John Jacob Astor IV, Who Died on the Titanic, Donates Money to a Widow and Her Children
At age 25, he writes, I “prefer not have my name used, for I am overrun by letters from people in want”
Philip H. Welch was a well-loved humorist whose works and sketches were published frequently in Puck, Life, Harper’s Bazaar and other major magazines and newspapers of the day. In 1889 he died prematurely at age 40, leaving a wife and small children. Edward P. Clark was a newspaperman who knew Welch well,...
Philip H. Welch was a well-loved humorist whose works and sketches were published frequently in Puck, Life, Harper’s Bazaar and other major magazines and newspapers of the day. In 1889 he died prematurely at age 40, leaving a wife and small children. Edward P. Clark was a newspaperman who knew Welch well, and he instituted a project to raise funds for the support of the widow and children. He wrote many notables asking for contributions, and one of those was John Jacob Astor IV.
Astor was a prominent member of the Astor family, and was active in the business of real estate and finance. He responded to Clark by making a donation, but seeking anonymity. Autograph letter signed, on “Office of William Astor” stationery, New York, February 21, 1889. “Dear Sir, It gives me great pleasure to enclose a check for $25 for the “Welch Memorial Fund,” but prefer not have my name used, for I am overrun by letters from people in want when it appears in print.” Autographs of Astor IV are not common.
In 1912, at the age of 48, Astor boarded a large vessel bound for New York at the end of a trip to France. The name of that vessel was the Titanic, and he was the richest person on board. On April 15, when the Titanic sank, he was one of those who did not survive.
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