John Jacob Astor

John Jacob Astor

An Unwritten Chapter

by Calvin I. Hoy, L.L.B.

Preface

The publisher attempts to answer one question which has occupied many people for three quarters of a century. The Emerick family belonged to the early immigrants in America. They settled in New York and in Pennsylvania. Many of them fought in the Revolutionary War. Later they emigrated to Maryland, Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. When the West opened up, they followed the pioneer trek to the Pacific Coast. Now they are dwelling in 42 states (1936).

The most important member of the Emerick Family was John Nicholas Emerick.

During the time of the early settlers, he was a pioneer fur trader. During Astor's first trip to America he met the young John Jacob Astor. Since they were from the same country, a long friendship developed between them. Emerick interested Astor in the fur trade, and as soon as he arrived in New York and settled, he took up this trade. They worked together for a few years, which led to a partnership, that lasted for 29 years. The Emerick's of his generation were aware of this connection as well as about their success. After Emerick had died, he dropped out of the picture. Astor gained great wealth and great power in the fur trade. He came to be known as America's first millionaire as well as the richest man in the Nation. The old Emerick's are leaving the scene. The younger generations spread across the prairies, mining fields, into new areas, where they had lost the contact with John Nicholas and Astor. They seldom heard from their own relatives and friends.

Due to the case hearings, the publications, old suitcases were opened and checked for documents and papers. Books about Astor's life were read. History books were looked up for information on those early days. From coast to coast Emerick's inspected their old suitcases and inheritances. Older Emerick's, who were still alive, were asked, to get living proof as far back as possible. Several were over 80 years old, one of them even 90. The story of parties from over 150 years are hard to show. Many pieces of proof got lost, were destroyed, in attics and basements where they were stored to give way for new documents and files. This is the way they handle it with public registries. The material that surfaced during those searches is presented in this book.


Last Update: 16Oct97 Email: D.L.Emrick

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