Carrie Astor Wilson was a prominent American socialite and philanthropist in the early 20th century. Born into one of the wealthiest families in America, the Astors, she made a name for herself not only as a socialite but also as a champion of various charitable causes. In this biography, we will delve into her life story, her family background, her accomplishments, and her legacy.
Early Life and Family Background:
Carrie Astor Wilson was born on October 10, 1861, in Rhinebeck, New York, to William Backhouse Astor Jr. and Caroline Webster Schermerhorn. Her father was a prominent businessman and real estate investor, and her mother was a well-known socialite. The Astor family was one of the wealthiest and most influential families in America, and Carrie was raised in an atmosphere of privilege and luxury.
Carrie was the youngest of five children, and she had two brothers and two sisters. Her siblings were William Waldorf Astor, John Jacob Astor IV, Emily Astor, and Helen Schermerhorn Astor. As a child, Carrie was known for her intelligence and her love of books. She was educated at home by private tutors, and she developed a passion for history and literature.
Carrie Astor Wilson Personal Life:
In 1884, Carrie married Orme Wilson, a British diplomat, and they had two children together, a daughter named Ava Alice Muriel Astor Wilson and a son named Orme Wilson Jr. The couple lived in various parts of the world, including England, Egypt, and India, due to Orme’s diplomatic career.
Carrie was well-known in society circles, and she was a regular fixture at the most exclusive events in New York and Europe. She was a patron of the arts, and she supported many cultural institutions, including the Metropolitan Opera, the New York Public Library, and the American Museum of Natural History. Carrie was also a member of the Women’s Municipal League, which advocated for better living conditions for the poor in New York City.
Hobbies and Interests:
Carrie Astor Wilson was known for her love of literature and history, and she spent much of her free time reading and learning. She was also a patron of the arts and supported many cultural institutions, including the Metropolitan Opera, the New York Public Library, and the American Museum of Natural History.
In addition to her intellectual pursuits, Carrie was an accomplished equestrian and spent much of her time riding horses. She was also an avid collector of rare books and manuscripts and owned a significant collection of first-edition books and historical documents.
Carrie Astor Wilson Social Circle:
Carrie Astor Wilson was a prominent figure in society circles, and she was a regular fixture at the most exclusive events in New York and Europe. She was a member of the “Four Hundred,” a term used to describe the elite members of New York society in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Carrie was also close friends with many other prominent figures of the time, including Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, the founder of the Whitney Museum of American Art, and the novelist Edith Wharton. She was also known to be a mentor to young women, helping them navigate the complexities of high society and encouraging them to pursue their passions.
Philanthropy and Legacy:
Carrie was deeply committed to charitable causes, and she used her wealth and influence to help others. She was particularly interested in improving the lives of women and children, and she supported numerous organizations that worked towards these goals.
In 1898, Carrie founded the Lying-In Hospital in New York City, which provided medical care to women during pregnancy and childbirth. The hospital was later renamed the Mothers Hospital, and it is now part of the NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center.
Carrie was also a supporter of the Women’s School of Planning and Architecture, which was founded in 1916 and provided training for women in the field of urban planning. She donated funds for the construction of the school’s building, which is now part of Barnard College in New York City.
Carrie Astor Wilson died on September 13, 1948, at the age of 80. Her legacy lives on through the many organizations she supported, and her name is still remembered today as a symbol of philanthropy and social responsibility.
Carrie Astor Wilson Net Worth:
While there is no exact figure for Carrie Astor Wilson’s net worth, it is safe to say that she was born into one of the wealthiest families in America at the time. Her father, William Backhouse Astor Jr., was estimated to have a net worth of $87 million in 1875, which would be equivalent to approximately $2.3 billion in today’s dollars.
As a member of the Astor family, Carrie inherited a significant fortune, which she used to support numerous charitable causes throughout her life. However, unlike some of her family members, Carrie was not known for flaunting her wealth or living an extravagant lifestyle.
Instead, she focused on using her resources to make a positive impact on the world around her. She founded the Lying-In Hospital, which provided medical care to women in need, and she supported the Women’s School of Planning and Architecture, which helped women break into a male-dominated field.
Overall, while the exact figure of Carrie Astor Wilson’s net worth is unknown, it is clear that she used her wealth in a way that reflected her values and made a difference in the lives of many people.
Conclusion:
Carrie Astor Wilson was a remarkable woman who used her wealth and influence to make a positive difference in the world. She was a dedicated philanthropist, a passionate advocate for women and children, and a patron of the arts. Her legacy continues to inspire others to make a difference, and her name will always be associated with generosity, compassion, and social responsibility.
For further information, you can check out Carrie Astor Wilson’s profile on Wikipedia, which includes a detailed biography and a table of her family members and accomplishments.
