JOHN S. PILLSBURY. Document Signed, St. Anthony, MN, 23 May 1871. 3 pages, 12½" x 7¾".

One of the founders of the Pillsbury Flour Mills, John S. Pillsbury supplied part of the initial funds that launched the business in 1869, served for decades as a director of the company, even after its sale to British interests in 1889, and was influential in several key decisions regarding the expansion and direction of the firm. An investor in banks, lumber, real estate, and railways as well as flour milling, Pillsbury was also a very popular Governor of Minnesota from 1875 to 1881. He played such a key role in the development of the University of Minnesota that he is considered the “father” of the school.

This document is an agreement regarding a twenty-five acre tract in Hennepin County, Minnesota, which Pillsbury and Samuel H. Chute purchased jointly on 23 May 1871 for six thousand dollars. However, since Pillsbury paid the full cost of the land and took title to it in his name only, he agrees in this document that he will convey a “joint equal and undivided one half of said tract” to Chute as soon as Chute gives him half of the purchase price plus interest.

Pillsbury has signed the agreement (“J. S. Pillsbury”) at its conclusion, at the bottom of the third page.

The document is in very good condition.

Documents signed by Pillsbury are uncommon. $750.00

This image shows only the third and final page of the document.

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