John Deere's Steel Plow By: Edward C. Kendall
Edward C. Kendall's book provides an insightful and comprehensive account of the life and contributions of John Deere, the pioneer behind the steel plow. Kendall thoroughly explores the historical context surrounding the birth of this game-changing invention and its impact on American agriculture. One of the most compelling aspects of Kendall's work is his ability to paint a vivid picture of John Deere's journey. The narrative not only covers the timeline of the steel plow's development but delves deeper into the personal and professional struggles that Deere faced along the way. By weaving together anecdotes, interviews, and historical records, Kendall delivers a compelling biography that reveals the man behind the legendary invention. Moreover, Kendall's attention to detail and his extensive research shine throughout the book. His exploration of the agricultural landscape of the early 19th century is thorough and enlightening. Readers gain a deep understanding of the challenges faced by farmers at the time, and how Deere's steel plow revolutionized their work by making it more efficient and effective. The book also examines the economic impact of John Deere's invention. Kendall discusses how the steel plow became a catalyst for the growth of American agriculture, leading to increased crop production and enabling farmers to meet the rising demands of a growing nation. This aspect adds a broader perspective to the story, making it relevant not only to individuals interested in history but also to those with an interest in economics and societal development. Overall, John Deere's Steel Plow is an engaging and enlightening read for anyone interested in the history of American agriculture or the life of John Deere himself. Kendall's meticulous research and storytelling skills make this biography a must-read for those seeking a deeper understanding of the transformative impact of the steel plow on American society. First Page: CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE MUSEUM OF HISTORY AND TECHNOLOGY: PAPER 2 JOHN DEERE'S STEEL PLOW Edward C. Kendall DEERE AND ANDRUS 17 THE FIRST PLOW 19 STEEL OR IRON 21 WHY A STEEL PLOW 23 RECONSTRUCTIONS 24 IN SUMMARY 25 By Edward C. Kendall JOHN DEERE'S STEEL PLOW John Deere in 1837 invented a plow that could be used successfully in the sticky, root filled soil of the prairie. It was called a steel plow. Actually, it appears that only the cutting edge, the share, on the first Deere plows was steel. The moldboard was smoothly ground wrought iron. Deere's invention succeeded because, as the durable steel share of the plow cut through the heavy earth, the sticky soil could find no place to cling on its polished surfaces. Americans moving westward in the beginning of the 19th century soon encountered the prairie lands of what we now call the Middle West. The dark fertile soils promised great rewards to the farmers settling in these regions, but also posed certain problems. First was the breaking of the tough prairie sod. The naturalist John Muir describes the conditions facing prairie farmers when he was a boy in the early 1850's as he tells of the use of the big prairie breaking plows in the following words:[1] They were used only for the first ploughing, in breaking up the wild sod woven into a tough mass, chiefly by the cord like roots of perennial grasses, reinforced by the tap roots of oak and hickory bushes, called "grubs," some of which were more than a century old and four or five inches in diameter... Continue reading book >>

John Deere's Steel Plow By: Edward C. Kendall

Edward C. Kendall's book provides an insightful and comprehensive account of the life and contributions of John Deere, the pioneer behind the steel plow. Kendall thoroughly explores the historical context surrounding the birth of this game-changing invention and its impact on American agriculture.

One of the most compelling aspects of Kendall's work is his ability to paint a vivid picture of John Deere's journey. The narrative not only covers the timeline of the steel plow's development but delves deeper into the personal and professional struggles that Deere faced along the way. By weaving together anecdotes, interviews, and historical records, Kendall delivers a compelling biography that reveals the man behind the legendary invention.

Moreover, Kendall's attention to detail and his extensive research shine throughout the book. His exploration of the agricultural landscape of the early 19th century is thorough and enlightening. Readers gain a deep understanding of the challenges faced by farmers at the time, and how Deere's steel plow revolutionized their work by making it more efficient and effective.

The book also examines the economic impact of John Deere's invention. Kendall discusses how the steel plow became a catalyst for the growth of American agriculture, leading to increased crop production and enabling farmers to meet the rising demands of a growing nation. This aspect adds a broader perspective to the story, making it relevant not only to individuals interested in history but also to those with an interest in economics and societal development.

Overall, John Deere's Steel Plow is an engaging and enlightening read for anyone interested in the history of American agriculture or the life of John Deere himself. Kendall's meticulous research and storytelling skills make this biography a must-read for those seeking a deeper understanding of the transformative impact of the steel plow on American society.

First Page:

CONTRIBUTIONS FROM

THE MUSEUM OF HISTORY AND TECHNOLOGY:

PAPER 2

JOHN DEERE'S STEEL PLOW

Edward C. Kendall

DEERE AND ANDRUS 17

THE FIRST PLOW 19

STEEL OR IRON 21

WHY A STEEL PLOW 23

RECONSTRUCTIONS 24

IN SUMMARY 25

By Edward C. Kendall

JOHN DEERE'S STEEL PLOW

John Deere in 1837 invented a plow that could be used successfully in the sticky, root filled soil of the prairie. It was called a steel plow. Actually, it appears that only the cutting edge, the share, on the first Deere plows was steel. The moldboard was smoothly ground wrought iron.

Deere's invention succeeded because, as the durable steel share of the plow cut through the heavy earth, the sticky soil could find no place to cling on its polished surfaces.

Americans moving westward in the beginning of the 19th century soon encountered the prairie lands of what we now call the Middle West. The dark fertile soils promised great rewards to the farmers settling in these regions, but also posed certain problems. First was the breaking of the tough prairie sod. The naturalist John Muir describes the conditions facing prairie farmers when he was a boy in the early 1850's as he tells of the use of the big prairie breaking plows in the following words:[1]

They were used only for the first ploughing, in breaking up the wild sod woven into a tough mass, chiefly by the cord like roots of perennial grasses, reinforced by the tap roots of oak and hickory bushes, called "grubs," some of which were more than a century old and four or five inches in diameter... Continue reading book >>

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