John Deere, the pioneer blacksmith who created the first commercially successful self-scouring steel plow in 1837, was born in 1804 in Vermont.
After his father’s disappearance at sea, he was brought up by his mother. Deere’s reputation as a skilled blacksmith was established early on.
When he moved to Illinois following an economic collapse in 1836, he noted farmers struggling with cast-iron plows in the Midwest prairie’s sticky soil.
Deere innovatively used steel from a broken sawblade to create a plow that easily shed soil, revolutionizing farming.
His invention became his identity and livelihood. In 1848, Deere relocated to Moline, Illinois, where the Mississippi River provided resources for his burgeoning business.
Related: Sam Walton Quotes and Milton Hershey Quotes.
His high-quality products soon made Deere’s company a manufacturing powerhouse.
Deere also served as the second mayor of Moline, leaving a profound civic and entrepreneurial legacy that continues to guide Deere & Company today.
I have compiled quotes by John Deere to inspire you.
Best John Deere Quotes
I will never put my name on a product that does not have in it the best that is in me. ~ John Deere.
Strike while the iron is hot. ~ John Deere.
It is a source of consolation to me to know that I never willfully wronged any man and that I never put on the market a poorly-made implement. ~ John Deere.
I never put on the market a poorly-made implement. ~ John Deere.
To create an exceptional and sustained experience of genuine value for customers, employees and shareholders – a performance that endures. ~ John Deere.
Quality, innovation, integrity and commitment. ~ John Deere.
Top John Deere Quotes
A performance that endures. ~ John Deere.
They haven’t got to take what we make and somebody else will beat us, and we will lose our trade. ~ John Deere.
If we don’t improve our products, somebody else will, and we’ll lose our trade. ~ John Deere.
I’ll take you for a ride on my Big Green Tractor. ~ John Deere.
Whoever said that country life was simple, never lived on a farm. ~ John Deere.
Short Biography of John Deere
John Deere, born in Vermont in 1804, was an American blacksmith who revolutionized farming with his 1837 invention of the steel plow, making him a key figure in agricultural equipment through his company, Deere & Company.
Moving from Vermont to Illinois, he identified the need for a plow suited for the Midwest’s tough soil.
His solution, a polished steel plow, was a hit, leading to the production of thousands of plows and earning the title “The Plow that Broke the Plains.”
| Full Name | John Deere |
| Born | 7 February 1804, Rutland, Vermont, United States |
| Died | 17 May 1886 (age 82 years), Moline, Illinois, United States |
| Education | Middlebury College |
| Occupation(s) | Inventor, Blacksmith |
| Known for | Deere & Company, Steel Plow |
| Parents | William Rinold Deere, Sarah Yates Deere |
| Spouse | Lucenia Lamb Deere (m. 1867–1886), Demarias Lamb Deere (m. 1827–1865) |
| Children | 9, (Charles Deere, Hiram Alvin Deere, MORE) |
| Grandchildren | Anna Wiman, Katherine Deere, Anna Deere |
Deere emphasized quality in his products, famously stating he’d only put his name on the best.
In later years, he engaged in civic duties, including serving as Moline’s mayor, but eventually focused on his business, leaving its management to his son Charles.
Deere passed away in 1886, remembered for his significant contributions to agriculture and manufacturing.
Quick Facts about John Deere
- John Deere was born on February 7, 1804, in Rutland, Vermont.
- He was the third son among William and Sarah Deere’s six children.
- His father, William Deere, was a merchant tailor.
- William Deere disappeared at sea in 1808 after leaving to claim an inheritance in England.
- John Deere grew up in poverty, raised by his mother.
- As a teen, John worked as a tanner to support his family.
- Deere became a blacksmith after a 4-year apprenticeship starting at 17.
- He struggled in Vermont as a blacksmith due to stiff competition.
- Deere lost two blacksmith shops to fire.
- Moved to Grand Detour, Illinois in 1836, escaping bankruptcy.
- He started with only $73, fleeing debtors in Vermont.
- His journey to Illinois took 3 weeks.
- In Illinois, he set up another blacksmith shop.
- He eventually brought his family to Illinois.
- Deere became the village’s go-to repairman and toolmaker.
- The idea for a steel plow struck him in 1837 while fixing a sawmill blade.
