Exploring The Life Of Marjorie Post: Unveiling Her First Husband

Marjorie Merriweather Post, a name that echoes with grandeur and innovation, truly shaped a significant part of American history. People often remember her for her immense wealth, her incredible estates like Mar-a-Lago and Hillwood, and her keen eye for art and philanthropy. Yet, it's almost natural to wonder about the beginnings of such a remarkable person. Where did her personal story start, and who was the man who first stood by her side as she began her extraordinary journey? That, is a question many curious minds often ponder.

Her life, a tapestry woven with business acumen and social influence, really began long before she became the icon we know. To truly appreciate the full scope of her achievements, it's helpful, in a way, to look back at her early relationships. Her first marriage, while perhaps less publicized than her later unions, holds a very special place in her personal narrative, laying some groundwork for the incredible life that unfolded.

So, let's take a closer look at the person who was Marjorie Post first husband, exploring their connection and the period of her life that saw this significant partnership begin. It's a bit like opening an old photo album, revealing the early chapters of a truly fascinating story, giving us a glimpse into the foundational moments of her personal world.

Table of Contents

• Marjorie Merriweather Post: A Brief Look
  • Personal Details & Bio Data
• The Early Years: Before Edward
• Edward Bennett Close: Her First Love
  • Who Was Edward Bennett Close?
  • Their Meeting and Marriage
  • Life as a Young Couple
  • Children of the Union
• The Partnership's Impact
  • Navigating Society and Business
  • The End of a Chapter
• Legacy Beyond the First Marriage
• Frequently Asked Questions

Marjorie Merriweather Post: A Brief Look

Marjorie Merriweather Post was, in essence, an American socialite, businesswoman, and philanthropist. She was the only child of C. W. Post, who founded the Postum Cereal Company, later known as General Foods. Inheriting a vast fortune at a relatively young age, she spent her life using her resources and influence to collect art, build grand homes, and support numerous charitable causes. She was, quite literally, a force to be reckoned with, someone who left an indelible mark on the landscape of American culture and commerce.

Her story is, you know, much more than just about money. It's about how someone with immense privilege chose to live a life of purpose, contributing to society in ways that continue to be felt today. She was a woman who, in a way, understood the power of her position and used it to champion things she believed in, from the arts to international relations. It's quite a remarkable legacy, when you think about it.

Personal Details & Bio Data

The Early Years: Before Edward

Before her marriage to Edward Bennett Close, Marjorie's life was already set on a unique path, shaped significantly by her family's burgeoning success. Her father, C. W. Post, had started the Postum Cereal Company, building it into a household name with products like Grape-Nuts and Postum. This meant Marjorie grew up surrounded by a certain level of comfort and opportunity, a very different experience from many of her peers, you know. She was, in essence, a child of the Gilded Age, coming of age as America saw rapid industrial growth and the rise of new fortunes.

She received a good education, something that was still quite a privilege for women at the time. This background instilled in her a sense of responsibility and, perhaps, a drive to continue her family's legacy. Her early life was, in a way, a preparation for the immense responsibilities she would later inherit, both financially and socially. It's interesting to consider how these formative years, with all their advantages, truly set the stage for her future decisions, including her choice of a life partner.

The social scene of the early 20th century, particularly among prominent families, played a significant role in how young people met and formed relationships. Marriages were, sometimes, about alliances and connections as much as they were about personal affection. So, it's fair to say, her world was, more or less, a blend of personal desires and societal expectations, a rather complex mix for a young woman of her standing.

Edward Bennett Close: Her First Love

It was in this world that Marjorie Merriweather Post met Edward Bennett Close, the man who would become her first husband. Their union marked a pivotal moment in her personal life, the beginning of her own family and a new chapter away from her childhood home. Their story, while not always in the public eye as much as her later marriages, truly represents the start of her adult life, a very important foundation for everything that followed.

Who Was Edward Bennett Close?

Edward Bennett Close was born in Greenwich, Connecticut, in 1882. He came from a respected family, though not with the same level of industrial wealth as the Posts. His father, Edward Burke Close, was a lawyer and a well-known figure in Greenwich society. Edward himself pursued a career in law, graduating from Columbia Law School. He was, by all accounts, a promising young man, well-educated and with good social standing. His background, you see, complemented Marjorie's in many ways, offering a connection to established East Coast society.

He was, in some respects, a suitable match for a young woman of Marjorie's stature. His family had roots, and he had a profession. This kind of match was, quite typical for the era, blending old money and new, or at least established professions with burgeoning industrial wealth. It was, arguably, a union that made sense from a societal viewpoint, offering both personal connection and a joining of respectable backgrounds.

Their Meeting and Marriage

Marjorie and Edward met through social circles, as was common among prominent families of the time. They courted, and their relationship culminated in marriage on December 3, 1905. Marjorie was just 18 years old when she wed Edward, who was then 23. The wedding itself was, you know, likely a significant social event, bringing together two families of considerable standing. It marked her formal entry into married life and, in a way, her step into full adulthood.

Their marriage took place in Greenwich, Connecticut, a locale that was, and still is, synonymous with established wealth and social prominence. The ceremony would have been, naturally, a grand affair, reflecting the social standing of both families. For Marjorie, it was the beginning of her own household, a departure from her father's direct influence, and the start of building her own family. This period, in fact, was a very formative time for her, as she began to define her own role as a wife and, soon after, a mother.

Life as a Young Couple

As a newly married couple, Marjorie and Edward settled into life in Greenwich. Their early years together were, you know, probably typical for a young, affluent couple of the era. They would have participated in social events, entertained guests, and begun to establish their own routines. This was a time before Marjorie became deeply involved in the business side of the Post empire, a period where her focus was, more or less, on her role as a wife and homemaker, albeit a very privileged one.

