John Jacob Astor I as an old man - John Jacob Astor (born Johann Jakob or Johann Jacob Astor) (July 17, 1763 - March 29, 1848) was the first prominent member of the Astor family and the first millionaire in the United States. He was the creator of the first trust in America, from which he made his fortune in fur trading, real estate, and opium.- The Astor family is a significant American business, social and political family of German descent, that became the wealthiest family un the USA. Towards the end of the 19th century, a branch moved to England and achieved great prominence there. Family fortunes declines but their legacy lives on in their many public works. ?TopFoto