He started life as a New Englander in 1828 in Sutton, NH, but did not achieve the many things he is noted for until he migrated to Minneapolis in 1855. There he succeeded in many businesses including hardware, real estate, and lumber. His greatest achievement came when he and his nephew Charles Alfred Pillsbury founded Pillsbury and Company making flour which is still in business today.

His political career was an exciting one to say the least. He served in the Minnesota Senate for several years before becoming governor. Aside from his business and political careers he is best known for a “miracle” when, in 1873 to 1877, grasshoppers had so destroyed entire crops of wheat, barley, oat and corn, and when all other attempts failed, Pillsbury called for a day of prayer seeking divine help. Shortly after a freak ice storm destroyed enough of the grasshoppers and with farmers able to control the remainder of the pests crops were replanted.

A noted philanthropist he donated to many causes and in particular the University of Minnesota. He helped the college recover from debt and then served as regent. Pillsbury Hall is named in his honor.

Pillsbury died on October 18, 1901 and is buried in Lakewood Cemetery in Minneapolis. An historical highway marker was placed in his honor by New Hampshire on the Common in Sutton, NH.

Now you have a little background on “the Pillsbury Dough Boy.”

There are many islands off the coast of Maine and I for one have seen them from shore and have flown over some on flights coming and going to Europe. I was informed the other day about an island called Malaga off the Maine coast. I said I had no knowledge of it and goggled to see what was so interesting about it.

After a couple of attempts I found an article from the PORTLAND PRESS HERALD that surprised me. Live and learn I guess. It was during the mid 1860’s a small racially diverse community inhabited the north end of the island to fish and make a living. These residents included black, white and interracial families. Much negativity from people who considered them living in a degenerate colony surfaced and accusations such as they used tobacco and drank tea. EGADS!!!

By the 20th century the island had grown to over 40 families. In 1912 the state , in the interest of growing tourism, evicted the residents. Those buried there were exhumed and re-interred at the Maine School for the Feeble-Minded.

Today there are daytime excursions with guided tours to the island and many people have discovered that they are descendants of the early settlers after researching their family roots. This has led to some healing. The article published this interesting bit: “…in 1912, a ceremony was held on the island at which Gov. John Balducci apologized for his predecessors’ decision in 1912.” However descendants and scholars feel there is lot more healing to be done.

The article said that the inhabitants did well for themselves with eking out a decent living. Farming and fishing was good and residents earned a good living due to the growing ship building business. There remains today old house foundations and dishware, glassware and pipes.

Our blog features a well known Civil War Soldier from our neighboring state of Rhode Island. Elisha Rhodes was born in Pawtuxet, Rhode Island on March 21, 1852 to Captain Eiisha H. Rhodes and Eliza Chase. At age 16 he lost his father who drowned when his schooner the Worcester sunk in a hurricane December, 1858.

He enlisted only when his mother gave him permission. His first thought was the war was an adventure. He was quickly recognized for his abilities during the war and was advanced from Corporal to Lieutenant and put in command of his regiment, the 2nd Rhode Island Volunteer Infantry. His most notable service was in the Petersburg campaign. This is noted for the tunnel dug by Pennsylvania miners that completely demolished a Confederate ammunition dump. This is noted for what historians call “The Crater” left from the blast. Still visible today.

I found his personal life and that of his war record impressive. So did film maker Ken Burns who featured many of Rhode’s sayings in his hit series THE CIVIL WAR. He is noted for his wartime journals and letters. ALL FOR THE UNION, published by his grandson Robert Rhodes. These were featured in Burns’ film.

After the war he became a successful businessman and was very active in veterans” affairs. He was appointed U. S. Internal Revenue Collector of Rhode Island He died on January 14, 1917 and his grave is in Swan Point Cemetery, Providence, RI along side his wife.

Another Rhode island soldier who was also featured in the Burns film is Major Sullivan Ballou. His letter to his wife Sarah is considered one of the best love letters of all time. If you look it up be sure to have tissues handy.

Of course we all know Betsy Ross, the seamstress who designed the U. S. flag we have grown up with and honor. The story goes that George Washington was a frequent visitor to her home as she embroidered his shirt ruffles and sewed many other garments for him. So, he was aware of her skill with a needle. According to stories General Washington along with two representatives of Congress, presented a drawing to Betsy asking her to create a flag. Unfortunately, none of this is documented and historians do not believe it to be true.

Meanwhile Connecticut did not have a state flag for many years. Even though we were the 5th State, on January 9, 1788, to ratify the US Constitution, 100 years later had not adopted an official designation of a state flag.

The Anna Warner Bailey Chapter of The Daughters of the American Revolution, Groton, CT called this to the attention of then Governor O. William Coffin. They got his attention and he requested they pursue the project. They adapted an early design from the seal of Saybrook Colony, designed by George Fenwick when it was established in 1639. That seal depicted 15 grapevines and a hand in the upper left corner with a scroll reading “Sustinet qui transtulit”When Connecticut Colony bought Saybrook in 1644, the seal transferred to Connecticut Colony.

The number of grapevines was reduced to three, representing the three oldest settlements , Windsor, Wethersfield and Hartford. The chapter did get recognized for the early design. Eventually the state legislature agreed on the size, design, colors, and what we see now is pretty much what they agreed upon. The motto is “Qui Transtulit Sustinet.” He who transplants sustains. Only one change I came up with was Sustains was first called Continues.