Quad-Cities Online

QCOnline.com

RadishMagazine.com

Complete forecast by

Text size: font - font +

Welcome to the Quad-Cities -- QCQ&A

Progress 2010 Page

List of Advertisers

John Deere built company one plow at a time

Comment on this story

A single steel plow forged by John Deere launched the beginning of a company that is now a world leader in agricultural equipment.

According to Deere & Co.'s website, johndeere.com, Mr. Deere was born Feb. 7, 1804, in Rutland, Vt. At age 17, he left home and began a four-year apprenticeship as a blacksmith.

In 1825, he began working as a journeyman. He met his wife, Demarius Lamb, and they married in 1827. For the next nine years he looked for steady work. He even built his own blacksmith shop, only to have it destroyed by fire -- twice.

At the time, many Easterners were moving west to the prairies. In 1836, Mr. Deere sought new opportunities and left his pregnant wife and four children in Vermont and headed to Grand Detour, Ill.

Once there, he set up a shop and began working. He soon learned that farmers were having trouble plowing the prairie sod. In 1837, he developed his first steel plow. A year later, he was able to send for his wife and children.

In 1841, he made 41 plows, and seven years later, he moved the company to Moline to take advantage of the river. By 1949, Mr. Deere's work force had grown to 16, and they built 2,136 plows.

John's son, Charles, who had been formally educated, joined the company as a bookkeeper in 1853. Within five years, Charles Deere was running the company.

This gave his father more time to get involved in the community. In 1854, he served as chairman of the Whig party. He also helped bring a fire engine to Moline, became president of First National Bank and was a trustee of First Congregational Church.

In 1864, Mr. Deere secured his first patent, and in 1868, Deere & Co. was incorporated.

His wife, Demarius, died in 1865. The next year he married her younger sister, Lucenia.

In 1873, Mr. Deere's level of community involvement propelled him to be elected the second mayor of Moline. He served a two-year term and was credited with repairing sidewalks and streets and installing sewers.

He died on May 17, 1886, at the age of 82, in his home, Red Cliff, in Moline.

Print version

Submit event | Search events

$219,000

(More homes)

404 Highland Ct
Sherrard, IL Details

Dixie Cup Salad
(More recipes)

BUDGET BLINDS

COACH HOUSE GARAGE

GREATER QUAD CITY AUTO AUCTION

H & H CAR CARE & TOWING

MILJUSH CLARK A

RHODENBAUGH EXCAVATING

WHITE HORSE INN

(More Print Ads)

Today is Thursday, June 20, the 171st day of 2013. There are 194 days left in the year.
1863 -- 150 years ago: The latest interpretation of the conscription law is said to be that $800 can be paid for an exemption, in which case the person will be eligible for call ina subsequent draft; or a substitute can be furnished. In the latter case, if the substitute isaccepted, the person he represents is exempted for that draft period.
1888 -- 125 years ago: A floral concert presented by Central Presbyterian Church womenattracted a large crowd yesterday.
1913 -- 100 years ago: Milton Reed, infielder on the Davenport baseball club, has beensold to the Philadelphia National league team.
1938 -- 75 years ago: The State Bank of Rock Island has doubled its capital structure,raising it to $1 million, according to Lewis B. Wilson, president of the bank.
1963 -- 50 years ago: The American Wind Symphony Orchestra will present two concertsin the Quad-Cities on Aug. 6, performing from its specially equipped stage-barge. Thebarge, which is traveling the Mississippi River route, will be moored just off the shore forthe concerts.
1988 -- 25 years ago: Fines for overdue items at the Rock Island Public Library are beingincreased to 10 cents per day per item effective July 1. Fines will not be prorated onbooks returned after that date.

(More History)