American socialite and opera patron. Born the 4th daughter of the Standard Oil tycoon, John D.Rockefeller, she showed from an early age she was a true original. She played the cello, and learned to speak several languages. At 23, she married Harold Fowler McCormick, heir to the McCormick fortune. Edith spent her money freely, something which alienated her from her father. She was a generous patron of the artistict community of Chicago, where she lived. At one time, she supported financially the Irish literary figure, James Joyce. When tragedy struck and two of their children died from scarlet fever, Edith sank into a deep depression. She traveled to Switzerland to be treated by Carl Jung, while Harold built an Italian villa on Lakeshore Drive for her. Later on, Harold divorced her and she moved from her mansion to the Drake Hotel. She was forced to sell most of her jewels to pay off debts. In 1930 she was diagnosed with breast cancer, and two years later succombed to same. She died surrounded by her children and relatives. She is quoted as having said, "My object in this world is to think new thoughts!"
American socialite and opera patron. Born the 4th daughter of the Standard Oil tycoon, John D.Rockefeller, she showed from an early age she was a true original. She played the cello, and learned to speak several languages. At 23, she married Harold Fowler McCormick, heir to the McCormick fortune. Edith spent her money freely, something which alienated her from her father. She was a generous patron of the artistict community of Chicago, where she lived. At one time, she supported financially the Irish literary figure, James Joyce. When tragedy struck and two of their children died from scarlet fever, Edith sank into a deep depression. She traveled to Switzerland to be treated by Carl Jung, while Harold built an Italian villa on Lakeshore Drive for her. Later on, Harold divorced her and she moved from her mansion to the Drake Hotel. She was forced to sell most of her jewels to pay off debts. In 1930 she was diagnosed with breast cancer, and two years later succombed to same. She died surrounded by her children and relatives. She is quoted as having said, "My object in this world is to think new thoughts!"
Bio by: Amorifera
Family Members
Siblings
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
See more McCormick or Rockefeller memorials in:
- Graceland Cemetery McCormick or Rockefeller
- Chicago McCormick or Rockefeller
- Cook County McCormick or Rockefeller
- Illinois McCormick or Rockefeller
- USA McCormick or Rockefeller
- Find a Grave McCormick or Rockefeller
Records on Ancestry
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
