Benton County Historical Society, Vinton, IA

Name: Benton County Historical Society, Vinton, IA
Address: P. O. Box 22, Vinton, IA, 52349, US
Telephone: +13195334524

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Benton County Historical Society, Vinton, IA

The Benton County Historical Society in Vinton, IA. seeks to preserve local history and be a resource for genealogical research for Benton County.

03/05/2025

The BCHS Genealogy Library will be closed today.
It looks nasty out there, stay safe!

03/04/2025

Portrait & Biographical Album of Benton County, Iowa.

Joel Heller - living on section 2, Jackson Township, was born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, March 10, 1823. He is a son of Jacob and Mary (Davis) Heller, natives of Pennsylvania. Joel was reared on a farm, and at the age of twenty-eight left his father's home and emigrated to Champaign County, Ill., where he resided two years, engaged in carpentering. From Champaign County he went to Henry County, Iowa, where he lived one year, working at his trade as carpenter. He then came to Benton County and settled in section 2, Jackson Township, where he now resides, the owner of ninety-six acres of land. Shortly after the breaking out of the Rebellion he enlisted in Co. G., 13th Iowa Vol. Inf. He served four years, participating in the following battles: Shiloh, Iuka, Corinth, Holly Springs, siege of Vicksburg, Big Shanty, Marietta, Peach Tree Creek, Black Jack Mountain, siege of Atlanta, Jonesboro, Savannah, Columbia and Bentonville. He was wounded at Jefferson City, Mo., by being run over by a horse. He was detailed as one of a squad for the building of pontoon bridges, and on one occasion was sent with a number of men with a pontoon train from Sweetwater to let Gen. Stone's command cross the Etawah River with a brigade of cavalry. He was ordered to lay the bridge and wait twelve hours for news from his commanding officer, and if he did not hear from him then they were to take up the bridge and get back into the lines as soon as possible. After waiting the required time and not hearing from headquarters, they took up the bridge and started back about 2 o'clock in the afternoon. About sundown they were attacked in the rear by a brigade of rebel cavalry. They made a running fight all that night, the next day and the following night. They were then reinforced by a squad of Union cavalry and were enabled to get back across the Sweetwater, which brought them inside the Union lines. At another time he was detailed as one of a squad of eight men to forage for provisions. Stopping at a plantation to get some sweet potatoes, Mr. Heller was sent to the barn to get feed for the horses, while the rest of the men engaged in digging potatoes. While at the barn they were surrounded by a squad of rebel cavalry, and all the men captured who were engaged in digging potatoes. Mr. Heller witnessed the capture of the men from the barn, and, with a hope of afterward effecting his escape, hid in an old fanning-mill, around which a large patch of weeds had grown. The rebels, knowing that another one was near, engaged in a hunt for him. As the rebels were drawing near he started to run for a swamp which lay a short distance away, and through which a horse could not follow. The rebels fired at him as he ran but did not succeed in hitting him, and at night he got safely back into camp. After this he was given command of another foraging party, being the only one left of the original squad. While on a foraging expedition, shortly afterward, he stopped at a farmhouse to get a meal. The woman told him to come in and wait and she would get it for him, as she was a Union woman. As she did not engage in the preparation of the meal, Mr. Heller became suspicious and told his men that he believed that they were trapped and ordered them to start at once. They refused to obey his order, and he left without them, and they were captured in less than ten minutes after he left. Mr. Heller was twice wounded - once in the hand and once in the hip - and had many other close calls. He was mustered out in 1865 and returned to his home, where he has since been engaged in farming.
In 1846 Mr. Heller was united in marriage with Hettie Davis, a native of Pennsylvania, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Keffer) Davis. They have four children - Benjamin, now living in Henry County, Iowa, engaged in farming; James W. now in Nebraska, engaged in farming; Jacob H., at Vinton; John T., at home. His wife died April 18, 1880, and he was again united in marriage, Jan. 20, 1883, to Elizabeth, widow of William Jeffrey, of Massachusetts.
Mr. Heller is a member of P. M. Coder Post, G. A. R., of Vinton.

