John Jacob Astor

Who was Colonel John Jacob Astor IV?

Colonel John Jacob Astor IV was one of the wealthiest and most prominent passengers aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic. Born on July 13, 1864, in Rhinebeck, New York, Astor was a real estate developer, inventor, and a member of the famous Astor family. He perished in the Titanic disaster at the age of 47 (forty-seven), leaving behind a legacy as one of America’s most notable business tycoons of the early 20th century.

Early Life and Family Heritage

A Scion of American Wealth

John Jacob Astor IV was born into immense privilege as the great-grandson of John Jacob Astor, the fur trader who became America’s first multi-millionaire. His father, William Astor, continued to expand the family’s vast real estate holdings, setting the stage for young John Jacob’s future endeavors.

Education and Formative Years

Astor received an elite education befitting his social status:

• Attended St. Paul’s School in Concord, New Hampshire
• Graduated from Harvard University
• Embarked on a grand tour of Europe (1888-1891), broadening his worldview

This educational foundation, combined with his family’s resources, prepared Astor for a life of business, innovation, and societal influence.

Business Ventures and Innovations

Real Estate Empire

Following in his family’s footsteps, Astor made significant contributions to New York City’s skyline:

1. Built the Astoria Hotel in 1897, which later merged with the Waldorf Hotel to become the famous Waldorf-Astoria
2. Developed the Hotel St. Regis in 1904
3. Constructed the Knickerbocker Hotel in 1906

These luxury establishments cemented the Astor name in the annals of New York’s hospitality industry.

Inventive Spirit

Astor wasn’t content with merely managing his inherited wealth. He displayed a keen interest in technology and innovation:

• Invented a bicycle brake in 1898
• Contributed to the development of turbine engines
• Created a pneumatic road-improver
• Authored a science fiction novel, “A Journey in Other Worlds” (1894)

These pursuits demonstrated Astor’s multifaceted interests and his desire to leave his mark beyond real estate.

Military Service and Patriotism

Astor’s sense of duty led him to serve his country:

• Became Colonel-staff to General Levi P. Morton
• Commissioned as a lieutenant colonel in the US volunteers during the Spanish-American War (1898)
• Offered his yacht, Nourmahal, for government use
• Equipped a mountain battery of artillery for the war effort

His military service added another layer to his already distinguished profile in American society.

Personal Life and Controversy

First Marriage and Divorce

On May 1, 1891, Astor married Ava Lowle Willing. The union produced two children:

• William Vincent Astor
• Ava Alice Muriel Astor

However, the marriage ended in divorce in 1909, setting the stage for a scandalous second union.

A Controversial Second Marriage

In September 1911, Astor shocked society by marrying 18-year-old Madeleine Talmage Force, who was younger than his son. The 47-year-old Astor’s decision sparked widespread controversy and gossip. To escape the public scrutiny, the newlyweds embarked on an extended honeymoon abroad, visiting Egypt and Paris.

The Fateful Titanic Journey

Boarding the Unsinkable Ship

In the spring of 1912, the Astors decided to return to America aboard the RMS Titanic. They boarded at Cherbourg, France, accompanied by:

• Astor’s valet, Mr. Victor Robbins
• Mrs. Astor’s maid, Miss Rosalie Bidois
• Mrs. Astor’s nurse, Miss Caroline Louise Endres
• Their pet Airedale, Kitty

Titanic Ticket Details:

• Ticket number: PC 17757
• Cost: £224 10s 6d (equivalent to approximately $26,000 today)
• Cabin: C-Deck (likely C-62-64 or C-17-21, though debate continues)

The Night of the Disaster

On the night of April 14, 1912, Astor’s actions during the Titanic’s sinking revealed both his calm demeanor and his ultimate bravery:

1. Initially dismissive of the danger, saying, “We are safer here than in that little boat.”
2. Later helped his pregnant wife into Lifeboat 4, ensuring her safety
3. Asked Second Officer Lightoller if he could join his wife due to her “delicate condition”
4. Stepped back when told that no men could board until all women were evacuated
5. Last seen standing alone on the deck as the ship’s stern rose out of the water

Recovery and Final Resting Place

Astor’s body was recovered on April 22, 1912, by the cable ship Mackay-Bennett. The details of his recovery paint a poignant picture of his final moments:

Body Number: 124

Description:

• Male
• Estimated age: 50
• Light hair and mustache

Clothing:

• Blue serge suit
• Blue handkerchief with “A.V.”
• Belt with gold buckle
• Brown boots with red rubber soles
• Brown flannel shirt
• “J.J.A.” on back of collar

Effects:

• Gold watch
• Cuff links (gold with diamond)
• Diamond ring with three stones
• £225 in English notes
• $2,440 in notes
• £5 in gold
• 7s. in silver
• 5 ten franc pieces
• Gold pencil
• Pocketbook

Astor’s body was delivered to Mr. N. Biddle and forwarded to New York City on May 1, 1912. He was laid to rest at Trinity Cemetery in New York, his final chapter closing in the city he had helped shape.

John Jacob Astor IV’s life and death encapsulate the grandeur and tragedy of the Gilded Age. His legacy as a businessman, inventor, and Titanic passenger continues to fascinate historians and the public alike, a testament to the enduring