- This led to his innovation in plow design, utilizing a steel blade.
- He revolutionized plowing with his steel plow, making it easier to clean.
- Sold his first three plows in 1838.
- By 1840, he had built 40 plows, seeing the value in ready-made products.
- In 1842, Deere partnered with Leonard Andrus to expand production.
- They named their factory the “L. Andrus Plough Manufacturer”.
- Produced 100 plows in 1842, and 400 by 1843.
- Imported steel from England, later from Pittsburgh for plows.
- Production soared to over 1,000 plows by 1846.
- Ended partnership with Andrus in 1848, moving the business for better logistics.
- Formed a new partnership, expanding the factory in Moline, Illinois.
- Production hit 200 plows a month by 1849.
- Took full control of the company in 1853, with son Charles joining.
- Produced various farming equipment early on.
- Emphasized product quality, refusing to compromise on it.
- Insisted on continual improvement and innovation.
- Sold interests to avoid bankruptcy during the 1858 recession.
- Ensured his son, Charles, received a quality education.
- Charles took over the company in 1858, running it for 49 years.
- John Deere delved into politics, becoming a county chairman for the Whig party.
- He was a committed abolitionist and active in the Republican Party.
- The company supported the Union Army during the Civil War.
- Incorporated as Deere & Company in 1868.
- Raised livestock in his later years.
- Remarried in 1866 to his late wife’s sister, Lucenia, after Demarius’ death.
- Served as Moline’s second Mayor, implementing significant infrastructure improvements.
- Faced criticism for a liquor license ordinance during his mayoral tenure.
- Left politics after his term, often traveling to avoid the Midwest winters.
- Remained company president until 1886, with Charles handling daily operations.
- Had nine children across two marriages.
- Died on May 17, 1886, leaving a significant legacy.
- Over 4,000 people attended his funeral.
- The Deere family led the company for another 96 years after his passing.
- Charles expanded the company with a wholesaler network strategy.
- Steered clear of the steam tractor market, focusing on plows.
- Briefly entered the bicycle market in the 1890s.
- Introduced a pension plan in 1907, a progressive move for employee welfare.
- Expanded product lines significantly by 1907.
- Acquired the Waterloo Gasoline Traction Engine Company in 1918, adding tractors to their lineup.
- Released the Model D tractor in 1923, a bestseller for 30 years.
- Faced financial difficulties during the Great Depression but maintained employee support.
- The company rebounded with $100 million in sales in 1937.
- Introduced streamlined tractor designs in 1938, emphasizing user comfort.
- Contributed to the WWII effort with military supplies.
- Unionization of workers in 1945 marked a shift in labor relations.
- Launched the diesel-powered Model R tractor in 1949, a major innovation.
- Diesel engines became a staple, leading to the end of two-stroke engine technology.
- The turbocharged diesel engine debuted in 1969, further advancing tractor capabilities.
- Under William A. Hewitt’s leadership, John Deere expanded globally and dominated the agriculture equipment market.
- Entered the international market by acquiring a plant in Mexico in 1956.
- Faced challenges in the 1980s but adapted to remain competitive.
Top Questions about John Deere
A: John Deere founded Deere & Company.
A: John Deere was born in Rutland, Vermont, in 1804.
A: John Deere is credited with inventing the first commercially successful steel plow in 1837.
A: John Deere fathered nine children with Demarius Lamb.
A: John Deere settled in Grand Detour, Illinois.
A: John Deere solved the problem of cast-iron plows not working well in the tough prairie soil of Illinois.
A: Before becoming a manufacturer, John Deere was a blacksmith.
A: By 1841, John Deere was manufacturing 75–100 plows per year.
A: John Deere dissolved his partnership with Leonard Andrus due to strained relations and differing business views.
A: John Deere moved his business to Moline, Illinois, because it was a transportation hub on the Mississippi River.
A: John Deere said, “I will never put my name on a product that does not have in it the best that is in me.”
A: By 1855, Deere’s factory was selling more than 10,000 plows.
A: John Deere incorporated his business as Deere & Company in 1868.
A: In his later life, John Deere served as president of the National Bank of Moline, director of the Moline Free Public Library, and trustee of the First Congregational Church.
A: John Deere passed away on May 17, 1886, and he is buried in Riverside Cemetery, Moline.
