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History FAQs
Did John Deere build the first steel plow?
Yes and no. By the early 1830s, many blacksmiths were experimenting with ways to incorporate steel into plows. While John Deere probably shares the invention of the steel plow with other blacksmiths, he was the first to successfully commercially manufacture such a plow.
When and where was John Deere born?
John Deere was born in Rutland, Vermont on February 7, 1804. Learn more about the life of John Deere.
Why did John Deere move to Illinois, and why did he begin making plows?
John Deere moved to Grand Detour, Illinois in late 1836, in reaction to difficult economic times in the east. Deere was a skilled blacksmith, and his services were greatly needed in the growing town. While there, Deere encountered the problems of local farmers who had difficulty in scouring their plows in the rich prairie soil. In 1837, Deere polished a broken steel saw blade and used it to build a self-scouring plow.
What was the name of John Deere's wife? How many children did he have?
John Deere married Demarius Lamb on January 28, 1827. They had nine children during their thirty-eight year marriage. Demarius died in 1865, and the following year Deere married her sister, Lucenia Lamb, a common custom at the time. Learn more about the women in John Deere's life.
What's the history of your logo?
Our leaping deer logo has undergone six changes since it was created in 1876. Learn more about the history of the John Deere logo.
How many presidents has John Deere had?
Deere has had nine presidents: John Deere, 1837-1886; Charles Deere, 1886-1907;
William Butterworth, 1907-1928; Charles Deere Wiman, 1928-1942, 1944-1955;
Burton Peek, 1942-1944; William Hewitt, 1955-1982: Robert Hanson, 1978-1985;
Hans Becherer, 1989-2000; and Robert Lane, 2000-present.
Were all of the company's presidents related to John Deere?
Until Robert Hanson was named to the office in 1978, every president was related to
John Deere by birth or marriage. This is a span of six presidents and 141 years.
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