History of the Deering Family

Deering family members at Villa Vizcaya, winter home of James Deering (Charles' younger half-brother) ca. 1930s

The Deering family, originally of South Paris, Maine, built what became one of the largest corporations in the United States, the International Harvester Company.  William Deering and his sons, Charles and James Deering, incorporated their original company in 1883 in Illinois but its reach was ultimately global in the industrialization of agriculture.

The History of Charles & James Deering

The brothers, Charles and James Deering, became known for their gilded age lifestyle of world travel and opulent homes, but also for their philanthropic support of schools and hospitals, within the Chicago area, abroad, and in Miami where they made their winter homes. Charles’ children would continue that legacy with important gifts to The Art Institute of Chicago and Northwestern University.

Charles Deering in his lifetime directed extensive work on the genealogy of the Deering family, held in the archives of the New England Historic Genealogical Society. His wife Marion’s family is also extensively documented by the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Today, the Charles Deering Estate and James Deering’s Villa Vizcaya stand as lasting testaments to the family’s mark in South Florida. You are now able to book nature tours of the Estate’s ground as well as the historic structures that still stand there today. Plus, Deering Estate now offers a number of events and art exhibits throughout the year, continuing a long legacy for the storied Estate.

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