Amherst Family

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Revision as of 04:22, 1 December 2007

(((UNDER MASSIVE RE-CONSTRUCTION))) The Amherst's are a family from Triton City. Often called "America's Royal Family" due to their wealth, power, and connections to multiple European Royal families (often through marriage), they have held positions of political power from local mayor to the President of the United States. Amassing their wealth through their multinational, multi-trillion dollar company Amherst International, the Amherst's are perhaps the most powerful family in the world with money and power on level with the Rothschild's, Rockefeller's, and even the Medici family of the Renaissance.

History and Current

The Family was founded by a German immigrant named Adolf, son of the reigning Barron von Amherst. Adolf fell in love with one of the maids in the palace, which the family did not approve of. He was given a choice: give up his love and stay with the family, or renounce his claim to the title of Barron and be ostracized from the family. He packed his belongings and moved from Bavaria to America, changing his name to Adolf Amherst. 5 years later he founded what was then known as Amherst Land and Trust, a contract company specializing in the construction of lavish mansions for the Barons of the Gilded Age.

In 1867 Adolf Amherst decided to move his company from New York to the bustling state of California. Amherst Land and Trust soon expanded to incorporate nearly every field imaginable- from Agriculture to, most recently, aerospace technology. Over 100 years after its founding, Amherst International is arguably the most powerful corporate body in the world, and has made the Amherst family very, very rich.

But the Amherst's didn't stop there. They dominated the face of American politics as well. As of 2007, several mayors, two senators, three congressmen (one Speaker of the House), two lieutenant governors, two governors, and one president have stemmed from the Amherst family tree. Newly elected Senator George Amherst of California and New York Governor and Presidential candidate Patrick Amherst come from this tree.

Adolf Sr.'s will

When he died, the founder of the Amherst dynasty left a will that was just days old. In it, he laid down specific laws by which the House that bore his name would operate in future year.

The laws were as follows:

(1) All key positions were to be held by members of the family, and not by hired hands. Only male members of the family were allowed to participate in the business.

(2) The eldest son of the eldest son was to be the head of the family unless the majority of the rest of the family agreed otherwise.

(3) Adolf Sr. forbade his heirs "most explicitly, in any circumstances whatever, to have any public inventory made by the courts, or otherwise, of my estate .... Also I forbid any legal action and any publication of the value of the inheritance .... Anyone who disregards these provisions and takes any kind of action which conflicts with them will immediately be regarded as having disputed the will, and shall suffer the consequences of so doing." (No one outside of the dynasty is to ever know how much the family was truly worth)

(4) Adolf Sr. that the female members of the family, their husbands and children should receive their interest in the estate subject to the management of the male members. They were to have no part in the management of the business. Anyone who disputed this arrangement would lose their interest in the Estate. (The last stipulation was specifically designed to seal the mouths of anyone who might feel like breaking with the family. Adolf obviously felt that there were a lot of things under the family "rug" that should never see the light of day).

Family Beliefs

The Amherst’s are one of the oldest families in Triton society. They belong to an extremely tight-knit community comprised of the other old families of Triton. The amount of wealth or political power one has is not as important to them as one’s background and pedigree. That is to say, they do not value fortune as much as they value fortunate birth.

In the eyes of the Amherst’s, a family is “nouveau riche” until the wealth has been passed down a minimum of three generations, with the family founder (the one who acquired the wealth) deceased and the fourth generation in their childhood. A member of a “nouveau riche” family is addressed as a “parvenu” because they have the money and power of the upper tier of society, but usually not the social refinement or clout. The word “newblood” is often used as a slang term for “parvenu” to emphasize their status as “new blue-bloods.” This title is used for every first- and second-generation wealth family, regardless of the amount of money or power they have.

When it comes to beliefs concerning mutants, the Amherst’s basic belief is “whatever keeps them in power.” In the beginning, they were staunch anti-mutants. However, with the passing of pro-mutant legislature, and the revelation that several of the family members were themselves mutants, the Amherst’s have gradually shifted towards pro-Mutant beliefs, often bordering on mutant supremacy (a fundamental belief of the Amherst’s close family friend, the Blair family).

Philanthropy

The members of the Amherst family are noted for their philanthropy; a Triton Historical Society study in 2004 documented a list of over 70 major institutions that the family has created and/or endowed up to the present day. Historically, the major focus of their benefactions have been in the educational, health, and arts areas (in Triton: the prestigious Janus Academy, UC Triton, the Triton City Medical Center, and Neptune's Theatre). However, through its principal philanthropic organization, the Amherst Foundation (managed as part of Amherst International), this focus extends outwards to encompass every major facet of American society.

