Astor, John Jacob

Astor, John Jacob. Born in Germany in 1763 and came to New York as an orphan in 1784. He became very wealthy in the fur trade (Astoria, Oregon is named for him) and in New York real estate. He founded the Astor Library which is now a part of the Public Library in New York City and gave the Government financial assistance in the W*r of 1812. He helped form Holland Lodge No. 8, one of the oldest lodges in New York State, and was its Master in 1798 and served as Treasurer of the Grand Lodge from 1798 to 1801. He was also a Knight Templar and served as Secretary of his Commandery. He died in New York March 29, 1848.