Marjorie Merriweather Post (1887-1973)

She inherited the Postum Cereal Company from her father, C.W. Post, at age 27, and under her leadership, it grew into General Foods Corporation, one of the largest food conglomerates in America. She was married four times. Her second marriage to Joseph E. Davies brought her to Moscow in the 1930s as the U.S. Ambassador's wife, where she developed a passion for Russian imperial art, amassing an extraordinary collection of Fabergé eggs and other treasures that had once belonged the Russian Imperial family. She was known for her extravagant lifestyle, owning several estates including Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, and Hillwood (see images) in Washington, D.C. Despite her opulence, she was also a dedicated philanthropist, supporting numerous causes and cultural institutions. Her most lasting legacy is the Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens, which she bequeathed to the public, showcasing her remarkable collections of French and Russian decorative arts. She was not only one of the wealthiest women in the United States, she broke barriers as a female business leader in an era when few women held such positions of corporate power. She had three daughters.