John Jacob ASTOR was a German-American fur merchant and entrepreneur who became one of the wealthiest people in the United States during the early 19th century. He was born in Germany in 1763 and immigrated to the United States in 1784. ASTOR established a successful fur trading business, which eventually grew into a vast empire that included real estate, shipping, and other investments. He is remembered as one of the most influential figures in American history and is credited with helping to shape the country's economy.