Henry Ware Eliot facts for kids
Henry Ware Eliot (born November 25, 1843 – died January 7, 1919) was an important American businessman and someone who gave a lot to charity. He lived in St. Louis, Missouri. He was also the father of the famous poet, T. S. Eliot.
Growing Up and School
Henry Ware Eliot was the son of William Greenleaf Eliot. His father was a well-known minister in St. Louis. William Greenleaf Eliot also helped start Washington University in St. Louis. Henry followed in his father's footsteps. He graduated from Washington University in 1863. Henry remained a Unitarian, a type of Christian faith, throughout his life. He was named after Henry Ware Jr., who was a leader at Harvard Divinity School. Henry Ware Jr. was also a teacher to Henry's father.
His Work and Business
Henry Eliot started his career in the grocery business. He worked at a company called Reed and Green. After that, he became a partner in a different company. This company was called Eliot and Larkin. They worked as chemists, making different products.
In 1874, Henry Eliot joined the Hydraulic-Press Brick Company in St. Louis. He started as the Secretary of the company. Over time, he worked his way up to become the President. He retired when he was 70 years old. Even after retiring, he continued to help the company. He shared his knowledge and experience with them.
Helping the Community
Henry Eliot was very active in public life. He served on the Board of Directors for Washington University. He was a director there from 1877 to 1919. In 1902, he became the President of the Academy of Science, St. Louis. He also served as a Trustee for the Missouri Botanical Garden. This was from 1902 to 1903.
Later in his life, he created a record of his family history. He traced the descendants of his ancestor, William Greenleaf.
His Family Life
On October 27, 1868, Henry Eliot married Charlotte Champe Stearns. They got married in Lexington, Massachusetts. Henry and Charlotte had seven children together. They had two sons and five daughters.
Their children were:
- Ada (Eliot) Sheffield
- Margaret Dawes Eliot
- Charlotte (Eliot) Smith
- Marian Cushing Eliot
- Henry Ware Eliot Jr.
- Theodora Sterling Eliot
- Thomas Stearns Eliot, who became a famous poet
Henry Eliot passed away in St. Louis in 1919. He was buried at Bellefontaine Cemetery. His tombstone shares information about both him and his wife.
