Edwin Cheney

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Edwin Henry Cheney (b. June 13, 1869 - d. ???) was an electrical engineer from Oak Park, Illinois, USA.

Cheney commissioned Frank Lloyd Wright to build his family a house in Oak Park. Wright engaged in a love affair with Edwin's wife Mamah, with whom he went to Europe. Upon their return, Mamah moved into Taliesin, the new house Wright was building for them, while it was still under construction. A dispute with one of their domestic employees resulted in the slaying of Mamah and her two children with Edwin, John and Martha, who happened to be visiting (Edwin still had primary custody).

Edwin Cheney later remarried and moved to St. Louis, Missouri. The Cheney House is, as of 2005, housing a bed & breakfast.

An opera, Shining Brow, covers the story of the Cheneys and Wrights, from when they meet in Wright's office, through the aftermath of Mamah's death. Music by Daron Hagen and lyrics by Paul Muldoon.

[edit] External link

• Shining Brow information at Daron Hagen's Website

[edit] References

• Frank Lloyd Wright biography by author of "The Frank Lloyd Wright Companion"
• Cheney House article from the Oak Park Tourist Website
• Frank Lloyd Wright genealogy (partial)