William Waldorf Astor, the capitalist and author, born in New York
city, March 31, 1848 is the son of the noted John Jacob and Charlotte
Augusta (Gibbs) Astor. He was educated chiefly by private tutors, among
whom was a professor of the University of Marburg. At the age of 23 he
was taken into the offices of the Astor estate in order to master the
details of each department. Recognizing the need of a thorough legal
education, he studied for two years in the Columbia Law School, being
admitted to the bar in May, 1875. His father being convinced of the
son’s exceptional business ability, subsequently gave him absolute
control over all of his property. In 1877 Mr. Astor was elected a
member of the New York state legislature from the Eleventh Assembly
District, defeating the Tammany Hall and the Independent Democratic
candidates. In 1879 he was elected to the state senate and in 1881
was nominated for congress in the district formerly represented by
Levi P. Morton, but was defeated by Roswell P. Flower. In August,
1882, President Chester A. Arthur appointed Mr. Astor Minister to
Italy. While in Rome he spent much time in studying the early history
of the country, and on returning home, in 1885, published his novel,
Valentino, which embodies his researches in the mediæval history of
Italy. His later novel, Sforza, also deals with Italy in the Middle
Ages. Mr. Astor has built the New Netherlands hotel, on Fifth avenue
and Fifty-ninth street, New York city, and Hotel Waldorf Astoria, the
latter on the site of the old Astor residence. In September, 1890, Mr.
Astor moved to London, England, where he has entered upon a notable
career in journalism. He now owns the Pall Mall Gazette, and has
founded the Pall Mall Magazine. He is and has been a stockholder and
director in several American railroads. He has other interests outside
of his vast real estate holdings. On June 6, 1878, he was married to
Mary Dahlgren, daughter of James W. Paul, of Philadelphia, Pa. Mrs.
Astor died in 1894.