Are the Dodge Brothers still alive?
No. The Dodge Brothers, Horace Elgin Dodge and John Francis Dodge, died in 1920, more than a century ago. The Dodge name survives today as a car brand under modern automakers.
As a quick primer, the brothers were early American automotive pioneers who built a successful company in the 1910s. After their deaths in 1920, their business passed to heirs and was eventually absorbed into a larger corporate structure, allowing the Dodge brand to endure far beyond the brothers’ lifetimes.
Historical context of the Dodge brothers
What follows highlights the key moments that defined their lives and the fate of their company long after their passing.
- Horace Elgin Dodge and John Francis Dodge founded the Dodge Brothers Company in the early days of the American auto industry, becoming notable innovators and manufacturers.
- Both brothers died in 1920, leaving the business to heirs and company leadership to continue operations.
- In 1928, Chrysler Corporation acquired the Dodge Brothers' assets, integrating the Dodge name into a larger corporate structure.
- The Dodge brand persists today as part of Stellantis, the multinational automaker formed by the 2021 merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and PSA Group.
The milestones above trace a path from founders who helped shape early mass production to a modern brand that remains visible in today’s automotive market.
Legacy and current status of the brand
The Dodge name endures not as a family legacy but as a brand with a continued product lineup under Stellantis. The company’s evolution reflects broader trends in the auto industry, including consolidation and rebranding, while keeping the Dodge badge on contemporary vehicles.
Key takeaways for readers
For background readers, the essential facts are straightforward: the Dodge Brothers are not alive; their enterprise ultimately became part of a larger corporation, and the Dodge name continues in the modern automotive landscape.
Summary: The Dodge Brothers passed away in 1920, but their automotive legacy lives on in the Dodge brand, now part of Stellantis after the 1928 acquisition by Chrysler and subsequent corporate developments.
How long did the Dodge Brothers live?
The Dodge Brothers, John Francis (October 25, 1864 - January 14, 1920) and Horace (May 17, 1868 - December 10, 1920), were born in Niles, Michigan. They were great pioneers and helped put America on wheels during the early days of automotive manufacturing.
Who bought Dodge after the Dodge Brothers died?
Walter Chrysler
John Dodge died that month, while Horace passed away later that same year, on December 10. In 1925, the brothers' widows sold the Dodge Brothers Company to an investment bank for $146 million. In 1928, Walter Chrysler, founder of the Chrysler Corporation, purchased the Dodge company for $170 million.
Which Dodge brothers died of the Spanish flu?
Lamentably, the show was set in the midst of the global 1918 Influenza Pandemic, which claimed two more victims. John and Horace Dodge. John died in New York after contracting the disease and Horace died before the end of the year.
What happened to the Dodge Brothers?
The Dodge brothers, John and Horace, died in 1920 due to complications from the Spanish Flu pandemic, with John dying from pneumonia in January and Horace dying from cirrhosis of the liver in December. Despite their tragic deaths, the Dodge Brothers Motor Company continued to operate and was eventually sold by their widows in 1925.
This video explains the tragic story of the Dodge brothers and how their company continued to thrive after their deaths: 58sBusiness StoriesYouTube · Feb 14, 2025
- John Dodge: Died of pneumonia in January 1920, after contracting the flu while attending an auto show in New York.
- Horace Dodge: Fell ill with the flu around the same time as John but survived the initial infection. He later died from cirrhosis of the liver in December 1920.
- Company Legacy: After their deaths, their widows took over the company. In 1925, they sold the Dodge Brothers automobile business to an investment banking firm for $146 million.
- Enduring Brand: The Dodge brand continued to be developed by subsequent owners, creating a lasting legacy that continues today.