Edifice Complex

Often credited with an "edifice complex", members of the family have been heavily involved in myriad real estate construction projects in the US over the span of the twentieth century (Mainly through their company Amherst Land & Trust). Chief among them:

• Amherst Plaza in Triton City
• Amherst Tower in Triton City
• The Museum of Natural History in Triton City
• Various International Embassies in Washington, D.C.
• The Pantages Theatre in Triton City
• Amherst Tower in Chicago
• Restoration of several buildings of Princeton University, Columbia University, and Harvard College.
• The "Mutant Liberation Memorial" to be unveiled in Triton City

Family Wealth

The combined wealth of the family- its total assets and investments plus the individual wealth of its members- has never been known with any precision. The records of the family archives relating to both the family and individual members' net worth is closed to researchers. One economist was quoted as saying that the Amherst family wealth is "simply ineffable. Always was, always will be."

Some have estimated the dynasty's wealth as comparable to that of the Rothschild's (estimated to be at a minimum 5000 times larger than the United States Gross National Product[$10.33 trillion X 5000]), while still others estimate it to be equal to the wealth of John D. Rockefeller's at the height of his fortune (estimated to be around $200 billion to $2 trillion). What is certain, however, is that the family fortune has been, is, and will continue to be Amherst's best kept secret.

From the outset, and even today, the family wealth has been under the complete control of the male members of the dynasty, through Amherst International's subsidiary Amherst Financial. Despite strong-willed wives who had influence over their husbands' decisions- such as the pivotal Elizabeth Sinclair, wife of Governor Edward J. Amherst, and several of the royal princesses- in all cases they received allowances only and were never given even partial responsibility for the family fortune.

Legacy

A trademark of the dynasty over its 140-plus years has been the remarkable unity it has maintained, despite major divisions that developed in the late 1970s, and unlike other wealthy families such as the DuPonts and the Mellons. A primary reason has been the lifelong efforts of Benjamin II to not only cleanse the name from the opprobrium stemming from the former ruthless practices of Amherst International, but his tireless efforts to forge family unity even through seemingly violent means. This was partly achieved by the “absolute rule” tradition of the family patriarch, but it was also because of the high value placed on family unity by the third generation.

Adolf Sr. gave away more than US$520 million (in dollar terms of that time) in his lifetime, and became the greatest lay benefactor of education in history. His son, John, also gave away over $530 million over his lifetime, bringing the total philanthropy of just two generations of the family to over $1 billion from 1870 to 1900. Added to this, the New York Times declared in a report in November, 2006 that Benjamin Amherst III's total charitable benefactions amount to over $10 billion over his lifetime.

The combined personal and social connections of the various family members are vast, both in America and throughout the world, including the most powerful politicians, royalty, public figures, and chief businessmen.

The Amherst name is imprinted on numerous places throughout the United States, most notably in Triton City:

• Amherst Plaza - A landmark 20-building 30 acre complex in the center of Downtown Triton established by Benjamin II;
• Amherst University, now UC Triton – Absorbed into the University of California system as UC Triton in 1980, this is the distinguished Nobel prize-winning center for higher learning established by Adolf Jr.
• The Amherst Foundation - Founded in 1913 and later assimilated into Amherst International, this is the famous philanthropic organization set up by Adolf and Adolf Jr.;
• The Amherst Scholarship- Founded in 1967 by members of the family's fourth-generation for the benefit of "underprivileged students of extraordinary ability";
• The Amherst Research Laboratories Building - A major research center into cancer that was established in 1986 and named after William, this is situated at the Triton City Medical Center;
• Amherst Hall - Established by Benjamin I, this building houses the UC Triton Physics Department;

Adolf Jr. also funded the notable excavations at Luxor in Egypt, as well as establishing a Classical Studies School in Athens. In addition, he provided the funding for the construction of a museum in New York - the Amherst Museum - which today houses such notable antiquities as the first Harry Potter manuscript.

For all of the above reasons, the family and its far reaching philanthropy, and its real estate, banking, technology, and international institutions is still considered today to be one of America's greatest families. They are also a benchmark for extreme wealth, perhaps in most part due to the mere fact that their exact- or even estimated- wealth has been shrouded in secrecy since the beginning of the dynasty. They are often cited as being "Wealthier than the Medici's, more famous than the Kennedy's, more powerful than the Rothschild's, and more generous than the Rockefeller's."

Name Etymology

The name "Amherst" is derived from the title of Adolf, the Barron von Amherst, the founder of the family. Coming to America in the 1850's, he shortened his name to distance himself from his family in Europe so that he could start over with his new wife.

Family Members

((NOT EVEN CLOSE TO FINISHED))

• Adolf Amherst, wife: Ava Weinstein
  • Benjamin Amherst: Family branch which expanded Amherst International into the business empire it is today.
  • John Amherst: Family branch which solidified the Amherst Family's standing as the America's Royal Family.
  • Adolf Amherst, JR: Family branch which established the Amherst Family as America's most successful political dynasty.

