1848–1923): husband and widower of Emily Astor #
Augustus Jay Augustus Jay (October 17, 1850 – December 25, 1919) was an American diplomat and member of the prominent Jay family. Early life Jay was born on October 17, 1850 in Washington, D.C. He was the only child of Peter Augustus Jay and Josephine (n� ...
(1850–1919): husband of Emily Astor Kane # James Roosevelt "Rosey" Roosevelt Sr. (1854–1927): husband and widower of Helen Schermerhorn Astor # Count William Eliot Morris Zborowski (1858–1903): 2nd husband of Margaret Laura Astor Carey #
Marshall Orme Wilson Marshall Orme Wilson (June 20, 1860 – April 1, 1926) was an American banker and prominent member of New York Society during the Gilded Age. Early life Wilson was born in Nashville, Tennessee, on June 20, 1860. He was the eldest surviving son ...
(1860–1926): husband of Caroline Schermerhorn Astor #
John Jay Chapman John Jay Chapman (March 2, 1862 – November 4, 1933) was an American author. Early life Chapman was born in New York City on March 2, 1862. He was a son of Henry Grafton Chapman Jr. (1833–1883), a broker who became president of the New York S ...
(1862–1933): husband of Elizabeth Astor Winthrop Chanler # Richard Aldrich (1863–1937): husband of
Margaret Livingston Chanler Margaret Livingston Chanler Aldrich (1870–1963) was an American philanthropist, poet, nurse, and woman's suffrage advocate. She served as a nurse with the American Red Cross during the Spanish–American War and Philippine–American War, trav ...
#
Amélie Louise Rives ''Amélie'' (also known as ''Le Fabuleux Destin d'Amélie Poulain''; ; en, The Fabulous Destiny of Amélie Poulain, italic=yes) is a 2001 French-language romantic comedy film directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet. Written by Jeunet with Guillaume L ...
(1863–1945): wife of
John Armstrong Chaloner John "Archie" Armstrong Chaloner (né Chanler; October 10, 1862 – June 1, 1935) was an American writer and activist, known for his catch phrase "Who's looney now?". Early life Chaloner was born John Armstrong Chanler on October 10, 1862 to Mar ...
#
Ava Lowle Willing Ava Lowle Willing (September 15, 1868 – June 9, 1958) was an American socialite. She was the first wife of Colonel John Jacob Astor IV and later married Thomas Lister, 4th Baron Ribblesdale. Early life Ava Lowle Willing was born on September ...
(1868–1958): 1st wife of John Jacob "Jack" Astor IV # Harriet Sylvia Ann Howland Green(1871–1951): wife and widow of
Matthew Astor Wilks Matthew Astor Wilks (March 3, 1844 – July 9, 1926) was an American clubman who was prominent in New York society during the Gilded Age. Early life Wilks was born in New York City on March 3, 1844. He was the one of seven children born to Matt ...
# Julia Remington Chamberlain (1872-1936):1st wife of Robert Winthrop Chanler and mother of his 2 children Dorothy and Julia # Natalina Cavalieri (1874–1944): 2nd wife of
Robert Winthrop Chanler Robert Winthrop Chanler (February 22, 1872 – October 24, 1930) was an American artist and member of the Astor and Dudley–Winthrop families. A designer and muralist, Chanler received much of his art training in France at the École des Beaux ...
#
Herbert Henry Spender-Clay Herbert Henry Spender-Clay, PC CMG DL JP (4 June 1875 – 15 February 1937) was an English soldier and Conservative Party politician. He sat in the House of Commons from 1910 to 1937. Early life Herbert Henry Spender-Clay was born on 4 Jun ...
(1875–1937): husband of Pauline Astor # Margaret Louise Post (1876–1969): wife and widow of James Laurens Van Alen # Robert Joseph Collier (1876–1918): husband of Sarah Steward Van Alen # Nancy Witcher Langhorne (1879–1964): widow of
