**The narrative of American high society in the early 20th century is replete with tales of immense wealth, influential families, and often, the complexities of personal lives lived under public scrutiny. Among these figures, Edward Bennett Close stands out, not just for his own lineage and position as an investment banker from Greenwich, Connecticut, but perhaps even more so for his pivotal, albeit brief, marriage to the formidable Marjorie Merriweather Post, heiress to the Postum Cereal Company fortune. This union, though it ultimately dissolved, bore two significant daughters, Adelaide Brevoort Close and Eleanor Post Close, whose lives were shaped by their unique heritage and the societal expectations of their era. Understanding the trajectory of Edward Bennett Close's children offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of those born into extraordinary privilege and the challenges they faced.** This article delves into the life of Edward Bennett Close, the details of his marriage to Marjorie Merriweather Post, and most importantly, the lives and legacies of their two daughters, exploring how their upbringing influenced their paths and contributed to the enduring story of one of America's most prominent families. **Table of Contents** 1. [The Patriarch: Edward Bennett Close's Life and Legacy](#the-patriarch-edward-bennett-closes-life-and-legacy) * [Early Life, Family Roots, and the Name "Edward"](#early-life-family-roots-and-the-name-edward) * [Edward Bennett Close: A Snapshot](#edward-bennett-close-a-snapshot) 2. [A Marriage of Prominence: Edward Bennett Close and Marjorie Merriweather Post](#a-marriage-of-prominence-edward-bennett-close-and-marjorie-merriweather-post) * [The Unraveling of a High-Society Union](#the-unraveling-of-a-high-society-union) 3. [The Daughters: Edward Bennett Close's Children with Marjorie Post](#the-daughters-edward-bennett-closes-children-with-marjorie-post) * [Adelaide Brevoort Close: The Eldest Heiress](#adelaide-brevoort-close-the-eldest-heiress) * [Eleanor Post Close: A Life Beyond the Limelight](#eleanor-post-close-a-life-beyond-the-limelight) 4. [Beyond the Marriage: Edward Bennett Close's Later Years](#beyond-the-marriage-edward-bennett-closes-later-years) 5. [The Enduring Influence of the Close Family Line](#the-enduring-influence-of-the-close-family-line) 6. [Securing Legacies: Modern Wealth Management and the Edward Jones Approach](#securing-legacies-modern-wealth-management-and-the-edward-jones-approach) 7. [Conclusion: The Lasting Imprint of Edward Bennett Close's Family](#conclusion-the-lasting-imprint-of-edward-bennett-closes-family) --- ## The Patriarch: Edward Bennett Close's Life and Legacy Edward Bennett Close was born into a world of established wealth and social standing. His life, from birth to death, spanned significant periods of American history, from the Gilded Age through two World Wars and into the mid-20th century. An investment banker by profession, he hailed from Greenwich, Connecticut, a locale synonymous with old money and established families. His background positioned him squarely within the upper echelons of society, a world that would inevitably intersect with the burgeoning new wealth of figures like Marjorie Merriweather Post. ### Early Life, Family Roots, and the Name "Edward" Born on January 23, 1882, in Manhattan, New York, Edward Bennett Close was the son of Edward Harvey Close and Emma Bennett. His lineage connected him to a network of prominent families, ensuring his place within the social fabric of the time. The name "Edward" itself carries a rich historical and linguistic significance. Derived from Old English elements "ead" (wealth, fortune) and "weard" (guard, protector), it means "wealthy guardian" or "rich guard." This etymology seems particularly fitting for Edward Bennett Close, given his family's prosperity and his profession as an investment banker, a role that inherently involves guarding and growing wealth. The name's cultural impact, signifying prosperity and guardianship, resonated deeply with the societal expectations placed upon individuals of his standing. ### Edward Bennett Close: A Snapshot To provide a clearer picture of the patriarch, here is a summary of his key biographical details: | Detail | Information ## A Marriage of Prom Edward Bennett Close and Marjorie Merriweather Post Edward Bennett Close's most famous connection was undoubtedly his first marriage to Marjorie Merriweather Post. Marjorie, born on March 15, 1887, in Springfield, Illinois, was the daughter of Charles William Post, the founder of Postum Cereal Company. Her inheritance would eventually make her one of the wealthiest women in America. Their marriage took place on December 3, 1905, in Manhattan, New York. At the time, Edward Bennett Close was 23, and Marjorie was 18. This union was a significant event in high society, blending the old money and established social standing of the Close family with the vast, burgeoning fortune of the Post empire. They were a prominent couple, and Marjorie began to furnish her elegant new interiors according to the most current styles, reflecting their status. ### The Unraveling of a High-Society Union Despite the social status and the birth of two common children, the marriage between Edward Bennett Close and Marjorie Merriweather Post turned out to be not very successful in the long run. The provided data indicates a fundamental clash of cultures and expectations. Edward, representing "old money," constantly reminded Marjorie that her "midwestern ways were not acceptable in his society." This suggests a tension between his inherited aristocratic sensibilities and her more self-made, albeit wealthy, background. The marriage lasted for approximately 14 years, culminating in their divorce in November 1919. Marjorie, described as rejecting the "plush, easy life of a Greenwich, Conn., housewife," made the decisive move to end the marriage. This decision highlights her independent spirit and ambition, traits that would define her later life as a businesswoman and philanthropist. After their divorce, Marjorie quickly remarried, demonstrating her forward-looking approach to life. ## The Daughters: Edward Bennett Close's Children with Marjorie Post From their marriage, Edward Bennett Close and Marjorie Merriweather Post had two daughters: Adelaide Brevoort Close and Eleanor Post Close. These two girls were born into an extraordinary world of wealth and privilege, and their lives were closely watched by society. They were the first of Marjorie Merriweather Post's three daughters, with her third daughter, Nedenia (actress Dina Merrill), born from her second marriage to Edward F. Hutton. ### Adelaide Brevoort Close: The Eldest Heiress Adelaide Brevoort Close was the elder of the two daughters. She was born on July 26, 1908, in Greenwich, Fairfield, Connecticut. At the time of her birth, her father, Edward Bennett Close Sr., was 26, and her mother, Marjorie, was 21. As Marjorie Merriweather Post's eldest daughter from her first marriage, Adelaide's life was immediately marked by her unique lineage. Adelaide's life, like many heiresses of her time, involved navigating the expectations of her social class. She was a prominent figure in society circles, and her residence was a subject of interest. Her life story is intertwined with the broader narrative of the Post family, a testament to the enduring legacy of her mother's influence and the vast fortune she inherited. Details of her life beyond her birth and parentage are often found within the extensive family trees and genealogical records that chronicle America's prominent families. ### Eleanor Post Close: A Life Beyond the Limelight Eleanor Post Close was the younger daughter of Edward Bennett Close and Marjorie Merriweather Post. While less information is directly provided about her in the given data compared to her elder sister, her existence further solidifies the family line of Edward Bennett Close. Both Adelaide and Eleanor shared the unique experience of being children of one of America's wealthiest women and a scion of old money. Their upbringing would have been one of immense privilege, likely involving private tutors, exclusive finishing schools, and extensive travel. While their mother, Marjorie, went on to become a formidable businesswoman and socialite, the lives of Edward Bennett Close's children would have been shaped by both their parents' legacies and their own individual choices within the confines of their societal roles. ## Beyond the Marriage: Edward Bennett Close's Later Years After
