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{{Short description|American-born heiress and socialite (1878–1937)}}
{{for|her mother, the American socialite|Mary Wilson Goelet}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}
{{Infobox officeholder
{{Infobox officeholder
| honorific-prefix = [[Grace (style)|Her Grace]]
| honorific-prefix = [[Grace (style)|Her Grace]]
| name = The Duchess of Roxburghe
| name = The Duchess of Roxburghe
| birth_name = Mary Goelet
| birth_name = Mary Goelet
| image = Mary Goelet.jpg
| image = Mary Goelet.jpg
| caption = Goelet in 1903
| caption = Goelet in 1903
| title =
| title =
| birth_date = October 6, 1878
| birth_date = October 6, 1878
| birth_place = [[New York City]], [[United States]]
| birth_place = [[New York City]], U.S.
| death_date = {{death-date and age|April 26, 1937|October 6, 1878}}
| death_date = {{death-date and age|April 26, 1937|October 6, 1878}}
| death_place = [[London]], [[England]]
| death_place = [[London]], England
| spouse = {{marriage|[[Henry Innes-Ker, 8th Duke of Roxburghe|Henry Innes-Ker]]<br>|10 November 1903|29 September 1932|reason=died}}
| spouse = {{marriage|[[Henry Innes-Ker, 8th Duke of Roxburghe]]|10 November 1903|29 September 1932|reason=d}}
| children = [[George Innes-Ker, 9th Duke of Roxburghe|George Innes-Ker]]
| children = [[George Innes-Ker, 9th Duke of Roxburghe]]
| parents = [[Ogden Goelet]]<br>[[Mary Wilson Goelet]]
| parents = [[Ogden Goelet]]<br>[[Mary Wilson Goelet|Mary Wilson]]
| relatives = ''See'' [[Goelet family]]
| relatives = ''See'' [[Goelet family]]
}}
}}


'''Mary Innes-Ker, Duchess of Roxburghe''' (October 6, 1878 – April 26, 1937) was an American-British socialite and heiress.
'''Mary''' "'''May'''" '''Innes-Ker, Duchess of Roxburghe''' ({{nee}} '''Goelet'''; October 6, 1878 – April 26, 1937)<ref name="DuchessEstate1937"/> was an American-born heiress and socialite who married into Scottish nobility.


==Early life==
==Early life==
Mary Goelet was born in 1878. Her parents were [[Mary Wilson Goelet]] (1855–1929)<ref name="MaryObitNYT">{{cite news|title=MRS. OGDEN GOELET DIES OF PNEUMONIA; Duchess of Roxburghe's Mother Long Noted for Her Lavish Entertaining. WAS HOSTESS TO ROYALTY Edward VII, as Prince of Wales, Among Guests--Sister of Mrs. Cornellus Vanderbilt and R.T. Wilson. Her Hospitality. Duchess of Roxburghe Daughter.|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1929/02/24/archives/mrs-ogden-goelet-dies-of-pneumonia-duchess-of-roxburghes-mother.html|accessdate=29 November 2016|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=24 February 1929}}</ref> and [[Ogden Goelet]] (1851–1897), a prominent heir and landlord in [[New York City]] and great-grandson of [[Peter Goelet]] (1727–1811), heir to one of the largest fortunes of the time. Her only sibling was her younger brother, Robert Wilson Goelet (1880–1966),<ref>{{cite news|title=ROBERT GOELET, FINANCIER, DEAD; Real-Estate Millionaire, 86, Was a Social Leader|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1966/02/07/archives/robert-goelet-financier-dead-realestate-millionaire-86-was-a-social.html|accessdate=13 April 2017|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=7 February 1966}}</ref> who built [[Glenmere mansion]].<ref name="Glenmere">{{cite web|last1=Foreman|first1=John|title=Big Old Houses: A Better Fate Than Many|url=http://www.newyorksocialdiary.com/the-way-they-live/2012/big-old-houses-a-better-fate-than-many|website=New York Social Diary|accessdate=29 November 2016|date=14 November 2012}}</ref>
Mary Goelet was born in 1878. Her parents were [[Mary Wilson Goelet]] (1855–1929)<ref name="MaryObitNYT">{{cite news|title=MRS. OGDEN GOELET DIES OF PNEUMONIA; Duchess of Roxburghe's Mother Long Noted for Her Lavish Entertaining. WAS HOSTESS TO ROYALTY Edward VII, as Prince of Wales, Among Guests--Sister of Mrs. Cornelius Vanderbilt and R.T. Wilson. Her Hospitality. Duchess of Roxburghe Daughter.|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1929/02/24/95881476.pdf|accessdate=November 29, 2016|work=[[The New York Times]]|date= February 24, 1929}}</ref> and [[Ogden Goelet]] (1851–1897), a prominent heir and landlord in [[New York City]] and great-grandson of [[Peter Goelet]], heir to one of the largest fortunes of the time. Her only sibling was a younger brother, [[Robert Wilson Goelet|Robert]],<ref>{{cite news|title=ROBERT GOELET, FINANCIER, DEAD; Real-Estate Millionaire, 86, Was a Social Leader|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1966/02/07/79319261.pdf |accessdate=April 13, 2017|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=February 7, 1966}}</ref> who built [[Glenmere mansion]].<ref name="Glenmere">{{cite web|last1=Foreman|first1=John|title=Big Old Houses: A Better Fate Than Many|url=http://www.newyorksocialdiary.com/the-way-they-live/2012/big-old-houses-a-better-fate-than-many|website=New York Social Diary|accessdate=November 29, 2016|date=November 14, 2012}}</ref>


