Fur magnate ASTOR is a reference to John Jacob ASTOR IV, an American businessman and real estate builder who was one of the wealthiest people in the world during the late 19th century. He made his fortune through fur trading and investments in real estate. He was also a philanthropist, donating large sums of money to various charities. ASTOR was a major figure in the development of New York City and was a prominent member of the ASTOR family.