Jethro Wood

Life & Legacy

Jethro Wood (March 16, 1774 – 1834) was the inventor of a cast-iron moldboard plow with replaceable parts, the first commercially successful iron moldboard plow. His invention accelerated the development of American agriculture in the antebellum period. By simplifying and strengthening the plow design and adding interchangeable parts, Wood's plow broadened accessibility and eased replacements of plows in 19th century America. Wood was also responsible for notable changes in early American patent laws following patent infringements on his plow design.