John H. MacMillan

Who was John H. MacMillan?

John H. MacMillan, Jr. was born in Texas and attended Yale University. After graduating Yale he entered the United States Army artillery, rising to the rank of Major when he was 23. McMillian served in France during World War I. After the war, he worked as a trader on the floor of the Minneapolis Chamber of Commerce for Cargill, the family grain business. His aggressive management style led Cargill employees to revolt in 1925. He took over for his father as president of Cargill in 1936 grew the family-owned business significantly. He invested in the United States and expanded Cargill's operations into Europe and South America. Under his tenure sales topped $1 billion for the first time.