John Deere: His Life and Times, 1804-1886

Neil Dahlstrom

Neil Dahlstrom holds degrees in History and Classics from Monmouth College, and an MA in Historical Administration from Eastern Illinois University. He is the author of numerous articles and two books, including The John Deere Story: A Biography of Plowmakers John and Charles Deere (Northern Illinois University Press, 2005), the first biography of John Deere published since 1942. He currently serves as reference archivist at the Deere & Company Archives.

John Deere: His Life and Times, 1804-1886

Few figures from Illinois are as well known by name as John Deere. Until recently, however, very little has really been known about Deere's true contribution to Illinois' and America's history. This eventful overview includes discussion of Deere's early life, his move to Illinois in 1836, his entry into the plow business, and the emergence of his company as the premier plow manufacturer in the United States. What emerges is a balanced portrait of John Deere as a father, businessman, inventor, politician, philanthropist, and benefactor to thousands.

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