What is william backhouse astor iii?

William Backhouse Astor III (June 12, 1829 – April 25, 1892) was an American businessman, investor, and philanthropist. He was born into the wealthy Astor family and inherited a large fortune from his father, William Backhouse Astor Jr.

Astor was involved in various business ventures, including real estate, railroads, and banking. He was known for his conservative financial approach and was considered one of the richest men in America during his time.

In addition to his business activities, Astor was also a philanthropist and donated significant amounts of money to various causes, including public libraries and hospitals. He also served as a trustee for several educational institutions, including Columbia University and the American Museum of Natural History.

Astor was married twice and had six children. He passed away in 1892 at the age of 62, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most prominent members of the Astor family and a significant figure in American business and philanthropy.