John Thompson Dorrance (November 11, 1873 – September 21, 1930) was an American chemist who discovered a method to create condensed soup, and was president of the Campbell Soup Company from 1914 to 1930.

Early life

Born in Bristol, Pennsylvania, he earned a bachelor of science degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity,^{[citation needed]} and a doctor of philosophy from the University of Göttingen in Germany. He turned down offers to join the faculty at Cornell University and Columbia University to pursue work with his uncle.

Career

A nephew of the general manager of the Joseph Campbell Preserve Company, he went to work there in 1897 and invented condensed soup.^[1][2]

Dorrance went on to become the president of Campbell Soup Company from 1914 to 1930, eventually buying out the Campbell family.^{[citation needed]} He turned the business into one of America's longest-lasting brands. He was succeeded by his brother, Arthur Dorrance.^{[citation needed]}

Personal life

In 1906 he married Ethel Mallinckrodt, with whom he had five children.^{[citation needed]}

Death

Dorrance died on September 21, 1930, of heart disease at his home in Cinnaminson Township, New Jersey.^[3] He was buried in West Laurel Hill Cemetery in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania. His estate in Radnor Township, Pennsylvania is now the home of Cabrini University.^{[citation needed]}

Following Dorrance's death, there was significant litigation over his domicile for purposes of estate and inheritance tax. The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania held that he was domiciled in Pennsylvania, and the Supreme Court of New Jersey held that he was domiciled in New Jersey, and his estate was required to pay estate tax to both states. The estate sought relief in the United States Supreme Court, but the request for review was denied.^[4]

Legacy

In 2012, Dorrance was elected into the New Jersey Hall of Fame.^[5]