When delving into the intertwined histories of America’s elite families and financial legacies, Edward Bennett Close emerges as a figure worth knowing. Although not a household name in the mainstream, Close’s contributions to finance, society, and legacy-building have left an indelible mark—especially through the lives of his descendants.
As the maternal grandfather of Academy Award-winning actress Glenn Close and an influential figure in early 20th-century American society, Edward Bennett Close represents the quintessential American story: one rooted in ambition, privilege, education, and legacy. But who was he really? What did he do? And why does his name still echo in modern discussions about elite American dynasties?
This article provides a comprehensive look into the life, family, and influence of Edward Bennett Close—offering well-researched, factual insight into a man whose lineage continues to shape American culture.
Who Was Edward Bennett Close?
Early Life and Education
Edward Bennett Close was born in 1861 and belonged to an era of American society marked by industrial revolution, rapid urbanization, and evolving class structures. Close hailed from a well-to-do family and eventually established himself as a prominent stockbroker and financial expert.
He received his education from Columbia University, a path not uncommon for upper-class men of the time who aspired to careers in business, law, or politics. Columbia would have given him access to elite networks, helping to form the foundation of his future financial ventures.
Career as a Stockbroker
Close made his name in Wall Street’s early financial circles, during a time when the U.S. economy was expanding rapidly. He became known for:
- His disciplined approach to investments
- High-level connections in New York’s financial and social spheres
- Co-founding or partnering in firms that dealt with investment banking and securities
Though not widely documented in public business records, his financial legacy lived on through family investments and properties—some of which influenced the real estate development of areas like Greenwich, Connecticut.
Edward Bennett Close’s Family and Legacy
Marriages and Children
Edward Bennett Close married Marjorie Merriweather Post, heiress to the Postum Cereal Company (which later became General Foods). This marriage linked him to one of the wealthiest families of the time and positioned him within a powerful social class.
Together, they had a daughter, Ethel Marion Close, who later married William Taliaferro Close. Their daughter is none other than acclaimed actress Glenn Close, making Edward her maternal grandfather.
Although Edward and Marjorie later divorced, the family tree remained influential, weaving itself through business, politics, philanthropy, and entertainment.
Relationship with Glenn Close
While Edward Bennett Close passed away before Glenn Close rose to fame, his influence—particularly in terms of wealth, access to education, and social status—paved the way for future generations. Glenn has acknowledged her family’s background and the contrasts between wealth and spiritual exploration that shaped her upbringing.
The Close-Post Family Connection
Marjorie Merriweather Post’s Impact
Marjorie Merriweather Post was an American businesswoman and philanthropist, best known for:
- Becoming the richest woman in America in the 1920s
- Building the iconic Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida
- Amassing a priceless art collection, much of which now resides in the Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens in Washington, D.C.
While Edward Bennett Close and Marjorie divorced, their union produced ties that influenced American society at multiple levels—from finance to culture.
Why Edward Bennett Close Still Matters Today
Legacy Through Lineage
Although Edward Bennett Close did not become a public figure akin to the Rockefellers or Carnegies, his quiet financial acumen and strategic family alliances positioned his descendants to influence sectors far beyond Wall Street.
His legacy can be traced through:
- Educational patronage in elite institutions
- Generational wealth, passed on through estates and investments
- Cultural influence via descendants like Glenn Close
A Representative of the Quiet Elite
Close represents a class of American men who were:
- Educated in the Ivy League
- Steeped in WASP (White Anglo-Saxon Protestant) traditions
- Financially affluent yet personally discreet
This demographic helped shape 20th-century America from behind the scenes, influencing philanthropy, policy, and economics without constant media visibility.
What the Public Wants to Know: FAQs About Edward Bennett Close
Was Edward Bennett Close related to Glenn Close?
Yes. Edward Bennett Close was the maternal grandfather of actress Glenn Close.
What did Edward Bennett Close do for a living?
He was a stockbroker and financier in New York during the early 1900s.
Who was Edward Bennett Close’s wife?
He married Marjorie Merriweather Post, a business magnate and philanthropist, though the two later divorced.
Did Edward Bennett Close have other descendants besides Glenn Close?
Yes, through his daughter Ethel Marion Close and subsequent family ties, he has several descendants, though Glenn is the most publicly recognized.
Where did Edward Bennett Close live?
He was based in New York but also had ties to Greenwich, Connecticut and other affluent Northeastern enclaves.
Edward Bennett Close in Historical Context
Living Through a Transformative Era
Born just after the Civil War and living through World War I, the Great Depression, and into the mid-20th century, Edward Bennett Close witnessed monumental societal change.
His era was defined by:
- The rise of American capitalism
- The formation of dynastic wealth
- Shifts in global power structures
- The privatization of influence through wealth
Close’s legacy is reflective of this transformative period in American history—when financial success quietly dictated social mobility and access.
Conclusion: The Lasting Imprint of Edward Bennett Close
Though Edward Bennett Close may not headline history books, his life and legacy offer a fascinating lens into American aristocracy, financial stewardship, and the generational impact of elite networks.
Through his family, especially descendants like Glenn Close, his name continues to echo in fields far removed from finance—proving that the choices of one generation can echo powerfully into the next.