03/04/2025

The Vinton Eagle; September 1, 1911

An Old College Bell Redeemed
In the year 1856, Western College, now, "Leander Clark" was founded at Western, an old town nine miles south of Cedar Rapids. Some years later the institution was moved to Toledo and the building and grounds were sold to a private individual. The party destroyed the building and stored the old bell in a shed. Rev. T. G. Breaw on hearing of the where-abouts of the bell began to work a plan which has worked to success. Members of the alumni became interested then the request of their pastor and as a result these men and women who were awakened in the early morning and heard the call for class nearly fifty years ago, have contributed so generously that the bell was bought by Mr. Breaw one week ago and now stands mounted in the tower of the United Brother church, with this tribute of history associated with it and as a memorial to this church by these talented people who are making good in the world as presidents and professors of colleges and ministers of note in the church.
The bell itself weighs about 800 pounds, cast in 1865 by the Hawkeye Bell Foundry, Cincinnati, Ohio.

The Vinton Eagle; February 21, 1911

Fowler & Sons Meet With Severe Financial Loss - We understand that Fowler & Sons met with a severe loss in the slump on eggs which took place in the early part of the month. The warm weather this month started the hens to laying and the fresh eggs stocked the market, causing a sharp decline. We do not know the exact loss of the Messr's. Fowler but we understand it is somewhere in the neighborhood of $40,000. A meeting of the creditors was held late yesterday afternoon, but it was too late to gain any information for this issue.

Brought Suit - The Hawkeye Stone Co., of which Earl Miller and H. G. Kruse, of this city, are the principal stockholders, and the Farmers' Savings Bank, of Keystone, has brought suit against A. E. Horack, et al of Cedar Rapids, in the Marion court for non-fulfillment of contract. It is charged by the plaintiffs that there has been a breach of contract and warranty in that the defendant, the American Crushed Stone Co. has failed to take out an average of 200 tons of rock per day ???? and has wholly failed to pay royalties and penalties provided for in the lease. The amount sued for is $10,164. This suit refers to what is known as the Garrison quarries.

03/04/2025

1917?➡️October 2023

Josephine Quinn, the youngest daughter of Mr and Mrs Port Quinn. The Quinn home was located on 901 second Ave. Port Quinn was the nephew of Carrie Horridge

03/02/2025

The Vinton Eagle; April 7, 1911

Lots Sold - The Biebesheimer lots at the corner of Concord and Beckett streets have been sold to C. A. Engledow, the photographer, for $1,800. It is Mr. Engledow's intention to put up a building on the lots suitable for his business. It is a very desirable corner.

The Vinton Eagle; April 14, 1911

Changes Hands - Frank Garlick is now owner of the Pettit meat market on North Beckett Street. He has moved across the street to the building just across the alley south from the Peoples Saving Bank and has fitted the market with all the modern appliances for the handling of all kinds of fresh meats. He has installed a modern cooling room and refrigerator with a capacity large enough to take care of a large stock of meats during the summer months. Mr. Garlick has secured the services of John Lilja, an expert meat cutter, who was formerly employed at the Fowler meat market, and who has had many years of experience at the business. They are prepared to handle the meat business in a prompt and satisfactory manner.

The Vinton Eagle; March 3, 1911

C. E. Gerberich Buys Hevener's Interest in Vinton Review -
Mr. C. E. Gerberich, a former publisher of the Review, has again entered the harness by purchasing the interest of H. S. Hevener. He states in his "bow" that the policy of the paper will remain the same as heretofore, making the news of the city and county the leading feature. Mr. Gerberich has a natural desire for the newspaper business, and it is hard work for him to remain out of it. He and Mr. Allen, the other partner, will make a good strong team and will give the people of Vinton a good local newspaper. Mr. Hevener, the retiring partner, announces that he has recently purchased eighty acres of land near LaPorte and will till the soil for a while. Mr. Hevener has been a printer for the past twenty years and has been quite successful. He is a genial gentleman, and we hope to see him in Vinton occasionally. Mrs. Hevener is also entitled to credit for the success of the Review as she has been a hard worker on its columns.

The Vinton Eagle; February 21, 1911

Sold Out - The Sebern brothers have sold their bus and dray line to Cliff Cook. The have carried on this business for several years and have given good satisfaction to their patrons. Mr. Cook has also been operating a dray line. This will give him the additional business of the bus line. He is attentive to business and is sure to please his new customers as he will be as attentive to them as he has been to his regular patrons.