Waldorf Astor Waldorf Astor, 2nd Viscount Astor, DL (19 May 1879 – 30 September 1952) was an American-born English politician and newspaper proprietor. He was a member of the Astor family. He was active in minor political roles. He was devoted to charitab ...
, first female British MP to sit in the house of commons. # Minnie W. Collins (1880–1946): widow of William Astor "Willie" Chanler # Julia Lynch Olin (1882–1961): 2nd wife and widow of
Lewis Stuyvesant Chanler Lewis Stuyvesant Chanler (September 24, 1869 in Newport, Rhode Island – February 28, 1942 in New York City) was an American lawyer and politician who served as Lieutenant Governor of New York from 1907 to 1908. Early life He was the fifth ...
# Theodore Douglas Robinson (1883–1934): husband of Helen Rebecca Roosevelt # Lawrence Grant White (1887–1956): husband of Laura Astor Chanler # Violet Mary Elliot-Murray-Kynynmound (1889–1965): wife of
John Jacob Astor V Lieutenant-Colonel John Jacob Astor V, 1st Baron Astor of Hever, DL (20 May 1886 – 19 July 1971) was an American-born English newspaper proprietor, politician, sportsman, military officer, and a member of the Astor family. Biography Astor wa ...
# Prince Sergei Platonovich Obolensky Neledinsky-Meletzky (1890–1978), 1st husband of
Ava Alice Muriel Astor Ava Alice Muriel Astor (July 7, 1902 – July 19, 1956) was an American heiress, socialite, and member of the Astor family. She was the daughter of John Jacob Astor IV and Ava Lowle Willing, and sister of Vincent Astor and half-sister of John J ...
#
Helen Dinsmore Huntington Helen Dinsmore Huntington Astor Hull (April 9, 1893 – December 11, 1976) was an American socialite, arts patron, and political hostess. Early life Helen Dinsmore Huntington was born on April 9, 1893, to Helen Gray Dinsmore (1868–1942) and ...
(1893–1976): 1st wife and widow of William Vincent Astor # Madeleine Talmage Force (1893–1940): 2nd wife and widow of John Jacob "Jack" Astor IV # Louis Bancel LaFarge (1900–1989): husband and widower of Hester Alida Emmet # Roberta Brooke Russell (1902–2007): 3rd wife and widow of William Vincent Astor # The Hon. Sir David Bowes Lyon (1902–1961): husband of Rachel Pauline Spender-Clay # Mary Benedict "Minnie" Cushing (1906–1978): 2nd wife of William Vincent Astor # John Aylmer Dalrymple, 13th Earl of Stair (1906-1996): husband of Davina Katherine Bowes-Lyon # Gilbert James Heathcote-Drummond-Willoughby, 3rd Earl of Ancaster (1907–1983): husband and widower of Nancy Phyllis Louise Astor # Joseph Wright Alsop V (1910–1989): 2nd husband of Susan Mary Jay # Irene Violet Freesia Janet Augusta Haig (1919–2001): widow of Gavin Astor # Hon. Sarah Kathleen Elinor Norton (1920–2013): 1st wife of William Waldorf "Bill" Astor II # Janet Bronwen Alun Pugh (1930–2017): 3rd wife and widow of William Waldorf "Bill" Astor II # Roderick McEwen (1932–1982): husband of Romana von Hofmannsthal # Annabel Lucy Veronica Jones (born 1948): wife of William Waldorf Astor III, mother-in-law of British PM
David Cameron David William Donald Cameron (born 9 October 1966) is a British former politician who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 2010 to 2016 and Leader of the Conservative Party from 2005 to 2016. He previously served as Leader o ...
# Elizabeth Constance "Liz" Mackintosh (born 1950): 2nd wife of John Jacob "Johnny" Astor VIII # Jools Miles Holland (born 1958): 2nd husband of Christabel Mary McEwen # Charles Henry Gordon-Lennox, 11th Duke of Richmond (born 1955): husband of Janet Elizabeth Astor # Edward Richard Lambton, 7th Earl of Durham (born 1961): 1st husband of Christabel Mary McEwen # Laura Rose Parker Bowles (born 1978): wife of Harry Marcus George Lopes


