Charles Alfred Pillsbury

Who was Charles Alfred Pillsbury?

Charles Alfred Pillsbury, was a U.S. flour industrialist, a co-founder and namesake of the Pillsbury Company.

Pillsbury was born December 3, 1842 in Warner, New Hampshire, first of three children born to George Alfred Pillsbury and Margaret Sprague Carleton. His sister Mary A. died in infancy. His brother was Frederick Carleton Pillsbury. Charles was a prominent flour miller of Minneapolis, Minnesota. From 1877 to 1897, he was Minnesota State Senator and held the chairmanship of the Finance Committee of the Senate. He was responsible for introduction and implementation of legislation, recommended by his uncle, Governor John S. Pillsbury, for the adjustment of the state debt.