Through her mother, she was a niece of [[Richard Thornton Wilson, Jr.]] (1866–1929) and [[Grace Vanderbilt|Grace Graham Wilson Vanderbilt]] (1870–1953) and [[Cornelius Vanderbilt III]].<ref>{{cite news|title=To Marry an English Lord|accessdate=March 27, 2016|url=https://www.amazon.com/Marry-English-Anglomania-Really-Started/dp/0894809393}}</ref> Through her father, she was a niece of [[Robert Goelet]] (1841–1899), and a first cousin of [[Robert Walton Goelet]] (1880–1941).<ref>{{cite news |author= |coauthors= |title=Robert W. Goelet Dies In Home At 61. Corporation Director, Owner of Large Realty Holdings Here, Succumbs to Heart Attack. He Inherited $60,000,000. Sportsman, a Leader in Social Circles in Newport and New York, Kin of Early Settlers |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1941/05/03/archives/robert-w-goelet-dies-in-home-at-61-corporation-director-owner-of.html |quote=Robert Walton Goelet of New York and Newport, R. I., a member of one of New York's oldest and wealthiest families, died of a heart attack yesterday at his ... |work=[[New York Times]] |date=May 3, 1941 |accessdate=2010-07-26 }}</ref>
Through her mother, she was a niece of [[Richard Thornton Wilson, Jr.]] and [[Grace Vanderbilt|Grace Graham Wilson Vanderbilt]] and [[Cornelius Vanderbilt III]].<ref>{{cite news|title=To Marry an English Lord|isbn=0894809393|last1=MacColl|first1=Gail|last2=Wallace|first2=Carol|date=January 1989}}</ref> Through her father, she was a niece of [[Robert Goelet]], a first cousin of [[Robert Walton Goelet]], and a granddaughter of [[Robert Goelet Sr.]], a co-founder of the [[Chemical Bank of New York]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Robert W. Goelet Dies In Home At 61. Corporation Director, Owner of Large Realty Holdings Here, Succumbs to Heart Attack. He Inherited $60,000,000. Sportsman, a Leader in Social Circles in Newport and New York, Kin of Early Settlers |url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1941/05/03/88099465.pdf |quote=Robert Walton Goelet of New York and Newport, R. I., a member of one of New York's oldest and wealthiest families, died of a heart attack yesterday at his ... |work=[[New York Times]] |date=May 3, 1941 |accessdate=2010-07-26 }}</ref>


