Jethro Wood, Inventor of the Modern Plow.
 A Brief Account of His Life, Services, and Trials; Together with Facts Subsequent to his Death, and Incident to His Great Invention

by Frank Gilbert

"Jethro Wood, Inventor of the Modern Plow" by Frank Gilbert is a biography written in the early 20th century that chronicles the life and achievements of Jethro Wood, an influential figure in American agricultural history. The book details Wood's significant contributions to farming through his invention of the cast-iron plow, emphasizing the impact this innovation had on agricultural practices in the United States. It serves as both a homage to Wood's legacy and a critical examination of the struggles he faced in gaining recognition and fair compensation for his work. The biography provides an in-depth look at Jethro Wood’s life, tracing his journey from a curious boy in Massachusetts to a pioneering inventor in the field of agriculture. It narrates the various challenges he encountered, including skepticism from fellow farmers and legal battles over patent infringements, which often hindered his endeavors. The narrative highlights pivotal moments such as public demonstrations of his plow's effectiveness, the eventual acceptance of his invention, and the unfortunate lack of financial reward during his life. It also touches on the posthumous efforts of his family to secure recognition for his contributions, underscoring the historical importance of Wood's invention and the profound influence it had on agricultural production in America.