The Astor family, founded by the jewish German immigrant, John Jacob Astor and his wife Sarah Todd, became the wealthiest family in the United States during the 19th century. Towards the end of that century, a branch moved to England and achieved great prominence there. As the 20th century wore on the family fortunes declined, but their legacy lives on in their many public works including the New York Public Library, and members of the British branch hold two hereditary peerages, a viscountcy and a barony.

John Jacob Astor's brother also immigrated to America. Henry Astor, a horse racing enthusiast, purchased a thoroughbred named Messenger who had been brought from England in 1788. The horse became the founding sire of all Standardbred horses in the United states today.

Beyond the famous hotels, the Astor family name is imprinted in a great deal of United States history and geography. There is a town of Astor in the states of Florida, Georgia, Iowa, and Kansas and there are Astorias in Illinois, Missouri, New York, and Oregon. There is an Astor Park in Florida and an Astor Court and Astor Place in New York City and a large number of town and city thoroughfares bearing the family name.

A number of Astor family members are buried in Trinity Church Cemetery in Manhattan, New York.

Astor Family members

Listed By Ancestry/Generation:

• John Jacob Astor (1763-1848)
  • John Jacob Astor II (1791-1869)
  • William Backhouse Astor, Sr. (1792-1875)
    • John Jacob Astor III (1822-1890) 1st son of William
      • William Waldorf Astor, 1st Viscount Astor (1848-1919)
        • William Waldorf Astor, 2nd Viscount Astor (1879-1952)
        • John Jacob Astor, 1st Baron Astor of Hever (1886-1971)
          • William Waldorf Astor, 3rd Viscount Astor (1907-1966)
            • David Astor (1912-1992)
    • William Backhouse Astor, Jr. (1830-1892) 2nd son of William
      • John Jacob Astor IV (1864-1912)
        • William Vincent Astor (1891-1959) son by 1st wife
        • John Jacob Astor VI (1912-1992) son by 2nd wife
          • William Backhouse III (born 1935)

Listed Alphabeticaly:

By Birth

• David Astor (1912-1992)
• John Jacob Astor (1763-1848)
• John Jacob Astor II (1791-1869)
• John Jacob Astor III (1822-1890)
• John Jacob Astor IV (1864-1912)
• John Jacob Astor VI (1912-1992)
• John Jacob Astor V (1886-1971) 1st Baron Astor of Hever
• Michael Langhorne Astor (1916-1980), writer, politician
• William Vincent Astor (1891-1959)
• William Backhouse Astor, Sr. (1792-1875)
• William Backhouse Astor, Jr. (1830-1892)
• William Waldorf Astor, 1st Viscount Astor (1848-1919)
• William Waldorf Astor, 2nd Viscount Astor (1879-1952)
• William Waldorf Astor, 3rd Viscount Astor (1907-1966)

By marriage:

• Brooke Russell Marshall Astor (1902- )
• Caroline Webster Schermerhorn Astor (1830-1908)
• Madeleine Astor (1894-1940)
• Nancy, Lady Astor (1879-1964)