Deering Family Tree
Explore this family tree and take a closer look at three generations of the Deering family to begin to understand how James Deering—who was born in Maine, ran a family business in Chicago and had homes in New York City and Neuilly, France—selected Miami for his winter retreat.
Deering was a lifelong bachelor with no direct descendants. After his death, Vizcaya ultimately became the property of his nieces, Marion Deering McCormick and Barbara Deering Danielson, the daughters of Deering’s half-brother Charles. His nieces’ commitment to the estate weathered multiple hurricanes and escalating maintenance costs, but they eventually conveyed the entire estate, including its art and furnishings, to Miami-Dade County. Vizcaya opened as a public museum in 1953.
Deering’s heirs have since donated many objects to Vizcaya, some original to the property and others from the Charles Deering Estate in Cutler. Among these gifts are the two marble busts on display here by the Spanish sculptor Josep Clarà (1878–1958), examples of the many works of art commissioned and collected by Charles Deering.
William Deering (1826-1913) started in the milling business in South Paris, Maine, before founding the Deering Manufacturing Company, in Chicago, Illinois. As his health weakened, the family began spending time in Florida, eventually settling in Coconut Grove by 1910. Soon after, his sons began designing homes in the area. However, William died before construction on the Vizcaya estate began.
Charles Deering (1852-1927), a gifted amateur artist, served in the U.S. Navy before becoming Chairman of International Harvester. Charles built a home in Cutler, south of Miami where he displayed his love of art and preserving nature. Today, the Deering Estate is a public museum and functions as an environmental and archeological preserve along Biscayne Bay.
James Deering (1859-1925), the creator of the Vizcaya estate, was one of America’s wealthiest people. He served as Vice President of International Harvester, retiring in 1908 and spent his winter seasons at Vizcaya from 1916 until his death. He is often confused with John Deere, whose company competed with International Harvester in the early 1900s.
Richard Flint Howe (1863-1943), a Wisconsin native and Harvard graduate, served as a Secretary, Treasurer, and Director for the International Harvester Company.
Marion Deering (1886-1965) devoted her life to charitable and civic causes, supporting organizations like the Illinois Children’s Home and Aid Society. She also enjoyed time at her family ranch, where she bred Guernsey cattle. After Marion and her sister eventually inherited the Vizcaya Estate, they helped steward its transition into a public institution.
Chauncy Brooks McCormick (1884-1954) was the grandson of William S. McCormick, one of the founders of the McCormick Reaper Company. He served as president of the Art Institute of Chicago, where most of Charles’ and James’ art collections were bequeathed. He oversaw the restoration of Vizcaya in the 1930s, managed art and furnishings, arranged donations to public institutions, and facilitated the transition to public ownership.
Barbara Deering (1888-1982), an avid hunter and lover of nature, supported cultural, educational and health organizations in Massachusetts such as the Museum of Science, the Perkins School for the Blind and the Massachusetts General Hospital. Alongside her sister Marion, Barbara played a key role in transforming Vizcaya into a public institution.
Richard Ely Danielson (1886-1957) was the editor of the Boston Independent, and The Sportsman, as well as president and associate editor of the Atlantic Monthly. He married Barbara Deering and the couple had three children, one of whom would follow in his footsteps as president of the Atlantic Monthly Corporation.
