William Deering

William Deering controlled the Deering Harvester Company, which manufactured equipment for commercial agriculture. Eventually this company merged with the McCormick Reaper Company to form International Harvester in 1902, based in Chicago. Deering’s sons, Charles and James, held executive positions at International Harvester.

When Deering’s health weakened, the family began spending time in Florida. By 1910 the Deerings had settled in Coconut Grove. Soon after, both sons began to design homes to be built in the Miami area. However, William died before construction began on the Vizcaya estate.

4/25/1826 - 12/9/1913