==Life in Scotland==
==Personal life==
⚫
In 1897, she was rumored to be engaged to [[William Montagu, 9th Duke of Manchester|William Montagu]] (1877–1947), the 20-year-old 9th [[Duke of Manchester]].<ref name="1897Engagement">{{cite news|title=MISS GOELET'S BETROTHAL.; Reason to Believe She Is Engaged to the Young Duke of Manchester, in Spite of Denials.|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1897/07/13/105948425.pdf |accessdate=April 13, 2017|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=July 13, 1897}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=MANCHESTER-GOELET AFFAIR.; The Daily Telegraph Makes no Apology for Its Story.|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1897/07/12/102486536.pdf |accessdate=April 13, 2017|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=July 12, 1897}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=THE DUKE DENIES IT.; His Grace of Manchester Says the Report of His Engagement to ''Miss Goelet Is Untrue''.|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1897/07/11/117906919.pdf |accessdate=April 13, 2017|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=July 11, 1897}}</ref> He later married a different American, [[Helena Zimmerman]], daughter of industrialist [[Eugene Zimmerman (industrialist)|Eugene Zimmerman]] of [[Cincinnati, Ohio]], in 1900.<ref>{{cite news|title=DUKE OF MANCHESTER WEDS MISS ZIMMERMAN; Married to Daughter of Cincinnati Railway Man Nov. 14. RELATIVES NOT NOTIFIED Dowager Duchess Did Not Credit Re- port Until Examination of Register of London Church Convinced Her It Was True.|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1900/11/20/102504867.pdf |accessdate=April 13, 2017|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=November 20, 1900}}</ref>
⚫
[[File:Floors Castle.jpg|thumb|right|The Duchess of Roxburghe's residence in Scotland, [[Floors Castle]]]]
⚫
The 8th Duke and Duchess of Roxburgh settled at [[Floors Castle]], where Mary decorated the fortress with her own collection of art including a priceless series of 17th century [[Gobelins Manufactory]] tapestries.<ref>{{cite news|title=Illustrated Guide to Places to Visit - Floors Castle|url=http://www.rampantscotland.com/visit/bldev_visitfloors.htm|accessdate=March 27, 2016}}</ref> At the time of her marriage to the Duke of Roxburghe, she was the wealthiest American heiress, with a dowry of twenty million dollars, exceeded only by [[Consuelo Vanderbilt]] in the wealth brought to the transatlantic marriages of the pre-1914 era (see [[Gilded Age]]).


In the late December 1898, she was rumored once more to be engaged to Viscount Crichton (1872–1914), eldest son and heir of the [[John Crichton, 4th Earl Erne|4th Earl Erne]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1898/12/25/archives/miss-goelet-may-marry-handsome-viscount-crichton-thought-likely-to.html|title=MISS GOELET MAY MARRY; Handsome Viscount Crichton Thought Likely to be Happy Man.|work=[[The New York Times]]|date= December 25, 1898|access-date= February 1, 2022}}</ref>
⚫
In 1913, she first became a guest of [[Mary of Teck|Queen Mary]] and [[George V|King George]] at [[Windsor Castle]]. She and the Duke were also the guests of King [[Edward VII]] and [[Alexandra of Denmark|Queen Alexandra]].<ref name="NYTObit1937"/>


