My background in genealogy has instilled in me a profound respect for the family histories similar to Marjorie Merriweather Post’s. Through my professional knowledge, I feel I have gained insight into the significant influence of her legacy.
My personal connection to this topic began while researching American entrepreneurial dynasties. Marjorie, as a pivotal figure, caught my interest. Tracing her lineage, I discovered how each marriage intricately wove into the fabric of her vast empire. Her descendants, much like branches of a grand oak, continue to extend her influence across various societal realms.
It’s a story that reflects not just a family tree, but the growth of American heritage itself.
Key Takeaways
- Marjorie Merriweather Post’s parents were C. W. Post and Ella Letitia Merriweather, who played crucial roles in shaping her character and future.
- Marjorie had four significant marriages and had a total of four children from these marriages, including Adelaide Breevort Close, Eleanor Post Close, and Dina Merrill (born Nedenia Marjorie Hutton).
- Marjorie Merriweather Post’s descendants have carried on her legacy and dedication to philanthropy, supporting the arts and educational institutions.
- Marjorie’s business and estate holdings, such as the Postum Cereal Company, Mar-a-Lago, Camp Topridge, and Hillwood Estate, reflected her success, taste, and love for art and nature.
| Name | Family Status | Related To |
|---|---|---|
| Marjorie Merriweather Post | Matriarch | — |
| E.F. Hutton | Second Husband | Marjorie Merriweather Post |
| Eleanor Post Hutton | Daughter | Marjorie Merriweather Post & E.F. Hutton |
| Adelaide Breevort Close | Daughter | Marjorie Merriweather Post & Edward Bennett Close |
| Eleanor Close Barzin | Granddaughter | Adelaide Breevort Close |
| Edward Bennett Close | First Husband | Marjorie Merriweather Post |
| Dina Merrill (Nedenia Hutton) | Daughter | Marjorie Merriweather Post & E.F. Hutton |
| Joseph E. Davies | Third Husband | Marjorie Merriweather Post |
| Herbert A. May | Fourth Husband | Marjorie Merriweather Post |
Early Ancestry and Parents
Amidst the lineage of entrepreneurs and innovators, you’ll find Marjorie Merriweather Post’s parents, C. W. Post and Ella Letitia Merriweather, who laid the foundation for her eventual prominence as a businesswoman and philanthropist. The family trees of the Posts and Merriweathers are rich with the entrepreneurial spirit that would define Marjorie’s life.
Merriweather Post was born into this world of innovation and business acumen in Springfield, Illinois. Her father, a successful businessman, and her mother, a guiding force in her life, both played crucial roles in shaping her character and future. It’s their influence that steered her towards becoming the owner of the Postum Cereal Company at the young age of 27, setting her on the path to greatness.
Marriages and Spouses
You’ll discover that Marjorie Merriweather Post, throughout her lifetime, entered into four significant marriages, each contributing uniquely to her family tree and personal history. Here’s how her marital journey unfolded:
- *Edward Bennett Close (1905-1919)*
- Ended in divorce
- Children: Adelaide Breevort Close, Eleanor Post Close
- *Edward Francis Hutton (1920-1935)*
- Also ended in divorce
- Child: Actress Dina Merrill (born Nedenia Marjorie Hutton)
- *Joseph E. Davies (1935-1955)*
- Divorced after two decades
- No children from this union
- *Herbert A. May (1958-1964)*
- The final marriage, ending in divorce as well
- No additional children
Each relationship left its mark on the Marjorie Merriweather Post family tree, intertwining with her personal narrative and the legacies she left behind.
Children and Descendants
Frequently, you’ll find that Marjorie Merriweather Post’s legacy is most vividly reflected in the lives of her four children and their subsequent families. Each offspring carried a piece of the Marjorie MERRIWEATHER Post heritage, branching out into a family tree rich with diverse achievements and contributions.
As heiress to a fortune worth about US, Marjorie’s children and descendants have navigated their paths under the weight and privilege of their inheritance. Adelaide Brevoort Close and Eleanor Post Close were her daughters from earlier unions. Through subsequent marriages, she also welcomed Dina Merrill and Nedenia Marjorie into the fold.
This family continues to influence social, cultural, and financial spheres, cementing the Post legacy for generations.
Significant Heirs and Legacies
As you explore the significant heirs and legacies of the Marjorie Merriweather Post family tree, you’ll discover that her children’s achievements and philanthropic endeavors have left an indelible mark on society.
