Beschreibung:

Lot of 8, two signed by William B. Astor, son of John Jacob Astor. Five more are signed by the attorney of Charlotte A. Astor and Susan A. Gibbes, both "in her own right and as trustee." The last is signed by Daniel Lord as executor of John Jacob Astor. All appear to be leases for Astor commercial properties, expire 1869 (1), 1870 (2), 1871 (3) and 1872 (2). John Jacob Astor (1763-1848) was German-born (Johann Jakob), immigrating to America just after the Revolutionary War in 1784. He built a fur-trading empire extending through the Great Lakes. When his fur business was disrupted first by the 1807 Embargo Act and later the War of 1812, he entered the opium smuggling business. In the 19th century he started buying New York City real estate. By the 1830s he was exclusively buying and developing land, gambling that the next big economic "boom" would be New York. He became the first American millionaire, and one of the richest in American history. In retirement, he turned to philanthropy and patron of the arts, supporting the likes of John James Audubon and leaving nearly half a million to build a public library. In his will he left most of his estate to his second son, William Backhouse Astor, his first son, John Jacob Jr., being mentally "unstable." William B. married Margaret Armstrong Their son, John Jacob III married Charlotte Augusta Gibbes, daughter of Thomas and Susan Gibbes. John Jacob (Sr.) married Sarah Todd, who, though not from a wealthy family, had a business sense that John admired. She became a de facto partner in his business. Apparently the Astor men were attracted to women with a business sense, since Charlotte and Susan are acting partly "in their own right" managing some of the Astor real estate. William B. Astor signed these leases; Charlotte and Susan used lawyers to sign for them. Condition: As expected with some toning and separation of folds. Overall, very good.