(1822-90) Born in New York City, he was the wealthiest member of the Astor family in his generation. Attended Columbia University, and Harvard Law School. During the Civil War he served as an aide-de-camp on the staff of General General George B. McClellan with the rank of colonel. He was brevetted brigadier general for his services during the 1862 Virginia Peninsular campaign. A capitalist and philanthropist, he dabbled in railroad investment, but his principal business interest was the vast Astor Estate real estate holdings in New York City.
Wet plate, albumen carte de visite photograph, mounted to 2 3/8 x 4 card. Bust view in uniform with rank of colonel. Signed in ink on the front, J.J. Astor, Col. & A.D.C. Brady, Washington imprint on the front mount. Some mounting traces on the reverse. Light age toning. Scarce.
