It seems as if the man was put on this earth for the sole purpose of creating a new trend in farm life. John Deere's pioneer movement to the Midwest, which resulted in the expansion of his enterprise, epitomized the concept of manifest destiny. Born in 1804 in Rutland, Vermont, Deere transitioned from struggling blacksmith to founder of one of the world's most innovative corporations.

In 1825, John's small blacksmith venture was successful on a local level, which became the focal point of his growing reputation. However, in the 1830s, business conditions in Vermont grew unfavorable due to a mild economic depression, which prompted the ambitious blacksmith to dissolve his business and settle in Grand Detour, Illinois. Within days of his arrival, since the demand for a reputable blacksmith was already sky-high, John Deere was back in business.

After experiencing some trial and error in business for a few decades, John Deere continued to work to lessen the demands of Midwestern farming by making enhancements with the steel plow. Through years of research, he ended up incorporating his company in 1968, grooming his son Charles to succeed him. By the early 1900s, Deere & Company became nationally renowned and continues to grow on a consistent basis.