Milton Snavely Hershey (September 13, 1857 – October 13, 1945) was an American confectioner, philanthropist, and entrepreneur who founded The Hershey Company, one of the largest chocolate manufacturers in the world. Born in Derry Township, Pennsylvania, Hershey grew up in a Mennonite family and had limited formal education, which led him to pursue apprenticeships and entrepreneurial ventures.