Deere's Apprenticeship

At 17, in 1821, he left home to become a blacksmith apprentice to a blacksmith with a notable reputation in Middlebury, Captain Benjamin Lawrence. He was paid $30 the first year, and an additional $5 for each of the remaining years. He received a room and a set of clothes. In 1825 Deere completed his apprenticeship, and moved on to journeyman possitions where he improved his skills.