Lines of Succession to the Family Titles

Both in the
Peerage of the United Kingdom The Peerage of the United Kingdom is one of the five Peerages in the United Kingdom. It comprises most peerages created in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland after the Acts of Union in 1801, when it replaced the Peerage of Great ...
, the titles
Viscount Astor Viscount Astor, of Hever Castle in the County of Kent, is a title in the Peerage of the United Kingdom. It was created in 1917 for the financier and statesman William Waldorf Astor, 1st Baron Astor. He had already been created Baron Astor, of ...
, of Hever Castle in the County of Kent (1917), with subsidiary title Baron Astor, of Hever Castle in the County of Kent (1916), and
Baron Astor of Hever Baron Astor of Hever, of Hever Castle in the County of Kent, is a title in the Peerage of the United Kingdom. It was created in 1956 for John Jacob Astor, a prominent newspaper proprietor and Conservative politician. He was the fourth child of W ...
, of Hever Castle in the County of Kent (1956), were granted with the standard remainder to the legitimate male heirs of the bodies of the original grantees. Both of the current titleholders continue to sit in the House of Lords following the expulsion of the majority of the hereditary peers by the
House of Lords Act 1999 The House of Lords Act 1999 (c. 34) is an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom that reformed the House of Lords, one of the chambers of Parliament. The Act was given Royal Assent on 11 November 1999. For centuries, the House of Lords ...
. * ''The Right Hon. William Waldorf Astor, 1st Viscount Astor (1848 - 1919)'' ** ''The Right Hon.
Waldorf Astor, 2nd Viscount Astor Waldorf Astor, 2nd Viscount Astor, DL (19 May 1879 – 30 September 1952) was an American-born English politician and newspaper proprietor. He was a member of the Astor family. He was active in minor political roles. He was devoted to charitab ...
, DL (1879 - 1952)'' *** ''The Right Hon. William Waldorf Astor, 3rd Viscount Astor (1907 - 1966)'' **** ''The Right Hon.'' William Waldorf Astor, 4th Viscount Astor (b. 1951) ***** (1) ''The Hon.'' William Waldorf Astor (b. 1979) ****** (2) William Waldorf Astor (b. 2012) ****** (3) Conrad Charles Astor (b. 2016) ***** (4) ''The Hon.'' James Jacob Astor (b. 1981) *** '' The Hon. Francis David Langhorne Astor, CH (1912 - 2001)'' **** (5) Richard David Langhorne Astor (b. 1955) **** (6) Thomas Robert Langhorne Astor (b. 1962) *** '' The Hon. Michael Langhorne Astor (1916 - 1980)'' **** (7) David Waldorf Astor (b. 1943) ***** (8) Henry Waldorf Astor (b. 1969) ****** (9) George Astor (b. 1998) ****** (10) Jakie Astor (b. 2003) ****** (11) Charles Edgar Spence Astor (b. 2007) ****** (12) Michael Allstar Astor (b. 2009) ***** (13) Thomas Ludovic David Astor (b. 1972) ****** (14) Frederick Michael Astor (b. 2003) ****** (15) Vincent David Astor (b. 2009) **** (16) James Colonsay Langhorne Astor (b. 1945) ***** (17) Tobias Michael de Chazal Astor (b. 1980) ****** (18) Griffith Charles William Astor (b. 2016) *** ''
Major Major ( commandant in certain jurisdictions) is a military rank of commissioned officer status, with corresponding ranks existing in many military forces throughout the world. When used unhyphenated and in conjunction with no other indicato ...
Jakie Astor, The Hon. Sir John Jacob Astor, Order of the British Empire, MBE, Emergency Reserve Decoration, ERD (1918 - 2000)'' **** (19) Michael Ramon Langhorne Astor (b. 1946) ***** (20) James Edward Astor (b. 1976) ** ''The Right Hon. John Jacob Astor, 1st Baron Astor of Hever, Lt-Col John Jacob Astor, 1st Baron Astor of Hever, DL (1886 - 1971)'' *** ''The Right Hon. Gavin Astor, 2nd Baron Astor of Hever (1918 - 1984)'' **** (21) ''The Right Hon.'' John Astor, 3rd Baron Astor of Hever, John Jacob Astor, 3rd Baron Astor of Hever, Privy Council of the United Kingdom, PC, DL (b. 1946) ***** (1, 22) ''The Hon.'' Charles Gavin John Astor (b. 1990) **** (2, 23) ''The Hon.'' Philip Douglas Paul Astor (b. 1959) *** ''Lt-Col The Hon. Hugh Waldorf Astor (1920 - 1999)'' **** (3, 24) Robert Hugh Astor (b. 1958) ***** (4, 25) Nicholas Louis Robert Astor (b. 1996) ***** (5, 26) Jonathan Hugh Astor (b. 1997) **** (6, 27) James Alexander Waldorf Astor (b. 1965) ***** (7, 28) Alexander Richard Astor (b. 2000) *** ''John Astor (1923–1987), The Hon. John Astor (1923 - 1987)'' **** ''John Richard Astor (1953 - 2016)'' ***** (8, 29) Charles John Astor (b. 1982) **** (9, 30) George David Astor (b. 1958) ***** (10, 31) Thomas David Astor (b. 1987)


References


External links


The Astor Family Papers 1719-1943 at the New York Historical Society



The Astor Family Business
{{DEFAULTSORT:Astor family Astor family, Families of German ancestry Business families of the United States Political families of the United Kingdom German-American history Episcopalian families British families English families American landlords