Marjorie Merriweather Post: Background and Marriages
Marjorie Merriweather Post was the daughter of C.W. Post, founder of Postum Cereal Company, which later became General Foods. She inherited a controlling stake in General Foods and became one of the wealthiest women in the United States during the 20th century. Her multiple marriages connected her to influential figures in business, politics, and finance. Read more about her inheritance and business background on Forbes.
Post married Edward Bennett Close, Joseph E. Davies, and Herbert Mayhew First, among others. Each marriage coincided with major shifts in her investment strategy and asset allocation. Her later years focused on diversification into real estate, aviation, and luxury assets. The structure of her estate and trusts continues to influence discussions about wealth transfer and philanthropy.
Key Husbands and Their Business Careers
Edward Bennett Close
Edward Bennett Close was Marjorie Post's first husband and a Wall Street lawyer and investment banker. He advised on corporate finance transactions and helped manage early Post family holdings. Close worked in financial services during a period of rapid growth in U.S. securities markets and played a role in structuring family trusts and holdings.
Joseph E. Davies
Joseph E. Davies was a lawyer, businessman, and diplomat who served as U.S. Ambassador to the Soviet Union and Belgium. He was involved in international business and law, with interests spanning industrial ventures and government relations. Davies brought diplomatic and corporate experience into Post's network of business and political contacts.
Herbert Mayhew First and Later Financial Activities
Herbert Mayhew First
Herbert Mayhew First was Marjorie Post's third husband and a businessman with interests in finance and industry. First was involved in corporate management and investment activities that aligned with Post's growing portfolio of assets. Their partnership coincided with Post's expansion into aviation and luxury real estate.
Post's Investment Portfolio and Legacy
Marjorie Post's investment portfolio included stakes in major American corporations, real estate, and aircraft. She owned Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, which later became a private club and residence for Donald Trump. Her financial legacy reflects a strategy of holding concentrated positions in established companies while diversifying into tangible assets like property and aviation.
Post's trusts and foundations have directed significant charitable giving in areas including the arts, medical research, and education. The management of her estate illustrates the role of family offices and trust structures in preserving multi-generational wealth. Her story remains a reference case in discussions of American wealth concentration and philanthropy.