His first wife, Helen Derby Merrien Burgess, was the daughter of Harry L. Derby, president of the American Cyanamid and Chemical Corporation; she took her life after their divorce.
Istri pertamanya, Helen Derby Merrien Burgess, merupakan anak dari Harry L. Derby, presiden American Cyanamid and Chemical Corporation; dia menjalani hidupnya setelah perceraian mereka.