When Did John Deere Die and Early Life
John Deere, the founder of Deere & Company, died on May 17, 1886, in Moline, Illinois. He was born on February 7, 1804, in Rutland, Vermont. His early career as a blacksmith led to the invention of the self-scouring steel plow, which transformed farming and built the foundation for one of the world's most valuable agricultural machinery companies, as detailed on the company's official history page John Deere official history.
The exact date of his death is well documented in financial and biographical records, including SEC filings that reference the company's founding history. His legacy is often cited in business case studies about long-term brand value and industrial innovation.
John Deere's Death and Company Impact
After John Deere died in 1886, his son Charles Deere took over leadership and expanded the company into a global manufacturer. The transition marked a key moment in the history of family-owned industrial enterprises, and the company's market capitalization has since grown to be among the top in the global machinery sector, a fact often highlighted by financial analysts on platforms like Forbes Forbes analysis of John Deere's legacy.
The company's shares are traded on the NYSE under the ticker DE, and its annual reports consistently reference the founder's death as a pivotal moment in corporate governance. The shift from founder-led to professional management is a classic case study in business continuity and succession planning.
Deere & Company Financial Standing Today
Today, Deere & Company is ranked among the top global manufacturers of agricultural and construction equipment. Its financial performance is closely watched by investors, and the company regularly appears in top rankings for revenue and innovation, as reported by major business outlets Bloomberg DE stock profile.
The company's current market value and annual revenue reflect the enduring impact of John Deere's original invention. Analysts often reference the founder's death date when discussing the long-term stability and growth trajectory of the business.