|
|
| |  | |
| The Women in John Deere's Life |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Demarius Lamb Deere: The final chapter
The move to Moline: 1848-1865
Shortly after Albert's death, the family moved to Moline, Illinois, where they found a location more suitable for John's growing plow business, and where there were no reminders of their beloved son, Albert.
The family settled into a comfortable red-brick home in Moline. Demarius and John were concerned about Moline's lack of schools in the early 1850s. Suitable schooling for the Deere children often meant they were schooled in private homes, or, in the case of daughter Emma, at schools outside of Moline. Emma attended Miss Sill's academy for young ladies in Rockford, Illinois, a famous girls' school of the day that was attended by daughters of prominent families throughout the country.
In 1851, tragedy struck the family again when 17-year-old daughter Frances Alma died of "congestion of the lungs." That same year, Demarius, at age 46, gave birth to her ninth and last child, Mary Frances. Sadly, this child died in infancy, possibly of cholera, as an epidemic was sweeping the state during this period.
In 1858, John Deere transferred leadership of his company to his son Charles. Together, he and Demarius were able to enjoy his wealth and status in the community for seven more years.
Demarius Lamb Deere died in 1865, just short of age 60. By all accounts, she was a supportive, loving wife and mother who dedicated her life to making a happy home for her family. Although she enjoyed the riches of her husband's success in her later years, much sadness and hardship accented her life.
|
|
|
|
