William Waldorf Astor, 1st Viscount Astor
| The Viscount Astor | |
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William Waldorf Astor, 1st Viscount Astor
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| Personal details | |
| Born |
William Waldorf Astor March 31, 1848 New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Died | October 18, 1919 (aged 71) Brighton, Sussex, England |
| Cause of death | heart failure |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse(s) | Mary Dahlgren Paul (m. 1878—1894; her death) |
| Relations | See Astor family |
| Children |
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| Parents | John Jacob Astor III and Charlotte Augusta Gibbes |
William Waldorf "Willy" Astor, 1st Viscount Astor (March 31, 1848 – October 18, 1919) was a wealthy American-born attorney, politician, businessman, and newspaper publisher. He moved with his family to England in 1891, became a British subject in 1899, and was made a peer as Baron Astor in 1916 and Viscount Astor in 1917 for his contributions to war charities. He was a prominent member of the Astor family.
William Waldorf Astor was born in New York City. He was the only child of financier and philanthropist John Jacob Astor III (1822–1890) and Charlotte Augusta Gibbes (1825–1887). His childhood was spent in Germany and in Italy under the care of private tutors and a governess. He grew up in a cold and distant household.
In his early adult years, Astor returned to the United States and began studies at Columbia Law School. He was called to the United States Bar in 1875. He worked for a short time in law practice and in the management of his father's estate of financial and real estate holdings.
Astor married Mary Dahlgren Paul (born 1858, died 22 December 1894) on 6 June 1878. She is buried in Trinity Church Cemetery. They had five children:
After some time practising law, Astor thought he had found his true calling and an opportunity to make a name for himself outside of his family's fortune by entering the political realm. In 1877, with his eyes set on the United States Congress, Astor entered New York City politics as a Republican.
He was elected as a member of the New York State Assembly (New York Co., 11th D.) in 1878; and of the New York State Senate (10th D.) in 1880 and 1881. Astor was likely supported by the boss of the New York State Republican machine, the notorious Roscoe Conkling, with whom his family was involved.
In 1881, Astor was defeated by Roswell P. Flower as a candidate for the United States Congress. A second attempt at the seat also resulted in defeat. He could not compete with his Democratic opponent, Flower, and his shy nature could not handle the political attacks on his character. This was the end of his political career. The press used his political failures as fodder for more harsh criticisms. The press had already publicized his vast inheritance.
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