⚫
On November 10, 1903, she married [[Henry Innes-Ker, 8th Duke of Roxburghe]] (1876–1932).<ref name="Engagement1903">{{cite news|last1=Times|first1=Special To The New York|title=DUKE OF ROXBURGHE TO WED MISS GOELET {{!}} Engagement Announced in London and Confirmed at Newport. {{!}} NEW YORK WEDDING EXPECTED {{!}} It is Believed the Couple Will Be Married Here in the Autumn - The Duke Now Mrs. Goelet's Guest.|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1903/09/03/101312884.html?pageNumber=7 |accessdate= April 13, 2017|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=September 3, 1903}}</ref><ref name="RoxburgheWedding1903">{{cite news|title=THE ROXBURGHE WEDDING; Private Rehearsal Held at St. Thomas's Church. Programme of Today's Ceremony -- Simple Reception to Follow at the Goelet Residence -- Some of the Gifts.|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1903/11/10/104915113.pdf |accessdate=April 13, 2017|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=November 10, 1903}}</ref><ref name="RoxburgheChurch1903">{{cite news|title=MOTHER AND SISTER OF ROXBURGHE HERE; Duchess Denies Story of Objection to American Brides. Plans for the Wedding Complete -- The Decorations at the Church and Home of the Bride.|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1903/11/08/105065310.pdf |accessdate=April 13, 2017|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=November 8, 1903}}</ref> He was the son of [[James Henry Robert Innes-Ker, 7th Duke of Roxburghe]] and [[Anne Emily Spencer-Churchill|Lady Anne Emily Spencer-Churchill]], the fourth daughter of [[John Spencer-Churchill, 7th Duke of Marlborough]], who served in [[Conservative Party (UK)|Conservative]] governments as [[Lord President of the Council]] and [[Lord Lieutenant of Ireland]], and his wife, [[Frances Anne Spencer-Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough|Lady Frances Vane]], daughter of the [[Charles Vane, 3rd Marquess of Londonderry|3rd Marquess of Londonderry]].<ref>{{cite ODNB|last=Quinault|first=Roland |title=Churchill, John Winston Spencer, seventh duke of Marlborough (1822–1883) |id=5403|year=2004 }}</ref> His first cousin was [[Winston Churchill]]. His younger brother, Lord Robert Edward Innes-Ker married the actress [[Jose Collins]] in 1920.<ref>{{cite news |title=LORD R. INNES-KER WEDS JOSE COLLINS Brother of Duke of Roxburghe Married to Musical Comedy Actress in London. CEREMONY WAS A SECRET Bride, Daughter of Late Lottie Collins, Won First Success Herein "The Merry Countess".|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1920/11/02/102982411.pdf |accessdate=February 26, 2020 |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=November 2, 1920}}</ref> After ten years of childlessness, Mary gave birth to a son and heir:
In 1929, she inherited $3,000,000 from her mother's estate after the death of her mother,<ref name="MotherObitNYT">{{cite news|last1=Times|first1=Wireless To The New York|title=DUCHESS INHERITS FORTUNE; Former Miss Goelet Receives $3,000,000 From Mother's Estate.|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1929/08/07/archives/duchess-inherits-fortune-former-miss-goelet-receives-3000000-from.html|accessdate=28 November 2016|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=7 August 1929}}</ref> as well as the Goelet art collection.<ref name="NYTObit1937"/>


⚫
* [[George Innes-Ker, 9th Duke of Roxburghe]] (1913–1974), who succeeded his father in 1932.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Times|first1=Special To The New York|title=DUKE OF ROXBURGHE MARRIES IN LONDON|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1954/01/06/83313808.pdf |accessdate=April 13, 2017|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=January 6, 1954}}</ref>
==Personal life==
⚫
In 1897, she was rumored to be engaged to [[William Montagu, 9th Duke of Manchester|William Montagu]] (1877–1947), the 20 year old 9th [[Duke of Manchester]].<ref name="1897Engagement">{{cite news|title=MISS GOELET'S BETROTHAL.; Reason to Believe She Is Engaged to the Young Duke of Manchester, in Spite of Denials.|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1897/07/13/archives/miss-goelets-betrothal-reason-to-believe-she-is-engaged-to-the.html|accessdate=13 April 2017|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=13 July 1897}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=MANCHESTER-GOELET AFFAIR.; The Daily Telegraph Makes no Apology for Its Story.|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1897/07/12/archives/manchestergoelet-affair-the-daily-telegraph-makes-no-apology-for.html|accessdate=13 April 2017|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=12 July 1897}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=THE DUKE DENIES IT.; His Grace of Manchester Says the Report of His Engagement to ''Miss Goelet Is Untrue.|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1897/07/11/archives/the-duke-denies-it-his-grace-of-manchester-says-the-report-of-his.html|accessdate=13 April 2017|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=11 July 1897}}</ref> He later married a different American girl, Helena Zimmerman, the daughter of Eugene Zimmerman of Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1900.<ref>{{cite news|title=DUKE OF MANCHESTER WEDS MISS ZIMMERMAN; Married to Daughter of Cincinnati Railway Man Nov. 14. RELATIVES NOT NOTIFIED Dowager Duchess Did Not Credit Re- port Until Examination of Register of London Church Convinced Her It Was True.|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1900/11/20/archives/duke-of-manchester-weds-miss-zimmerman-married-to-daughter-of.html|accessdate=13 April 2017|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=20 November 1900}}</ref>


