What is josiah k. lilly sr.?

Josiah K. Lilly Sr. (1893-1966) was an American businessman, philanthropist, and collector. He was born in Indianapolis, Indiana and graduated from Yale University in 1916. He then joined Eli Lilly and Company, the pharmaceutical company founded by his grandfather, as a sales representative.

Lilly later rose through the ranks of the company, eventually becoming its president in 1948 and chairman in 1953. Under his leadership, Eli Lilly and Company grew into one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world.

In addition to his career at the company, Lilly was also a passionate art collector. He amassed a collection of more than 20,000 objects from around the world, including paintings, sculptures, books, manuscripts, and decorative objects. He donated much of his collection to the Indianapolis Museum of Art, which was later renamed the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields in honor of Lilly and his wife Ruth.

Lilly was also a generous philanthropist, donating millions of dollars to various causes and organizations, including medical research, education, and the arts. He also played a key role in the development of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, helping to bring the Indianapolis 500 to national prominence.

Lilly passed away in 1966 at the age of 73, leaving behind a lasting legacy as both a successful businessman and a passionate collector and philanthropist.