John C. Pillsbury, a prominent resident of Danbury, was born here, January 18, 1832, son of John and Nancy (Colby) Pillsbury. The grandfather, Samuel Pillsbury, was one of the early settlers Salisbury and a representative of the famous Pillsbury family who originally came from Rowley, Mass. A blacksmith as well as a farmer, he followed his trade in Salisbury. He lived nearly opposite the home of Daniel Webster, and the two young men grew up together. In his later years he came to Danbury, where he spent his last days, dying at the age of fifty years. He was a soldier of the Continental army during the Revolutionary War, and fought in the battle of Bunker Hill. His wife was a Pingaree, and a connection of Governor Pingaree. John Pillsbury, born in Salisbury, N.H., was a farmer. He took up the land now occupied by his son, and built the house which stands upon it. He spent all his days upon this place after coming to Danbury, with the exception of a short time during which he worked in Cambridge, Mass. His death occurred December 17, 1868. He married Nancy Colby, of Franklin, N.H., who died October 6, 1877. Their children, John C. and Mary A., survived them. Mary, born July 17, 1839, married Smith J. Roby, and had two children, one of whom is deceased. Her other child, Cora B., is now the wife of John Huntoon, of Danbury. Mrs. Roby died June 26, 1877.
After receiving his education in the Danbury schools, John C. Pillsbury learned the stone-cutter’s trade, which he afterward followed for about ten years. During that time he worked in various places and on many important contracts, notably on the new Vermont State House. He also worked in the great quarries of Vinal Haven, Me. Upon returning to Danbury, he bought a farm, upon which he lived until his father’s death. When that event occurred, not wishing the old homestead to pass out of the family, he sold his own farm, and moved to his father’s place, where he has since resided. Mr. Pillsbury married Miss Sarah E. Perrin, a daughter of Oel and Sabrinia (Strong) Perrin, of Royalton, Vt. Of their six children two daughters, Nellie and Mary E., died in infancy. The others are: George O.; Natt W.; Mrs. James Virtue, of Concord, Vt.; and Mrs. Fred Lovering, of Concord, N.H. Mr. Pillsbury has been a Free Mason and a stanch Democrat. His first Presidential vote was cast in 1856 for James Buchanan.