George Draper Dayton (March 6, 1857 – February 18, 1938) was an American businessman and

philanthropist Philanthropy is a form of altruism that consists of "private initiatives, for the Public good (economics), public good, focusing on quality of life". Philanthropy contrasts with business initiatives, which are private initiatives for private goo ...

, most famous for being the founder of Dayton's department store, which later became Target Corporation.

Life and career

Dayton was born in

Clifton Springs, New York Clifton Springs is a village located in Ontario County, New York, United States. The population was 2,127 at the 2010 census. The village takes its name from local mineral springs. The Village of Clifton Springs is located primarily in the To ...

, the son of Caroline Wesley (Draper) and David Day Dayton.Minnesota Historical Society
/ref> In 1883, he moved to Minnesota, migrating from

New York New York most commonly refers to: * New York City, the most populous city in the United States, located in the state of New York * New York (state), a state in the northeastern United States New York may also refer to: Film and television * '' ...

. His family was one of average means and he had hoped to become a

minister Minister may refer to: * Minister (Christianity), a Christian cleric ** Minister (Catholic Church) * Minister (government), a member of government who heads a ministry (government department) ** Minister without portfolio, a member of government w ...

, but was lured into the business world. He married Emma Chadwick in 1878 and began buying farm mortgages in southwest Minnesota. In 1883 he and his family moved to Worthington, Minnesota where he was able to build wealth in the growing economy. He presided over the Bank of Worthington and founded the Minnesota Loan and Investment Company, advancing his social status and prosperity. In 1890 he built a large home on eight lots, designed by

Sioux Falls Sioux Falls () is the most populous city in the U.S. state of South Dakota and the 130th-most populous city in the United States. It is the county seat of Minnehaha County and also extends into Lincoln County to the south, which continues up t ...

architect Wallace Dow. He was also a donor to and trustee of Macalester College in Saint Paul, Minnesota, where

George Draper Dayton Hall George may refer to: People * George (given name) * George (surname) * George (singer), American-Canadian singer George Nozuka, known by the mononym George * George Washington, First President of the United States * George W. Bush, 43rd President ...

is named in his honor. Dayton continued to live by his religious principles by improving his community and dedicating himself to the service of others; he served on the Worthington Board of Education, and was church clerk, elder, and trustee of Westminster Presbyterian Church, teaching

Sunday School A Sunday school is an educational institution, usually (but not always) Christian in character. Other religions including Buddhism, Islam, and Judaism have also organised Sunday schools in their temples and mosques, particularly in the West. Su ...

and hosting church events at his home. In 1902 he purchased land on Nicollet Avenue in Minneapolis and purchased Goodfellow & Co. which he reorganized as Dayton's Dry Goods store, later to become Dayton's department store. Dayton's dedication to service continued after his move to Minneapolis, where he continued to donate significant sums of money to the Worthington church and establishing The Dayton Foundation, dedicated to promoting the welfare of mankind. In 1926, he served on the finance committee for the Community Fund, a predecessor of today's United Way. Dayton's sons David Draper Dayton (1880–1923) and George Nelson Dayton (1886–1950) continued their father's business and his commitment to the community. In 1956, the Daytons built Southdale Center in Edina, Minnesota. In 1962 the Daytons began the

Target Target may refer to: Physical items * Shooting target, used in marksmanship training and various shooting sports ** Bullseye (target), the goal one for which one aims in many of these sports ** Aiming point, in field artillery, fi ...

discount store chain. George Nelson Dayton was great-grandfather to Mark Dayton, former

U.S. Senator The United States Senate is the upper chamber of the United States Congress, with the House of Representatives being the lower chamber. Together they compose the national bicameral legislature of the United States. The composition and powe ...

and Governor of Minnesota. George Draper Dayton died of cancer in

Minneapolis, Minnesota Minneapolis () is the largest city in Minnesota, United States, and the county seat of Hennepin County. The city is abundant in water, with thirteen lakes, wetlands, the Mississippi River, creeks and waterfalls. Minneapolis has its origins ...

on February 18, 1938, at the age of 80. He was buried at Minneapolis' Lakewood Cemetery.

References

External links

* * https://www.britannica.com/topic/Target-Corporation#ref1175008 * {{DEFAULTSORT:Dayton, George 1857 births 1938 deaths Retail company founders Businesspeople from Minnesota People from Worthington, Minnesota Deaths from cancer in Minnesota Target Corporation people People from Clifton Springs, New York Burials at Lakewood Cemetery Dayton family

Life and career

References

Further reading

External links