Henry Parsons Crowell

Henry Parsons Crowell (January 27, 1855, in Cleveland, Ohio – 1944) was an American businessman and philanthropist. In 1881, Crowell purchased the Quaker Mill Company, and subsequently the brand name Quaker, and launched the first breakfast cereal advertising campaign in a magazine. He also purchased the bankrupt Quaker Oat Mill Company. In 1901, he founded the Quaker Oats Company.

Career As the founder of the Quaker Oats Company, Henry Parsons Crowell helped influence the eating habits of Americans and in the process helped to create new methods of marketing and merchandising. The Henry Parsons Crowell and Susan Coleman Crowell Trust carefully states that the purpose of their personal family trust is to fund the teaching and active extension of the doctrines of evangelical Christianity.

Legacies and contributions Crowell donated over 70 percent of his wealth to the Crowell Trust. In the United States, he was regarded as one of the most respected Christian businessmen in the early 20th century.