Wilfred Merton

Born: 1888.

Died: 1957.

Wilfred Merton was born Wilfred Schmeichen but later took the last name of his step-father. He was a wealthy and avid book collector and later worked as an engraver in the book business. While an undergraduate student at Trinity College he helped Victor B. Neuburg to finance his first book of poetry, A Green Garland.

Merton married Ione de Forest [Jeanne Heyse] in December 1911. Victor Neuburg and Ione de Forest had been lovers and continued their affair after the marriage. This resulted in both Victor and Ione being named as respondents in a divorce complaint in 1912.