James Pollock served as Governor of Pennsylvania from 1855 to 1858. During his term, the sale of state-owned canals and railroads reduced the state debt and taxes. The Normal School Act of 1857 established regional teacher training institutions throughout Pennsylvania. He was one of the founders of Penn State University. As Director of the U.S. Mint in 1864, he conceived the motto "In God We Trust" for coins. Pollock was born in Milton and buried in Milton Cemetery.