The early 1900s were a time of great change in America, but for families like the Closes and the Posts, life still retained many traditional aspects. Marjorie, even with her inherited wealth, would have been expected to manage a household and, very importantly, raise a family. This period, in a way, offered her a chance to experience a more conventional domestic life before her later ventures into business and grand philanthropy. It was, you could say, a quieter chapter in her otherwise bustling existence.

Children of the Union

During their marriage, Marjorie and Edward had two daughters. Their first child, Adelaide Close, was born in 1908. Just a year later, in 1909, their second daughter, Eleanor Post Close, arrived. These two girls were, naturally, the focus of their early family life. The arrival of children often changes the dynamic of any marriage, and for Marjorie, it meant embracing the role of a mother, a part of her identity that would remain central throughout her life, even as her public persona grew.

Adelaide and Eleanor would grow up to lead interesting lives themselves. Eleanor, for instance, later became known as Eleanor Post Hutton and was a prominent socialite. The children from this first marriage were, essentially, the first generation of Marjorie's direct descendants, carrying on her lineage. Their birth solidified the union between Marjorie and Edward, making them a family unit, a truly significant step in Marjorie's personal journey. It's very clear that her daughters were, and remained, a huge part of her world.

The Partnership's Impact

While their marriage eventually concluded, the period Marjorie spent with Edward Bennett Close was, in some respects, a foundational one. It was during these years that she began to mature, to understand the responsibilities that came with her position, and to start building her own identity separate from her father's immediate influence. The partnership, in a way, shaped her early adult experiences, setting a stage for the formidable woman she would become.

Navigating Society and Business

During her marriage to Edward, Marjorie was not yet the hands-on business leader she would later become. Her father, C. W. Post, was still alive for part of this period, managing the family enterprise. However, her marriage to Edward, a man from a respected, albeit different, background, allowed her to broaden her social connections. She was, you know, building a network that extended beyond the immediate circle of her father's business associates. This was, arguably, a subtle but important step in her development.

As a young wife and mother, she was also observing and learning about the world around her, including the social dynamics and the expectations placed upon women of her standing. This period, in fact, was a kind of informal apprenticeship in the ways of high society, preparing her for the very prominent public roles she would later assume. It's interesting to consider how these early experiences, while seemingly domestic, truly contributed to her later capabilities, making her a more well-rounded figure in the public eye.

The End of a Chapter

Marjorie Post's marriage to Edward Bennett Close lasted for about eight years. They divorced in 1914. The reasons for their separation are, you know, often private matters, but it's worth noting that divorce, while still somewhat scandalous, was becoming more common in the early 20th century, especially among the affluent. It was, in a way, a sign of changing times, where individuals, even women, had a bit more agency in their personal lives.

The end of this marriage marked the close of Marjorie's first significant adult relationship. It was, perhaps, a difficult period, but it also opened the door for her to pursue other paths and relationships that would further define her life. Her life, as we know, was just beginning to unfold in its grand scale. This divorce, in fact, was not an ending but, rather, a transition, a step towards her next chapter, where her influence and public profile would grow exponentially. It's a reminder that even the most prominent figures experience personal shifts, just like anyone else, you know.

Legacy Beyond the First Marriage

While Edward Bennett Close was Marjorie Post first husband, her life story extends far beyond this initial union. She would go on to marry three more times, each marriage bringing new experiences, new social connections, and, in some cases, new contributions to her growing legacy. Her subsequent husbands included Edward Francis Hutton, a prominent financier with whom she founded General Foods Corporation; Joseph E. Davies, a diplomat and ambassador to the Soviet Union; and Herbert A. May, a wealthy Pittsburgh businessman. Each of these relationships, in a way, added another layer to her rich and complex life.

Her work as a philanthropist and art collector truly blossomed in the decades following her first marriage. Hillwood Estate, her magnificent Washington D.C. home, stands today as a museum showcasing her incredible collection of Russian imperial art and 18th-century French decorative arts. This estate, in fact, is a direct testament to her passion and generosity, a very visible part of her lasting impact. Learn more about Marjorie Post's incredible life on our site, and perhaps you'd like to explore her significant contributions to the arts.

Marjorie Merriweather Post's story is, in essence, one of continuous evolution and profound influence. Her first marriage, while a significant personal milestone, was just the beginning of a life that would touch many aspects of American society, from business to philanthropy, and from social graces to the arts. She truly built a life of remarkable scale, leaving behind a heritage that continues to inspire curiosity and admiration today, a legacy that, you know, just keeps giving.

Frequently Asked Questions

People often have questions about Marjorie Merriweather Post's life, especially concerning her personal relationships. Here are some common inquiries:

1. Who was Marjorie Post married to first?
Marjorie Merriweather Post's first husband was Edward Bennett Close. They married on December 3, 1905, when she was 18 years old. He was a lawyer from Greenwich, Connecticut, and they had two daughters together, Adelaide and Eleanor.

2. How many times was Marjorie Post married?
Marjorie Merriweather Post was married a total of four times. After her first marriage to Edward Bennett Close, she later married Edward Francis Hutton, then Joseph E. Davies, and finally Herbert A. May. Each marriage brought its own unique chapter to her life.

3. Did Marjorie Post have children with her first husband?
Yes, Marjorie Post had two daughters with her first husband, Edward Bennett Close. Their names were Adelaide Close, born in 1908, and Eleanor Post Close, born in 1909. These two girls were her only children, and they remained a central part of her life throughout her years.