03/02/2025

Portrait and Biographical Album of Benton County, Iowa.

Nehemiah Van Skike, Vinton, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors of Benton County, was born in Waynesville, Warren Co., Ohio, on the 18th day of August 1825, and is a son of David and Harriet (Alexander) Van Skike. His father was a native of Kentucky, born near Maysville, April 12, 1795, and was a soldier in the War of 1812, although very young. They were the parents of thirteen children, eight of whom lived to be adults, but one of whom is now living, the subject of this sketch: Merica died when about sixteen; Jasper N. served in the Mexican War as a private soldier, and at the breaking out of the Rebellion enlisted in the 4th Indiana Cavalry as First Lieutenant, and was subsequently promoted Captain of the company; he also received the appointment and served as military conductor on the railroad between Nashville and Chattanooga; Nehemiah, second son; Jacob, who served three years in the 4th Indiana Cavalry as First Sergeant; David, who served in the 12th Indiana Infantry, participating in all the engagements of his regiment up to the battle of Atlanta, where he was killed Aug. 17, 1864; Harriet, deceased, wife of John Lawless; Annie, deceased; Elizabeth, deceased, wife of John Bevin. In early life the elder Van Skike was an old-line Whig, an ardent supporter of Henry Clay. After the organization of the Republican party, he advocated its principles until his death, June 12, 1868. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church; of which body his wife was also a member. She died in 1845.
Nehemiah, the subject of this sketch, was reared upon a farm and received a good education in the district schools. In 1839 he accompanied his parents to Bartholomew County, Ind., and assisted his father in clearing up a farm in the heavy timber, remaining at home until he was twenty-one years of age. After leaving home he went to Ohio. remaining a short time, and then returned to Indiana,
where he engaged as clerk in a general store, and afterward served in a flouring-mill, then in a patent-right business, and finally in the clock trade, which he followed for some time. In 1852 he came to Iowa and traveled over almost the entire State in that line of trade. In 1858 he located in Benton County, purchasing forty acres of and in Harrison Township, twenty acres of which were broken. He has since added 620 acres to his original purchase, 587 of which are under a high state of cultivation.
Mr. Van Skike was married, Oct. 22, 1863, to Miss S. E. Thompson, who was born in Greensburg, Decatur Co., Ind., Jan. 2, 1847. She was a daughter of Hiram and Nancy (Wynn) Thompson. Her father was a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1811, and her mother of Ohio, born in 1826. In 1851 her parents moved to Linn County, Iowa, and in 1853 to Benton County. Her father was twice married. By his first wife he had two children, one of whom is living - Eliza. By his second wife, the mother of Mrs. Van Skike, he had eleven children, ten of whom are now living - Sarah E., Belinda, William B., Robert H., Susan E., Calvin C., Clinton C., Alice V., Clara E. and George W. His first wife died in 1841. The second wife died March 2, 1886. He died Oct. 2, 1872.
Mr. and Mrs. N. Van Skike are the parents of two children - Akbar, born Aug. 27, 1864, attended school at Cornell College, Mt. Vernon, Iowa; William N., born Oct. 19. 1866, also spent three terms at Cornell College.
Mr. Van Skike has led a very active life since coming to Benton County. In politics he is a Republican and has served in several local offices. In 1879 he was elected a member of the County Board of Supervisors, and re-elected in 1883, and is the present Chairman of the Board. He has taken an active interest in the Benton County Agricultural Society. He is a Freemason, uniting with the fraternity in 1848, at Columbus, Ind. He was a member of Columbus Chapter, No. 10, was demitted from that body and is now a member of Adoniram Chapter, No. 15, at Vinton. He is also a member of Cypress Commandery, No. 37, at Vinton.

03/01/2025

Portrait and Biographical Albums of Benton County Iowa.

