grenville lindall winthrop was born on february 11, 1864 in new york city. his father, robert winthrop, was a banker. his mother, kate wilson taylor, was the daughter of banker moses taylor. he was a direct descendant of john winthrop, the first governor of the massachusetts bay colony. his brother, beekman winthrop, went on to serve as the governor of puerto rico from 1904 to 1907. he had another brother, frederic winthrop.