The Duchess of Roxburghe died on April 26, 1937, in London.<ref name="DuchessEstate1937">{{cite news|title=DUCHESS LEFT FORTUNE; Roxburghe Estate Was Founded by Money of American Heiress|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1937/11/21/94463185.pdf |accessdate=April 13, 2017|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=November 21, 1937}}</ref><ref name="NYTObit1937">{{cite news|last1=Times|first1=Wireless To The New York|title=DOWAGER DUCHESS OF ROXBURGHE DIES; New York Heiress Was a Close Friend of King George V and Queen Mary|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1937/04/27/94362717.pdf |accessdate= April 13, 2017|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=April 27, 1937}}</ref>
⚫
On November 10, 1903, she married [[Henry Innes-Ker, 8th Duke of Roxburghe]] (1876–1932).<ref name="Engagement1903">{{cite news|last1=Times|first1=Special To The New York|title=DUKE OF ROXBURGHE TO WED MISS GOELET {{!}} Engagement Announced in London and Confirmed at Newport. {{!}} NEW YORK WEDDING EXPECTED {{!}} It is Believed the Couple Will Be Married Here in the Autumn - The Duke Now Mrs. Goelet's Guest.|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1903/09/03/archives/marriage-announcement-1-no-title-the-dukes-lineage-served-in-south.html&legacy=true|accessdate=13 April 2017|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=3 September 1903}}</ref><ref name="RoxburgheWedding1903">{{cite news|title=THE ROXBURGHE WEDDING; Private Rehearsal Held at St. Thomas's Church. Programme of Today's Ceremony -- Simple Reception to Follow at the Goelet Residence -- Some of the Gifts.|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1903/11/10/archives/the-roxburghe-wedding-private-rehearsal-held-at-st-homass-church.html|accessdate=13 April 2017|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=10 November 1903}}</ref><ref name="RoxburgheChurch1903">{{cite news|title=MOTHER AND SISTER OF ROXBURGHE HERE; Duchess Denies Story of Objection to American Brides. Plans for the Wedding Complete -- The Decorations at the Church and Home of the Bride.|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1903/11/08/archives/mother-and-sister-of-roxburghe-here-duchess-denies-story-of.html|accessdate=13 April 2017|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=8 November 1903}}</ref> He was the son of [[James Henry Robert Innes-Ker, 7th Duke of Roxburghe]] (1839–1892) and [[Anne Emily Spencer-Churchill|Lady Anne Emily Spencer-Churchill]] (1854–1923), the fourth daughter of [[John Spencer-Churchill, 7th Duke of Marlborough]], who served in [[Conservative Party (UK)|Conservative]] governments as [[Lord President of the Council]] and [[Lord Lieutenant of Ireland]], and his wife, [[Frances Anne Spencer-Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough|Lady Frances Vane]], daughter of the [[Charles Vane, 3rd Marquess of Londonderry|3rd Marquess of Londonderry]].{{sfn|Quinault|2004}} His first cousin was [[Winston Churchill]]. His younger brother, Lord Robert Edward Innes-Ker (1885–1958) married the actress [[Jose Collins]] in 1920.<ref>"Lord R. Innes-Ker weds Jose Collins; Brother of Duke of Roxburghe Married to Musical Comedy Actress in London. Ceremony was a Secret. Bride, Daughter of Late Lottie Collins, Won First Success Herein "The Merry Countess." ''New York Times'', 4 November 1920, p. 16], [https://www.nytimes.com/1920/11/02/archives/lord-r-innesker-weds-jose-collins-brother-of-duke-of-roxburghe.html (citation only)]([https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1920/11/02/102982411.pdf] full article)</ref>


