Mary Astor Paul

Mary Paul Munn Allez
Born Mary Astor Paul
March 26, 1889
Radnor, Pennsylvania
Died July 28, 1950
Paris, France
Residence Radnor, Pennsylvania
Paris, France
Nationality American
Other names Mme. Jacques Allez
Employer American Aid Society
Known for War Service during World War II
Title President
Spouse(s) Charles Alexander Munn, Jr.
(m. 1909-1930)
Jacques Allez
(m. 1934-1950)
Parent(s) James W. Paul, Jr. and Fanny Drexel
Relatives William Waldorf Astor
(uncle)
Anthony Joseph Drexel I
(grandfather)
Anthony Drexel Biddle, Jr.
(cousin)

Mary Astor Paul (March 26, 1889 – July 28, 1950) was a Philadelphia socialite who was related to the Astor[1] and Drexel[2] families. During World War II, she helped the American forces in France.

Mary Paul was the daughter of James William Paul, Jr. (1851-1908) and Frances Drexel (1858-1901), the daughter of Anthony Joseph Drexel (1826-1893). She was born and raised in Radnor, Pennsylvania, where she grew up and was presented to society in 1907.[3]

Marriage

On October 28, 1908, Mary's engagement to Charles Alexander Munn, Jr. was announced. The marriage of the couple took place on June 21, 1909, at St. Martin Episcopal Church in Radnor, Pennsylvania. Many members of society were present, including the Drexel and Roosevelt families.[4]

After their marriage, the couple lived at Woodcrest, their residence in Radnor, until they sold it in 1925. After the sale, the couple sailed to France, intending on living there for a decade. However, Mary filed for divorce in 1930, citing abandonment.[5]

Children

The Munns had four children together: three daughters and a son: Pauline, Mary, Frances Drexel, and Charles A. Munn, Jr.

Pauline, the eldest child, married Milton Dorland Doyle, of New York City, in Cap Ferrat, France in 1931. The marriage was a tumultuous one, and after twice filing and then dismissing divorce charges, the couple was divorced in 1938. Pauline died in France in 1939.[6]

Charles served with the United States Naval Reserve, rising to the rank of lieutenant in 1941. At that time, he married Louise Stanley, the actress, in New York City.[7]

Frances Drexel Munn went to school in Europe and was presented to society in 1934 at the Bellevue-Stratford in Philadelphia. In 1938, she married George F. Baker, son of the prominent banker of the same name in New York City.[8]

Mary Munn was educated at a school in Westfield, England, until the war broke out. At that time, she was brought to Paris and educated by private tutors. On 29 September 1948, she married Frederick Ponsonby, Viscount Duncannon at the American Cathedral in Paris, France.[9] Lord Dunacannon succeeded as the 10th Earl of Bessborough, 10 March 1956. Lady Bessborough was a painter of still life.

World War II

During World War II, Mrs. Munn, now remarried to Jacques Allez, served the United States Military in a large role. She served as president of the American Aid Society in Paris. During the French resistance movement, she helped contact the American forces under the code name "Pauline."[10]

The President of the United States, Harry S. Truman, awarded Mme. Allez the American Medal of Freedom for her service. At the same time, French President Vincent Auriol made her a chevalier of the Legion of Honor.[11]

Speaking of her service, Mme. Allez said that her contacts were throughout France, and consisted of people from all walks of life and occupations. She was also in personal contact throughout the war with the American Legation in Berne, Switzerland, and Robert Murphy, the United States Consul.[12]

References

  1. ↑ Her father was the brother of Mrs William Waldorf Astor of New York.
  2. ↑ Her mother was Fanny Drexel, daughter of Anthony Joseph Drexel.
  3. ↑ "Miss Mary Astor Paul to Wed". New York Times. October 29, 1908. Retrieved 2009-02-20.
  4. ↑ "MISS MARY ASTOR PAUL WEDS.; Niece of Late Mrs. William Waldorf Astor Marries Charles A. Munn". New York Times. June 22, 1909. Retrieved 2009-02-20.
  5. ↑ "MRS. MUNN ASKS DIVORCE.; Two Other Americans Involved in Paris Applications". New York Times. January 11, 1930. Retrieved 2009-02-20.
  6. ↑ "MRS. PAULINE MUNN DOYLE; Descendant of Anthony J. Drexel Dies in Neuilly, France". New York Times. June 10, 1939. Retrieved 2009-02-20.
  7. ↑ "LOUISE STANLEY WEDS; Actress Becomes the Bride of Lt. Charles A. Munn Jr., U.S.N.R." New York Times. August 28, 1942. Retrieved 2009-02-20.
  8. ↑ "GEO. F. BAKER JR. TO WED MISS MUNN; Troth of Philadelphia and Palm Beach Girl to New Yorker Is Made Known HE IS HARVARD STUDENT Grandson of Philanthropist and Banker-Fiancee Member of a Banking Family Her Family Prominent His Grandfather in Many Banks". New York Times. February 21, 1938. Retrieved 2009-02-20.
  9. ↑ "MISS MARY MUNN ENGAGED TO PEER; She Will Be Bride of Viscount Duncannon, Son of Former Canadian Governor General". New York Times. August 11, 1948. Retrieved 2009-02-20.
  10. ↑ "MRS. ALLEZ IS DEAD; HEROINE IN WAR, 61; Leader in French Resistance Network, Once Prominent in Philadelphia Society Father Known as Banker". New York Times. July 30, 1950. Retrieved 2009-02-20.
  11. ↑ "MRS. ALLEZ IS DEAD; HEROINE IN WAR, 61; Leader in French Resistance Network, Once Prominent in Philadelphia Society Father Known as Banker". New York Times. July 30, 1950. Retrieved 2009-02-20.
  12. ↑ "MRS. ALLEZ IS DEAD; HEROINE IN WAR, 61; Leader in French Resistance Network, Once Prominent in Philadelphia Society Father Known as Banker". New York Times. July 30, 1950. Retrieved 2009-02-20.
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