Later in life, Deere devoted much of his time to civic and political matters

One of the interesting facts about John Deere is that later in life, Deere devoted much of his time to civic and political matters. He was the President of the Moline National Bank, a director of the Moline Free Public Library, and a trustee of the First Congregational Church. Deere was also the mayor of Moline for two years, but due to chest ailments and dysentery, he refused to run for re-election. On May 17, 1886, at the age of 82, he died at home (known as Red Cliff). The John Deere House is a historic structure in Moline, Illinois, USA. The house, which was once owned by businessman John Deere, lies on a high hill overlooking the Mississippi River Valley and the urban environment below. In 2002, it was designated a Moline Historic Landmark, and in 2003, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

John Deere served as the company's president until his retirement in April 1886, when he died one month later in May 1886. The corporation was reformed again in 1868, this time as Deere & Company. Charles Deere, Stephen Velie, George Vinton, and John Deere were the business's original owners, and Charles effectively operated the corporation.