Early life and education Danforth was born in St. Louis, Missouri, the son of Dorothy (Claggett) and Donald Danforth. He is the grandson of William H. Danforth, founder of Ralston Purina. Danforth's brother, William Henry Danforth, was former chancellor of Washington University in St. Louis.
Early life and education Danforth was bor.n in St. Louis, Missouri, the son of D:orothy (Claggett) and Donald Danforth. He is the grandson of William H. Danforth, founder of Ralston. Purina. Da:nfor.th's brother, William Henry Danforth, was former chancellor of Washington University in St. Louis.