How did the Dodge brothers pass away?
Both Dodge brothers died in 1920, months apart, after illnesses. John Francis Dodge’s death is commonly linked to pneumonia following a brief illness, while Horace Elgin Dodge died after a longer period of illness with health problems that were reported as chronic in nature. Their deaths occurred in Detroit, Michigan, and marked the end of their direct era with the company they built.
Context and significance
The Dodge brothers—John Francis Dodge and Horace Elgin Dodge—founded the Dodge Brothers Company in Detroit, playing a pivotal role in the early American auto industry. Their deaths in 1920 left their empire to be managed by heirs and contemporaries, reshaping how the family business influenced automaking and branding in the years that followed. The Dodge brand would later become part of Chrysler in the late 1920s, securing a lasting legacy in American automotive history.
Details of the deaths
John Francis Dodge
The historical record commonly notes that John Francis Dodge died in 1920 after a brief illness. Pneumonia is frequently cited as the immediate cause or a major contributing factor, reflecting the health risks of the era and the way illnesses could rapidly advance in that period.
Horace Elgin Dodge
Horace Elgin Dodge also died in 1920, but after a more prolonged period of ill health. Accounts vary on the exact medical details, with some sources describing chronic health problems—such as heart or kidney-related issues—as factors in his decline. The precise clinical description has appeared differently across biographical and historical records.
aftermath and legacy
With both founders gone, the Dodge estate and leadership navigated transitions that ultimately influenced the company’s trajectory. In 1928, Chrysler Corporation acquired the Dodge Brothers Company, integrating the Dodge line into a larger corporate framework. The brand endured beyond the brothers’ lifetimes, continuing to be a recognizable name in American automobiles and leaving a lasting imprint on automotive history.
Summary
The Dodge brothers passed away in 1920 after illness, with John Francis Dodge commonly cited as dying from pneumonia after a brief illness and Horace Elgin Dodge dying after a longer period of health problems. Their deaths closed a chapter on the original founders’ direct stewardship of the company, a transition that helped shape the future of the Dodge brand within the broader American auto industry.
Who bought Dodge after the Brothers died?
Chrysler
Despite their untimely deaths, the Dodge Brothers Motor Company continued to thrive. In 1928, the company was acquired by Chrysler, ensuring that the Dodge name would remain synonymous with quality and innovation for decades to come.
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.
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.
Did the Dodge Brothers die 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.