Descendants of Benjamin Amherst

• • Benjamin Amherst, wife: Edith Richard: Eldest son of Adolf Amherst. Crucial in the creation of Amherst Financial. Succeeded Adolf SR upon retirement.
    • Benjamin Amherst II, wife: Catherine Beecher: Became Chairman/CEO of Amherst International upon Benjamin I's retirement.
      • Dorothy Amherst:
      • Benjamin Amherst III, wife: HRH Princess Sonya of Norway: Became Mayor of Triton City, then became Chairman/CEO of Amherst International upon Benjamin II's retirement.
        • George Amherst, wife: Miranda Torchwood:
          • Rodolphe Amherst
          • Raoul Amherst:
          • Ryan Amherst:
        • Patrick Amherst, wife: Elizabeth West. Current Governor of New York and Republican Presidential Candidate for 2008 elections.
          • Erik Amherst:
          • Andrew Amherst
          • Andrea Amherst:
        • Debra Amherst-Rockwell:
      • Stanley Amherst, wife: Lady Clara of Westchester:
        • Michael Amherst, wife:
          • David Amherst, wife: Abby Simpson:
            • Colin Amherst:
            • David Amherst II:
        • Christina Amherst-Stephenson:
    • Milton Amherst, wife: Mary Koch: Became Congressman from Triton, became 2-term President of the United States. USS Milton Amherst Aircraft Carrier named after him (stationed in San Diego, and captained by Charles Rockwell JR- a distant relative).
      • Richard Amherst, wife: Helena Prentice:
        • Jackson Amherst, wife: Sara Bens:
          • Daniel Amherst:
      • Margaret Amherst:
    • Mary Amherst-Simpson:

Descendants of John Amherst

• • John Amherst, wife: Elizabeth Townsend: Second son of Adolf Amherst. Crucial in the purchase of family homes in Europe.
    • Jacob Amherst, wife: Donna Colin: Moved to London to begin European operations of Amherst International.
      • Grace Amherst, husband: HRH Prince Stefan of Sweden:
        • HRH Princess Ingrid of Sweden:
        • HRH Prince Gerhard of Sweden:
      • Louise Amherst, husband: Lord Charles Baltimore:
        • Lord James Baltimore:
    • James Amherst: Joined the Priesthood.

Descendants of Adolf Amherst Jr.

• • Adolf Amherst, JR, wife: Meredith White: Youngest son of Adolf Amherst. Became State Senator.
    • Edward Amherst, wife: Elizabeth Sinclair: Became Governor of California.
      • Barbara Amherst-O'Neill:
      • Claire Amherst-Pauling:
    • William Amherst, wife: HRH Princess Andrea of Monaco:
    • Henry Amherst, wife: Monica Gellar:
      • Jack Amherst, wife: Jaqueline Descartes:
      • Chandler Amherst, wife: Felicia Stuart:

Known acquaintances

Blair Family

The members of the Blair Family are long-time friends of the Amherst family, even though Amherst Land & Trust and the Triton Group are top rivals in business. Even though there has never been a marriage to unify the two families, there is a mutual support system for each of the families’ political candidates/officers, a shared basic belief system, and almost a century’s worth of friendship between them.

In today’s Triton, the Blair family is once again in power through Cameron Blair, the current Mayor of Triton. Erik Amherst, adopted scion of the Amherst family, has a small internship at the mayoral mansion and receives first-hand lessons in politics from Mayor Blair. Erik Amherst is also close friends with Serena Blair, the Mayor’s niece and heiress to the Blair family.

Dupuis Family

European Royal Families

Stemming originally from the blood of the Barron von Amherst, the family has a long history of marrying into the "power families" of Europe, mainly the royal families. The Amherst's have blood connections with several royal families in Europe (Germany, Norway, Belgium, and Monaco).

Homes

Members of the family have purchased and sold homes throughout history, but there are several homes which have been acquired by family members and passed down from generation to generation. The oldest of these is the family's ancestral home in Triton-Kykuit. The most recent are the group of islands recently purchased in Dubai. Each home is equipped with bulletproof/bombproof windows/walls, a detachment of Amherst Security guards, and a staff of at least 10 servants at all times (more if a family member is actually in residence there, as is the case with Kykuit, "The World" and the complex at 740 Park Avenue.)

Kykuit

The Ancestral home in Triton. A 22,000 square foot (at least above ground) main house with multiple outbuildings, surrounded by Baroque gardens and high security walls. Perched on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

The World Archipelago

A group of islands in Dubai. The family owns the islands that make up Alaska and a portion of Canada. Features include an airfield that can accommodate an Airbus A380, an underwater network of tunnels from one island to another, and docks for yachts and a Phoenix 1000 submarine.

Westwood House

A large palatial estate in London's Kensington Palace Gardens street, often referred to by many as "the most expensive street in the world."

Fiori

The Amherst's thousand-acre villa just outside the Italian city of Milan. Rolling green hills, a small vineyard, and dozens of horses. There is a large main house, a winery, stables, and several smaller cottages.

Chateau d'Allemande

A grand estate just outside of Paris. Situated on 500 acres, there is the palatial main chateau, servants quarters, fountains, stables, a small lake, and acres of baroque gardens.

740 Park Avenue

The Amherst family owns a massive, 3-floor complex at 740 Park Avenue, said to be the world's wealthiest apartment building. There are 10 bedrooms, multiple bathrooms, entrances from the lobby and the street, and views of the Manhattan skyline.