The Cargill family is one of the wealthiest families in the world and as of 2016 was ranked as the fourth wealthiest family in America.[1] The family owns 90% of Cargill, the largest privately owned corporation in the United States.[2][3] The family members are the descendants of William W. Cargill,[3] who founded the company in Minnesota after the Civil War.
The exact wealth of the family is unknown, as the Cargill company is a privately owned business entity with no obligation to disclose exact ownership. At 14 in total according to Forbes estimates, the Cargill family has more billionaires among its members than any other family, which also makes them the family with the most wealthy members in history.[4] At least 14 members of the family are billionaires.[5]
Two branches of the Cargill family exist. Following the death of William W. Cargill, his son-in-law, John MacMillan, saved the company from a debt crisis. The MacMillans are estimated by Forbes to be worth $1.2 billion each. The wealth of James Cargill and Margaret Cargill were estimated to be $1.8 billion each.[6]