Mr. and Mrs. John Jacob Astor
By: Kathleen Mullin  

 
John Jacob Astor was born on July 18^th, 1864 in Rhinebeck, New York. His father was William Aster and his great grandfather was John Jacob Astor, a wealthy fur trader. He was educated at St. Paul's School, then went to Harvard and took a career as a property and real state developer, writer, and inventor. He became a millionaire, and bought two homes; one at 840 5th avenue, New York and the other at Fern cliff, Rhinebeck, New York. He married his first wife in 1891 and divorced her in 1909. Then two years later, he married Madeline Astor, an 18 year old woman. This was thought to be improper for a man of 47.                  

Madeline Astor was born on June 19, 1893 to Hurlbut Force and Katherine Arvilla Tamlage in Brooklyn, New York. She was educated in Europe and Connecticut and also was a popular member of Junior League. She was never employed. Then she married John in 1911 when she was 18.  

After their wedding, John and Madeline Astor decided to take the Titanic back

home from their honeymoon to Egypt and Paris. They embarked at Cherbourg as first class passengers. John, Madeline, and their servants, Mr. Victor Robbins, Miss Rosalie Bidois, and Miss Caroline Louise Endres occupied cabins C62 to C64 on ticket 17757.  When the ship hit the iceberg, John said 'we are safer here than in that little boat' to his pregnant wife.  Then they went to the gymnasium and John showed his wife the inside of a spare lifebelt. But at 1:45 he changed his mind, and let Madeline board life boat 4. John asked if he could board the life boat because his wife was in a delicate condition. Madeline was rescued by the Carpathia, but John perished in the sinking.     

Then in August, 1912 Madeline gave birth to her son John Jacob Aster, who was named after his father. During World War I she married William K. Dick. Together they had two sons, William F. and John H. Dick. Unfortunately, they divorced in 1933 at Reno, Nevada. Finally, she married prize-fighter Enzo Fiermonte. Then in 1940, she died at age 47 in Palm Beach, Florida.     

 Works Cited

 "Colonel John Jacob Astor." Encyclopedia Titanica. 2 Apr. 2008 <http://www.encyclopedia-titanica.org/biography/11/>.

"Madeleine Force Astor." Internet Accuracy Project. 2 Apr. 2008 <http://www.accuracyproject.org/cbe-Astor,MadeleineForce.html>.

Madeline Force Astor. Find a Grave. 2 Apr. 2008 <http://s3.amazonaws.com/findagrave/photos/2002/288/6596962
_1034753598.jpg>.

"Mrs. Madeleine Talmage Astor." Encyclopedia Titanica. 2 Apr. 2008 <http://www.encyclopedia-titanica.org/biography/12/>. 

John Jacob Astor. Titanic. 2 Apr. 2008 <http://www.absolutejournalist.com/titanic/famouspeople/pictures/jjastor.jpg>.