Pillsbury, J. S. (John Sargent), 1827-1901

John Sargent Pillsbury was born in Sutton, New Hampshire, and came to the village of St. Anthony MN in 1855 to open a hardware business. 15 years later, he began his flour milling enterprise, which became one of the largest in the world. In 1863, Pillsbury began to take an interest in the University of Minnesota, which had been closed by debt. Pillsbury accepted an appointment as a University Regent, and began the first of several successful rescues of the University. He served as a Regent until his death. Shortly after becoming a University Regent, Pillsbury began his first term as a State Senator, and was later elected Governor of Minnesota, serving three terms. Pillsbury's concern for the University was a primary focus of his life, and he was known as the "Father of the University." Pillsbury Hall on the Minneapolis campus is one of many outright gifts made by Pillsbury to the University during his lifetime.

From the description of John Sargent Pillsbury papers, 1853-1891. (University of Minnesota, Minneapolis). WorldCat record id: 63314450

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