William Henry Danforth II (born 1926) is a retired physician, professor of medicine, and academic administrator. He was chancellor of Washington University in St. Louis from 1971 until 1995. He is the grandson of Ralston-Purina founder and St. Louis businessman William H. Danforth, and the brother of former U.S. Senator John Danforth.William Danforth was born and grew up in St. Louis, Missouri. He attended St.