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| The Women in John Deere's Life |
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Alice Deere Cady |
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1844-1900 |
Alice Marie, the fifth daughter of John and Demarius Deere, was born in 1844 in Grand Detour, Ill. Alice married Merton Yale Cady in Moline, Ill., in January of 1865. Cady was on the well-known Yale family, makers of the celebrated "Yale Locks". Merton was a well-known architect in Moline, and designed many buildings there that are still in existence today.
Alice, Merton and their two children lived on Alderney Hill Farm, a 250-acre property where John Deere formerly raised jersey cattle. Utilizing Merton's architectural skills, Alice and Merton remodeled the farm buildings and residence, making it one of the most beautiful homes in the Mississippi valley.
The home provided a full view of the river and was surrounded by wooded bluffs and green sloping hills. Alice enjoyed throwing picnics and parties at her home. The couple was especially active in the Congregational Church and was known for hosting oyster supper fundraisers for the congregation. Neither of Alice's children was involved in their grandfather's business.
After her father died, Alice inherited his elegant hilltop home, Red Cliff, and she and Merton lived there until passing it on to their daughter as a wedding present.
Alice died at the age of 55 in 1900. Her death was attributed to "acute congestion of the brain".
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