Ritzy Facts About Vincent Astor, The Overnight Millionaire
A Generous Tycoon
Born out of tragedy, Vincent Astor’s instantaneous wealth was more than he knew what to do with—but he had a few ideas.
1. His Parents Were Wealthy
The world has seen a lot of millionaires since the Industrial Revolution, but one proved himself different than many of the other greedy or corrupt 1%. William Vincent Astor—known simply as Vincent—was born in 1891 to the wealth of his parents, John Jacob Astor IV and Ava Lowle Willing.
This prosperity stretched back generations.
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2. His Family Had A History
With their business dealings in America dating back to the late 1700s, the Astor family became financial giants by the 19th century. From fur trading to owning land, the Astors were shrewd businessmen who only seemed to get richer.
Vincent's father was no different.
3. He Was A Father And Businessman
Vincent’s father, John Jacob Astor IV, was every bit as successful as his predecessors, mostly due to his business as a real estate developer. He accumulated massive wealth, but never let it stop him from being present with his son.
Unfortunately, his mother wasn’t exactly the parental type.
4. His Mother Was Cruel
By all accounts, Ava Lowle Willing was a dispassionate mother at best and a cruel one at worst. She seemed to despise her marriage, and subsequently, the child that came from it.
Thankfully, Vincent and his father had a different relationship.
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