===Life in Scotland===
After ten years of childlessness, Mary gave birth to a son and heir:
⚫
[[File:Floors Castle.jpg|thumb|right|The Duchess of Roxburghe's residence in Scotland, [[Floors Castle]]]]
⚫
*[[George Innes-Ker, 9th Duke of Roxburghe]] (1913–1974), who succeeded his father in 1932.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Times|first1=Special To The New York|title=DUKE OF ROXBURGHE MARRIES IN LONDON|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1954/01/06/archives/duke-of-roxburghe-marries-in-london.html|accessdate=13 April 2017|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=6 January 1954}}</ref>
⚫
The 8th Duke and Duchess of Roxburgh settled at [[Floors Castle]], where Mary decorated the fortress with her own collection of art including a priceless series of 17th century [[Gobelins Manufactory]] tapestries.<ref>{{cite news|title=Illustrated Guide to Places to Visit - Floors Castle|url=http://www.rampantscotland.com/visit/bldev_visitfloors.htm|accessdate=March 27, 2016}}</ref>

At the time of her marriage to the Duke of Roxburghe, she was the wealthiest American heiress, with a dowry of twenty million dollars, exceeded only by [[Consuelo Vanderbilt]] in the wealth brought to the transatlantic marriages of the pre-1914 era (see [[Gilded Age]]).

⚫
In 1913, she first became a guest of [[Mary of Teck|Queen Mary]] and [[George V|King George]] at [[Windsor Castle]]. She and the Duke were also the guests of King [[Edward VII]] and [[Alexandra of Denmark|Queen Alexandra]].<ref name="NYTObit1937"/>


The Duchess of Roxburghe died on April 26, 1937 in London.<ref name="DuchessEstate1937">{{cite news|title=DUCHESS LEFT FORTUNE; Roxburghe Estate Was Founded by Money of American Heiress|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1937/11/21/archives/duchess-left-fortune-roxburghe-estate-was-founded-by-money-of.html|accessdate=13 April 2017|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=21 November 1937}}</ref><ref name="NYTObit1937">{{cite news|last1=Times|first1=Wireless To The New York|title=DOWAGER DUCHESS OF ROXBURGHE DIES; New York Heiress Was a Close Friend of King George V and Queen Mary|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1937/04/27/archives/dowager-duchess-of-roxburghe-dies-new-york-heiress-was-a-close.html|accessdate=13 April 2017|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=27 April 1937}}</ref>
In 1929, she inherited $3,000,000 from her mother's estate after the death of her mother,<ref name="MotherObitNYT">{{cite news|last1=Times|first1=Wireless To The New York|title=DUCHESS INHERITS FORTUNE; Former Miss Goelet Receives $3,000,000 From Mother's Estate.|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1929/08/07/95986075.pdf |accessdate=November 28, 2016|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=August 7, 1929}}</ref> as well as the Goelet art collection.<ref name="NYTObit1937"/>


==See also==
==See also==
Line 55: Line 61:
[[Category:British duchesses by marriage|Roxburghe]]
[[Category:British duchesses by marriage|Roxburghe]]
[[Category:American emigrants to Scotland]]
[[Category:American emigrants to Scotland]]
[[Category:Wives of knights]]
[[Category:Wilson family of New York]]

Latest revision as of 01:15, 6 July 2024

For her mother, the American socialite, see Mary Wilson Goelet.

Her Grace
The Duchess of Roxburghe
Goelet in 1903
Personal details
Born
Mary Goelet

October 6, 1878
New York City, U.S.
DiedApril 26, 1937 (1937-04-27) (aged 58)
London, England
Spouse
​
​
(m. 1903; died 1932)​
ChildrenGeorge Innes-Ker, 9th Duke of Roxburghe
Parent(s)Ogden Goelet
Mary Wilson
RelativesSee Goelet family

Mary "May" Innes-Ker, Duchess of Roxburghe (née Goelet; October 6, 1878 – April 26, 1937)[1] was an American-born heiress and socialite who married into Scottish nobility.