- Marjorie Merriweather Post:
- Owner of the rapidly growing Postum Cereal Company
- Philanthropist and first alumna trustee of Mount Vernon Seminary and College
Her descendants have continued her legacy, not only upholding the family’s business acumen but also their dedication to giving back. From supporting the arts to contributing to educational institutions, they’ve ensured that Marjorie’s philanthropic spirit remains alive.
Her estate, Hillwood, stands as a testament to her love for art and continues to be a cultural treasure for the public.
Business and Estate Holdings
Your exploration of the Merriweather Post heritage takes you now to the vast business and estate holdings that formed the backbone of her empire and personal legacy. She wasn’t just the owner of General Foods; she was a visionary who expanded the Postum Cereal Company into an industrial and social powerhouse. Her estate holdings weren’t merely homes; they were monuments of her success and taste.
| Estate Holdings | Emotional Significance |
|---|---|
| Mar-a-Lago | Opulent winter retreat that encapsulates the grandeur of the Post legacy. |
| Camp Topridge | A serene escape, reflecting her deep appreciation for nature’s majesty. |
| Hillwood Estate | A treasure trove of art and history, inviting awe and reverence for her cultural contributions. |
Each location isn’t just a pinpoint on a map; they’re landmarks of American history and showcases of Marjorie’s profound influence.
Philanthropic Endeavors
While exploring Marjorie Merriweather Post’s lineage, you’ll find her philanthropic spirit was as vast as her family tree, branching out to support numerous charitable causes and cultural institutions. Her philanthropic endeavors were both generous and impactful:
- Funding and support:
- A U.S. Army hospital in France during World War I
- Construction of the Merriweather Post Pavilion in Maryland
- Honors and recognition:
- Legion of Honor from the French government
- Silver Fawn Award from the Boy Scouts of America
Marjorie’s legacy reaches beyond her passing. Her former estate, Hillwood, now serves as a museum, and parks and pavilions bear her name. Her contributions to the arts in Washington, D.C., and her unwavering support for the Boy Scouts of America showcase a lifetime commitment to giving back.
Cultural and Social Influence
You’ll see that Marjorie Merriweather Post’s cultural and social influence extended well beyond her business empire, manifesting in her extensive art collection and her patronage of the arts.
Her contributions didn’t just decorate galleries; they also enriched educational institutions. The Mount Vernon Seminary and College, for instance, benefited greatly from her generosity. As a result, her legacy continues to inspire through the Special Collections Research Center, where her impact is preserved and studied.
Through these acts of giving, Post carved a niche for herself not only as a business magnate but also as a pillar of cultural and social influence. Her name lives on, synonymous with philanthropy, art, and education, cementing her as an indelible figure in American history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Are the Heirs of Marjorie Merriweather Post?
You’re interested in Marjorie Merriweather Post’s heirs? Her daughters Adelaide and Eleanor, along with grandchildren Dina and Nedenia, inherited her legacy. They carry on her cultural and philanthropic contributions.
Who Were the Children of Marjorie Merriweather Post?
You’re asking about Marjorie Merriweather Post’s children? She had four: Adelaide, Eleanor, Dina, and Nedenia. They carried on her philanthropic efforts and made their own marks in various social circles.
How Is Glenn Close Related to Marjorie Merriweather Post?
You’re curious about Glenn Close’s family ties, right? Well, she’s the granddaughter of Marjorie Merriweather Post, with her mom, Eleanor Post Close, linking the two. Quite a notable lineage for the actress!
Did Marjorie Merriweather Post Have Grandchildren?
Yes, you’ve got it right; Marjorie Merriweather Post had grandchildren, including Adelaide, Eleanor, Dina, and Nedenia. They carry on her legacy and are part of her extensive family history.
Conclusion
You’ve journeyed through the branches of Marjorie Merriweather Post’s family tree, from her ancestors to her descendants.
You’ve seen how her marriages, business savvy, and philanthropy shaped her legacy.
Her cultural influence and the treasures she left behind speak volumes about her life.
Now, you carry the story of a woman whose impact reached beyond her family, leaving an indelible mark on society and history.
Marjorie’s life wasn’t just a tale; it’s a lesson in legacy.
Elizabeth Miller is a seasoned family tree researcher with over 16 years of expertise in tracing the genealogies of historical, celebrity, and well-known individuals. Holding relevant qualifications, they actively contribute to genealogy communities and have authored articles for prominent publications, establishing their authority in the field. Elizabeth Miller is dedicated to unraveling the intricate family histories of notable figures, helping clients discover their historical roots. Satisfied clients attest to their trustworthiness and the enriching experience of working with them. As a dedicated storyteller who brings history to life through genealogy, Elizabeth Miller is a reliable and authoritative source for those seeking to explore the family trees of historical, celebrity, and well-known personalities.