John Jacob Astor IV Born July 13, 1864 in Rhinebeck, New York, John Jacob Astor IV was born into one of the most prosperous families in America. He was an American businessman, real estate developer, investor, inventor, writer, Philanthropist, and a lieutenant colonel in the Spanish American War. The beginning of the Astor family originated from Italian and German roots. Settling in North America in the 18th century. John Jacob Astor, the first, was one of the wealthiest people in history. Their family's fur trading company established a fur trading post on the Columbia river at Fort Astoria. This was the first United States community on the Pacific coast. This community played a key role in English and American territorial claims. John Jacob …show more content…
His father William Astor was a businessman, collector and a racehorse breeder. His mother Caroline Astor was a part of the New York Society. As a child, John Astor IV attended the most prestigious schools in all of New York. Being the only son of the family, they shaped him from a very early age to take over the family business. John Jacob Astor inherited a vast family fortune when he was eighteen. However, he did not take that money, he got good grades and even got accepted into Harvard. John Jacob Astor IV graduated from Harvard University in 1888 with a degree in law. However, he decided not to pursue law. He then found success as a writer, publishing science fiction novels. Shortly after, he began working for a real estate firm, playing an important role in the development of his family's hotel, the (Astoria Hotel) in New York City. In addition to writing and real estate, he was a passionate philanthropist and inventor. He held patents for the turbine engine, the life preserver, and the bicycle break, In 1891 he decided to marry Ava Lowle Willing, creating a power couple that captivated the New York High …show more content…
Their marriage was not perfect, rumors of infidelity, however, they stayed together. In 1912, the start of their ill-fated journey began. John and his pregnant wife decide to take a honeymoon trip to Egypt. Known as the wealthiest man of the time, his trip was extravagant and luxurious. Making the best of their trip, they had private tours of the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. Traveling all across the Nile river. They experienced the exotic allure of the Cairo. After experiencing all of Europe the Astors made their way back to America, on April 10th, 1912 the couple boarded the Titanic. This ship is known as the pinnacle of luxury. Known for its lavish amenities and cutting-edge technology. John Jacob Astor and his wife stayed in first class accommodations. They used the luxurious places provided by their status on the ship. However, on the night of April, the 14th tragedy struck and the unsinkable ship hit an iceberg. As the ship was going down, eyewitnesses described Astor’s calm demeanor and courage in the face of disaster. He sacrificed himself so that his wife, who was pregnant at the time, and others could