Early life

[edit]

Mary Goelet was born in 1878. Her parents were Mary Wilson Goelet (1855–1929)[2] and Ogden Goelet (1851–1897), a prominent heir and landlord in New York City and great-grandson of Peter Goelet, heir to one of the largest fortunes of the time. Her only sibling was a younger brother, Robert,[3] who built Glenmere mansion.[4]

Through her mother, she was a niece of Richard Thornton Wilson, Jr. and Grace Graham Wilson Vanderbilt and Cornelius Vanderbilt III.[5] Through her father, she was a niece of Robert Goelet, a first cousin of Robert Walton Goelet, and a granddaughter of Robert Goelet Sr., a co-founder of the Chemical Bank of New York.[6]

Personal life

[edit]

In 1897, she was rumored to be engaged to William Montagu (1877–1947), the 20-year-old 9th Duke of Manchester.[7][8][9] He later married a different American, Helena Zimmerman, daughter of industrialist Eugene Zimmerman of Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1900.[10]

In the late December 1898, she was rumored once more to be engaged to Viscount Crichton (1872–1914), eldest son and heir of the 4th Earl Erne.[11]

On November 10, 1903, she married Henry Innes-Ker, 8th Duke of Roxburghe (1876–1932).[12][13][14] He was the son of James Henry Robert Innes-Ker, 7th Duke of Roxburghe and Lady Anne Emily Spencer-Churchill, the fourth daughter of John Spencer-Churchill, 7th Duke of Marlborough, who served in Conservative governments as Lord President of the Council and Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, and his wife, Lady Frances Vane, daughter of the 3rd Marquess of Londonderry.[15] His first cousin was Winston Churchill. His younger brother, Lord Robert Edward Innes-Ker married the actress Jose Collins in 1920.[16] After ten years of childlessness, Mary gave birth to a son and heir:

The Duchess of Roxburghe died on April 26, 1937, in London.[1][18]

Life in Scotland

[edit]
The Duchess of Roxburghe's residence in Scotland, Floors Castle

The 8th Duke and Duchess of Roxburgh settled at Floors Castle, where Mary decorated the fortress with her own collection of art including a priceless series of 17th century Gobelins Manufactory tapestries.[19]

At the time of her marriage to the Duke of Roxburghe, she was the wealthiest American heiress, with a dowry of twenty million dollars, exceeded only by Consuelo Vanderbilt in the wealth brought to the transatlantic marriages of the pre-1914 era (see Gilded Age).

In 1913, she first became a guest of Queen Mary and King George at Windsor Castle. She and the Duke were also the guests of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra.[18]

