Charles Alfred Pillsbury

Charles Alfred Pillsbury (December 3, 1842 – September 17, 1899) was an American businessman and co-founder of the Pillsbury Company, a major flour milling company in the United States.

Early Life

Charles Alfred Pillsbury was born in Warner, New Hampshire, to John Sargent Pillsbury and Margaret Sprague Carleton. He attended Dartmouth College and graduated in 1863.

Career

After graduation, Pillsbury moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he worked at his uncle's bank, the Minnesota National Bank. In 1869, he bought a one-third share in a small Minneapolis flour mill, which he renamed the C.A. Pillsbury and Company.

Pillsbury introduced several innovations to the milling industry, including the first use of iron rollers for milling flour, which greatly improved the quality and efficiency of the milling process. He also pioneered the use of cooperative marketing in the flour industry, which helped to establish Minneapolis as a major center for flour production.

In 1889, the Pillsbury Company was sold to an English syndicate, but Pillsbury remained as manager. Under his leadership, the company continued to grow and innovate, introducing the first ready-to-bake products and becoming one of the largest flour milling companies in the world.

Personal Life

Pillsbury was married to Mary Ann Stinson and they had two children. He was also a prominent philanthropist, donating to various causes including education and the arts.

Legacy

Pillsbury's innovations in the milling industry had a significant impact on the development of Minneapolis and the flour industry in the United States. The Pillsbury Company continues to be a major player in the food industry, and the Pillsbury name is still associated with quality and innovation.

See Also

• Pillsbury Company
• Flour milling
• Minneapolis, Minnesota

External Links

• Official Pillsbury Company Website