William Backhouse Astor Sr. | |
|---|---|
 Astor, c. 1850 | |
| Born | William Backhouse Astor September 19, 1792 |
| Died | November 24, 1875 (aged 83) New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Burial place | Trinity Church Cemetery, New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Education | Columbia College University of Göttingen University of Heidelberg |
| Spouse |
Margaret Alida Rebecca Armstrong
(m. 1818; died 1872) |
| Children | 7, including John and William Jr. |
| Parent(s) | John Jacob Astor Sarah Cox Todd |
| Relatives | See Astor family |
| Signature | |
 | |
William Backhouse Astor Sr. (September 19, 1792 – November 24, 1875) was an American business magnate who inherited most of his father John Jacob Astor's fortune. He worked as a partner in his father's successful export business. His massive investment in Manhattan real estate enabled major donations to the Astor Library in the East Village, which became the New York Public Library.