In 1929, she inherited $3,000,000 from her mother's estate after the death of her mother,[20] as well as the Goelet art collection.[18]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "DUCHESS LEFT FORTUNE; Roxburghe Estate Was Founded by Money of American Heiress" (PDF). The New York Times. 21 November 1937. Retrieved 13 April 2017.
  2. ^ "MRS. OGDEN GOELET DIES OF PNEUMONIA; Duchess of Roxburghe's Mother Long Noted for Her Lavish Entertaining. WAS HOSTESS TO ROYALTY Edward VII, as Prince of Wales, Among Guests--Sister of Mrs. Cornelius Vanderbilt and R.T. Wilson. Her Hospitality. Duchess of Roxburghe Daughter" (PDF). The New York Times. 24 February 1929. Retrieved 29 November 2016.
  3. ^ "ROBERT GOELET, FINANCIER, DEAD; Real-Estate Millionaire, 86, Was a Social Leader" (PDF). The New York Times. 7 February 1966. Retrieved 13 April 2017.
  4. ^ Foreman, John (14 November 2012). "Big Old Houses: A Better Fate Than Many". New York Social Diary. Retrieved 29 November 2016.
  5. ^ MacColl, Gail; Wallace, Carol (January 1989). "To Marry an English Lord". ISBN 0894809393.
  6. ^ "Robert W. Goelet Dies In Home At 61. Corporation Director, Owner of Large Realty Holdings Here, Succumbs to Heart Attack. He Inherited $60,000,000. Sportsman, a Leader in Social Circles in Newport and New York, Kin of Early Settlers" (PDF). New York Times. 3 May 1941. Retrieved 26 July 2010. Robert Walton Goelet of New York and Newport, R. I., a member of one of New York's oldest and wealthiest families, died of a heart attack yesterday at his ...
  7. ^ "MISS GOELET'S BETROTHAL.; Reason to Believe She Is Engaged to the Young Duke of Manchester, in Spite of Denials" (PDF). The New York Times. 13 July 1897. Retrieved 13 April 2017.
  8. ^ "MANCHESTER-GOELET AFFAIR.; The Daily Telegraph Makes no Apology for Its Story" (PDF). The New York Times. 12 July 1897. Retrieved 13 April 2017.
  9. ^ "THE DUKE DENIES IT.; His Grace of Manchester Says the Report of His Engagement to Miss Goelet Is Untrue" (PDF). The New York Times. 11 July 1897. Retrieved 13 April 2017.
  10. ^ "DUKE OF MANCHESTER WEDS MISS ZIMMERMAN; Married to Daughter of Cincinnati Railway Man Nov. 14. RELATIVES NOT NOTIFIED Dowager Duchess Did Not Credit Re- port Until Examination of Register of London Church Convinced Her It Was True" (PDF). The New York Times. 20 November 1900. Retrieved 13 April 2017.
  11. ^ "MISS GOELET MAY MARRY; Handsome Viscount Crichton Thought Likely to be Happy Man". The New York Times. 25 December 1898. Retrieved 1 February 2022.
  12. ^ Times, Special To The New York (3 September 1903). "DUKE OF ROXBURGHE TO WED MISS GOELET | Engagement Announced in London and Confirmed at Newport. | NEW YORK WEDDING EXPECTED | It is Believed the Couple Will Be Married Here in the Autumn - The Duke Now Mrs. Goelet's Guest". The New York Times. Retrieved 13 April 2017.
  13. ^ "THE ROXBURGHE WEDDING; Private Rehearsal Held at St. Thomas's Church. Programme of Today's Ceremony -- Simple Reception to Follow at the Goelet Residence -- Some of the Gifts" (PDF). The New York Times. 10 November 1903. Retrieved 13 April 2017.
  14. ^ "MOTHER AND SISTER OF ROXBURGHE HERE; Duchess Denies Story of Objection to American Brides. Plans for the Wedding Complete -- The Decorations at the Church and Home of the Bride" (PDF). The New York Times. 8 November 1903. Retrieved 13 April 2017.
  15. ^ Quinault, Roland (2004). "Churchill, John Winston Spencer, seventh duke of Marlborough (1822–1883)". Oxford Dictionary of National Biography (online ed.). Oxford University Press. doi:10.1093/ref:odnb/5403. (Subscription or UK public library membership required.)
  16. ^ "LORD R. INNES-KER WEDS JOSE COLLINS Brother of Duke of Roxburghe Married to Musical Comedy Actress in London. CEREMONY WAS A SECRET Bride, Daughter of Late Lottie Collins, Won First Success Herein "The Merry Countess"" (PDF). The New York Times. 2 November 1920. Retrieved 26 February 2020.
  17. ^ Times, Special To The New York (6 January 1954). "DUKE OF ROXBURGHE MARRIES IN LONDON" (PDF). The New York Times. Retrieved 13 April 2017.
  18. ^ a b c Times, Wireless To The New York (27 April 1937). "DOWAGER DUCHESS OF ROXBURGHE DIES; New York Heiress Was a Close Friend of King George V and Queen Mary" (PDF). The New York Times. Retrieved 13 April 2017.
  19. ^ "Illustrated Guide to Places to Visit - Floors Castle". Retrieved 27 March 2016.
  20. ^ Times, Wireless To The New York (7 August 1929). "DUCHESS INHERITS FORTUNE; Former Miss Goelet Receives $3,000,000 From Mother's Estate" (PDF). The New York Times. Retrieved 28 November 2016.
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