William Butterworth (businessman)

William Butterworth (December 18, 1864 - June 1, 1936) served as both president and chairman of Deere & Company.

Butterworth was born in Maineville, Ohio, to Congressman Benjamin Butterworth, and graduated from Lehigh University and studied law at the National University School of Law in Washington D.C.[1] In 1892 Butterworth married Katherine Deere, daughter of Charles Deere (and granddaughter of John Deere).

He joined Deere & Company the same year as an assistant buyer.

Butterworth also implemented a pension system and a benefit and disability program for Deere & Company's employees.

[2] Butterworth retired in 1928 and became the first Chairman of Deere & Company's board, a position he held until his death in 1936.

President and new Chairman, Board of Directors, United States Chamber of Commerce . William Butterworth of Moline, Ill. in 1929