DuBois, Benjamin F., Jr. "Pat" (1915-2013)

https://repository.stcloudstate.edu/legpol_oh/13 [16749]

Biographical Information: Benjamin “Pat” Faville DuBois Jr. was born on November 2, 1915, in Sauk Centre to Ben and Cecile (Gallapher) DuBois. He married Janet Steiner Dec. 29, 1938. The couple had two daughters. In 1940, he began working for the Independent Bankers Association, helping to expand membership to state surrounding Minnesota. DuBois served as the Independent Bankers Association president from 1966-1967. As a World War II veteran, DuBois was an officer in the family owned First State Bank, eventually moving to president and chairman of the board. Pat passed away on January 17, 2013, in Sauk Centre.

As part of the liberal caucus, DuBois represented western Stearns County in the Minnesota House of Representatives from 1962-1968 (District 26, 1963-1966; District 26B, 1967-1968), where he was assistant DFL minority leader for the last two of his three terms.

Transcript Summary: In an oral history recorded July 5, 1973, DuBois discussed his personal history, political career and campaigns. DuBois worked in the family business, the First State Bank of Sauk Centre and was an assistant bank examiner for the state of Minnesota. After meeting Minnesota Governor Floyd B. Olson at the Stearns County Fair, DuBois became active in politics. Because of his growing role in politics, DuBois left the banking department and worked for the Independent Bankers Association. He ran for an open seat in the House of Representatives. After three terms, he was defeated in 1968 by Joseph Niehuas by 67 votes. In the Legislature, he served on the Tax and Fish and Game committees. He opposed the sales tax, which was eventually adopted. DuBois opposed a bill that provided for a tax on oleo margarine and the removal of the color ban. His district was made up of many dairy farmers much opposed to the invasion of oleo margarine and its use of a color additive. When it appeared the measure would pass, DuBois amended the bill to use some of the tax money collected for dairy research and development.

Interview conducted by John Waldron and Calvin Gower