Born at Nemours near Wilmington, Delaware. Received B.S. from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1901. Married Natalie Driver Wilson February 3, 1903. They had eight children before her death in 1918. Married Bertha Taylor November 27, 1920. She died in 1928. Married Carolene Marsh Hynson Stollenwerck September 5, 1930. They were divorced in 1933. Married Margaret A. Flett November 24, 1933. They had two sons including Willis.

He joined the family firm in 1902. In 1915 he became superintendent of the black powder department. The company prospered selling military powder during WW I. The company diversified into various chemicals. Director of E. I. du Pont de Nemours & Co; president 1926 to 1940; chairman of the board 1940 to 1948. He served on the board of directors of General Motors and several other corporations and service organizations.

He listed his hobbies as including chopping and sawing wood. He also collected Indian arrowheads and coins. Owned original class I 1804 dollar and class II 1804 dollar. He also owned a Brasher Doubloon.

He died in Fishers Island, New York.

bio: DAB; NCAB 56 (gives place of death as New London, Connecticut); WWWA-3 obit: NYT 7/25/52