Early Life
Elizabeth Schermerhorn Jones was born in Manhattan on February 20, 1810. Abraham Schermerhorn and Helen Van Cortlandt White were her parents, and she was among New York’s elite.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 1810 | Born in Manhattan, New York |
| 1838 | Married General James I. Jones |
| 1876 | Died in Rhinebeck, New York |
Marriage and Family
General James I. Jones married Elizabeth on August 30, 1838. Despite having no children, the couple shaped their community.
| Family Member | Relationship | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Abraham Schermerhorn | Father | Industrialist and prominent New Yorker |
| Helen Van Cortlandt White | Mother | Socialite from a notable family |
| James I. Jones | Husband | General in the U.S. Army |
The Wyndclyffe Mansion
Elizabeth ordered Wyndclyffe Mansion in Rhinebeck, New York, in 1853. This large estate was the owner’s summer and weekend home, showcasing his riches and prestige.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 1853 | Wyndclyffe Mansion constructed |
| 1876 | Elizabeth’s death; mansion ownership transition |
Cultural Influence
Wyndclyffe Mansion symbolized Gilded Age grandeur and hosted high society. Elizabeth’s connections to the Astors and Whartons increased her social status.
| Connection | Relation | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Astor Family | Distant relative | Influential in New York society |
| Edith Wharton | Niece | Notable American author |
Legacy and Impact
Elizabeth Schermerhorn Jones is credited with coining “keeping up with the Joneses,” demonstrating her influence on American culture. Her estate depicts 19th-century rich folks.
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Social Legacy | Inspired “keeping up with the Joneses” |
| Historical Significance | Wyndclyffe Mansion as a cultural landmark |
Later Years and Death
Her nephew Edward Jones Jr. acquired Wyndclyffe after her death in 1876. The mansion changed hands and fell into disrepair, but historians and visitors still love it.
| Event | Year |
|---|---|
| Inherited by Edward Jones Jr. | 1876 |
| Sold to Andrew Finck | 1886 |
FAQ
What was Wyndclyffe Mansion and its significance?
New York’s aristocracy stayed at Elizabeth Schermerhorn Jones’ opulent Wyndclyffe Mansion. It represents Gilded Age luxury and society.
Did Elizabeth Schermerhorn Jones have kids?
Elizabeth and General James I. Jones never had children. The Wyndclyffe estate and social influence are their main legacies.
How was Elizabeth Schermerhorn Jones connected to important families?
Elizabeth, the aunt of Edith Wharton and an Astor, was well-connected in New York society.
How did Elizabeth Schermerhorn Jones influence American society?
Elizabeth’s lavish lifestyle and estate popularized “keeping up with the Joneses,” reflecting America’s competitive wealth and prestige.
Elizabeth died—what happened to Wyndclyffe Mansion?
Elizabeth’s nephew inherited Wyndclyffe Mansion, which was sold several times and fell into disrepair. It showcases historical architecture and social history.
