February 22

John Jacob Astor III (1822–1890) was a prominent member of the Astor family who oversaw extensive real estate investments in New York City and diversified assets in railroads and telegraph companies. He served as a colonel in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Astor was a passionate philanthropist whose endowments funded the Astor Library, which later became part of the New York Public Library, as well as hospitals and churches. His leadership in business and charity solidified the Astor name as synonymous with civic responsibility. Astor’s legacy endures through libraries and institutions that continue to benefit from his generosity.

Harriet Converse Moody (1857–1932) managed her family’s enterprises in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, using her resources to champion the arts. She helped establish local art societies and organized exhibitions that brought together artists, collectors, and the public. Moody provided financial assistance and advice to emerging painters and sculptors, fostering a vibrant cultural environment. Through her philanthropic efforts, she contributed to the growth of museums and art schools in her region. Though details of her business ventures remain lesser-known, her legacy as a patron endures in the institutions she helped support.