Introduction

Margaret Ayer Barnes was a notable American playwright and novelist who won the Pulitzer Prize in 1931. She was born in 1886 and died in 1967, leaving behind a legacy of literary works that have stood the test of time. However, her fortune and personal life remain a mystery to many. In this blog post, we will delve into the life of Margaret Ayer Barnes, unraveling her fortune and exploring different aspects of her life.

Early Life and Education

Margaret Ayer Barnes was born on April 8, 1886, in Chicago, Illinois. Her parents, James and Mary Ayer, were wealthy and socially prominent. Margaret attended Bryn Mawr College, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree. Later, she also studied at the Sorbonne in Paris, France, and the University of Chicago.

Writing Career

Margaret Ayer Barnes began her writing career as a playwright, but she later switched to writing novels. Her first novel, “Years of Grace”, was published in 1930 and won the Pulitzer Prize the following year. She also wrote several other novels, including “Edna His Wife” and “Westward Passage”. Her novels were typically centered on the lives of highly-educated women.

Personal Life

Margaret Ayer Barnes married Cecil Barnes in 1910. He was an attorney and a member of a prominent Chicago family. They had three sons together, including Ben Barnes, who later became a U.S. Senator from Maryland. Margaret and Cecil Barnes divorced in 1936, and she never remarried.

Political Views

Margaret Ayer Barnes was known for her liberal political views. She was a supporter of Franklin D. Roosevelt and the New Deal. During World War II, she was a member of the American Writers’ War Board, which aimed to promote the war effort through literature.

Net Worth

It is difficult to determine Margaret Ayer Barnes’ net worth because she was private about her finances. However, it is known that her family was wealthy, and she inherited a considerable sum from them.

Legacy

Margaret Ayer Barnes’ literary works have left a lasting impact on the world of literature. Her novel “Years of Grace” is still widely read today. She was also a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters and received several honorary degrees.

Death

Margaret Ayer Barnes died on October 25, 1967, in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She was buried in the Ayer family plot at Graceland Cemetery in Chicago.

Conclusion

Margaret Ayer Barnes was a talented writer who contributed significantly to American literature. Her works have stood the test of time and continue to be studied and appreciated today. Although her personal life remains somewhat of a mystery, we do know that she was wealthy and had a lasting impact on the literary world.

FAQs

Q1. What was Margaret Ayer Barnes’ most famous novel?

Margaret Ayer Barnes’ most famous novel is “Years of Grace”, which won the Pulitzer Prize in 1931.

Q2. What was Margaret Ayer Barnes’ political affiliation?

Margaret Ayer Barnes was known for her liberal political views and was a supporter of Franklin D. Roosevelt and the New Deal.

Q3. Was Margaret Ayer Barnes wealthy?

Margaret Ayer Barnes inherited a considerable sum from her family, who were wealthy, but it is difficult to determine her net worth.

Q4. Did Margaret Ayer Barnes have any children?

Margaret Ayer Barnes had three sons with her husband Cecil Barnes.

Q5. What is Margaret Ayer Barnes’ legacy?

Margaret Ayer Barnes’ literary works have left a lasting impact on American literature, and her novel “Years of Grace” is still widely read today.