Pillsbury, John Sargent (1827–1901)

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Governor John S. Pillsbury, c.1898.

In forty-six years as a Minnesotan, John Sargent Pillsbury helped establish what eventually became one of the world's largest flour-milling businesses, served three terms as governor, and contributed—generously and often anonymously—to numerous causes he deemed worthy.

Pillsbury was born on July 29, 1827, in Sutton, New Hampshire. In 1855, he toured the western frontier and chose St. Anthony (now part of Minneapolis) as his home. In 1856, he married Mahala Fisk.

Primarily an entrepreneur, Pillsbury pursued commercial enterprises in hardware, real estate, and lumber before founding, with his family, C.A. Pillsbury and Company. Republican leaders, impressed by Pillsbury's industry and integrity, urged him to enter politics, first as a city council member in St. Anthony and later as a state senator. He was first elected state senator in 1862, then reelected in 1864 and 1866, and again in 1870, 1872, and 1874.

As a state senator, Pillsbury saved the University of Minnesota from bankruptcy by streamlining its administration and retiring its debts. Pillsbury had completed only a common-school education, but that did not stop him from becoming president of the University's Board of Regents in 1891. Now, he is called the "Father of the University."

Pillsbury, a Republican, served as Minnesota's eighth governor from January 7, 1876, to January 10, 1882. As governor, he was practical and compassionate, finally resolving a sensitive railroad bond issue in 1881 and increasing aid to those harmed by the grasshopper plagues, which lasted from 1873 to 1877. Pillsbury also encouraged legislators in 1878 to create the office of public examiner to detect and purge corruption in public office.

Pillsbury devoted the last twenty years of his life to commercial and civic projects. His fortune was immense, as were his gifts to various charities and institutions, especially the University. Pillsbury died on October 18, 1901, in Minneapolis.

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First published: June 23, 2011
Last modified: April 15, 2015

Related Resources

Related Resources

Primary

Records of Governor John S. Pillsbury, 1875–1891
Minnesota State Archives, Minnesota Historical Society, St. Paul
http://www2.mnhs.org/library/findaids/gr00626.xml
Description: Records from the gubernatorial terms of John S. Pillsbury, including materials relating to public lands, railroads, grasshopper relief, seed grain, pardons, and applications for and appointments to office.

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John S. Pillsbury and Family Papers, 1833–1934
Manuscript Collection, Minnesota Historical Society, St. Paul
Description: Financial and legal records relating to John S. Pillsbury's various business enterprises.

Pillsbury, J.S. An address delivered by Hon. John S. Pillsbury before the alumni of the University of Minnesota at the West Hotel, Minneapolis, June 1, 1893: being a sketch of the growth and development of the University for the thirty years in which he has been a regent. [Minneapolis]: Alumni Association, University of Minnesota, [1893?].

———. Annual message of Governor J.S. Pillsbury to the Legislature of Minnesota, delivered January 4, 1877. St. Paul: Pioneer Press Co., 1877.

———. Annual message of Governor J.S. Pillsbury to the Legislature of Minnesota, delivered January 11, 1878. Minneapolis: Johnson, Smith and Harrison, 1878.

———. First biennial message of Governor J.S. Pillsbury to the Legislature of Minnesota, delivered January 6, 1881. St. Paul: J.W. Cunningham, 1881.

———. Inaugural message of Governor J.S. Pillsbury to the Legislature of Minnesota, delivered January 7, 1876. St. Paul: Pioneer Press Co., 1876.

———. Message of Governor J.S. Pillsbury to the Legislature of Minnesota, delivered October 12, 1881, in extra session. St. Paul: Office of Pioneer Press Co., 1881.

Secondary

Pillsbury, Philip W. The Pioneering Pillsburys. New York: Newcomen Society, 1950.

"Portraits and sketches of successful men of Minneapolis, St. Paul, Milwaukee, etc.: John Sargent Pillsbury." Successful American 5, no. 1 (January 1902): 18–19.

"State Builders of the West: John Sargent Pillsbury, Eighth Governor of Minnesota." Western Magazine 13, no. 4 (April 1919): 121–123.

Sturdevant, Lori, with George S. Pillsbury. The Pillsburys of Minnesota. Minneapolis: Nodin Press, 2011.

University of Minnesota Board of Regents. John S. Pillsbury, "Father of the University." Resolutions adopted by the Board of Regents and memorial addresses delivered on commencement day, June 5, 1902. [Minneapolis]: University of Minnesota, 1902.

Yates-Borger, Judith, "Four Generations of the Family Pillsbury: Their successes and failures play against the backdrop of Minnesota --and relentless change," Twin Cities, July 1981, 28–41, 78-84.

Web

The Minnesota Historical Society. Governors of Minnesota.
http://collections.mnhs.org/governors/index.php/10004009

Related Images

Turning Point

In 1855, New Hampshire-native John Sargent Pillsbury chooses St. Anthony (now part of Minneapolis) as his home. The city and state of Minnesota benefit from his business and political savvy and his benevolent concern for others for years to come.

Chronology

1827

Pillsbury is born in Sutton, New Hampshire, on July 29.

1855

He tours the western frontier and settles in St. Anthony (now part of Minneapolis).

1856

He marries Mahala Fisk.

1891

Pillsbury becomes president of the University of Minnesota's Board of Regents.

1876

He begins the first of three terms as governor of Minnesota.

1901

Pillsbury dies in Minneapolis on October 18.

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