Adalbert R. Fellows, M. D., of Vinton, is a native of McHenry County, Ill., born April 10, 1849. He is a son of Jesse and Orilla L. (Henry) Fellows, the former born Sept. 14, 1811, in Stillwater, N. Y., and the latter in Geneseo, N. Y. July 28, 1814. Jesse Fellows was reared in his native State and was there married, soon removing to Canada, where he remained a short time, and then returned to the States, locating at Rochester. N. Y. About 1842 he came West and located at Rockton, Ill., where he remained a short time, and then moved to Belvidere, where he worked at his trade as cabinetmaker. In 1845 he made a claim in Riley Township, McHenry Co., Ill., on which he erected a log cabin. His nearest neighbor at this time was some three or four miles away. The winter of 1845-46 he spent in Belvidere, the cabin he had erected not being warm enough to keep his family comfortable. In the spring of 1846, he returned to his land, on which he resided for many years. At that time the wolves were so numerous that it was almost impossible to keep poultry. One night after retiring he was awakened by the barking of his dog. Jumping out of bed, without stopping to dress, he ran out to find his dog after a wolf. He also joined in the chase and succeeded after a time in killing the animal. The prairie and shrubs had been just burned off. In his excitement he did not think of his condition, but on attempting to return to the house it was with considerable difficulty he reached it, his feet having been cut by the sprouts appearing above ground. Chicago was his best market, and there he hauled his grain and pork, bringing back lumber and groceries, frequently miring in the sloughs he had to cross.
In early life Mr. Fellows was an old-line Whig an ardent supporter of Henry Clay. Among the local offices he filled was that of Justice of the Peace, a position he filled for twenty years. His counsel was sought by neighbors, and by his advice expensive litigation was often avoided. Few men were better known in the country than "Squire Fellows. He helped erect the first log schoolhouse in his township, and the first frame schoolhouse was built upon his land and is known even to this day as 'Squire Fellows' schoolhouse. Mr. Fellows was a strict temperance man and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he was a Class-Leader for many years. Mr. and Mrs. Fellows were the parents of seven children - five sons and two daughters, of whom four are yet living - Harriet M., wife of J. C. Thompson, of Vinton; James H., residing in Chicago; Jesse L., of Vinton. and Dr. A. R. Mrs. Fellows died in Aurora, in May 1868. She was a devoted, earnest member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Fellows died in Vinton Feb. 14, 1881, and was buried in Spring Lake Cemetery, Aurora, Ill. He was twice married, his second wife being Elizabeth Pinkind. There were no children by the second marriage.
Adalbert R. Fellows was reared upon a farm, his primary education being received in the common schools of the township in which his father resided. In 1867 he accompanied his parents to Aurora, Kane Co., Ill., where he entered Jennings Seminary, taking a classical course and paying his way by the sweat of his brow. In harvesting seasons, he was employed in the field. He attended the seminary over four years, and in the fall of 1872 entered the Northwestern College, at Naperville. In the winter he taught a term of school and in the spring returned to the college. Soon after returning to college, he was offered the school at Braidwood, which he accepted, remaining three years. While there he commenced reading medicine. In the fall of 1876, he attended lectures at the Chicago Medical College, graduating in the Class of 1879. On graduating, the doctor came to Vinton, where he had two brothers and a sister residing. One of the former was lying dangerously ill, and the doctor came as soon as he graduated to attend to his brother, who died two weeks after his arrival. His brother and sister then prevailed on him to locate here. His father came in June after his arrival, and he took care of him until his death, which was caused by paralysis. He has no cause to regret his action, having built up a good practice, while securing the good-will of the people. He is a member of the Iowa Union Medical Society, which meets at Cedar Rapids twice a year.
Dr. Fellows was united in marriage with Miss Mary O. Potter, who was born in DeKalb County, Ill., Aug. 26, 1853. Two children have been born to them - Ralph W., Aug. 13, 1882, and George Warren, April 19, 1886
The Doctor and his wife are both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Vinton, in which he has held an official position ever since coming to the place. He is also a member of Vinton Lodge, No. 83, I. O. O. F., of which he has been N. G. two terms, besides minor preceding offices, and of Cedar Lodge, A. O. U. W., in which he has held the position of M. W. and is now Financier for the lodge.

03/01/2025

The Vinton Eagle; April 7, 1911

College For Blind Damaged by Fire
A serious conflagration was narrowly averted at the College for the Blind about seven o'clock Wednesday morning, when the north cupola on the main building took fire and was so badly damaged that it will have to be rebuilt. The fire is supposed to have caught from a spark from the kitchen chimney which was burning out. The night watch had noticed the burning chimney and was watching for trouble, so the fire in the cupola was discovered soon after it started. A fire alarm was turned in and the department responded promptly but the fire brigade at the college had the flames almost extinguished when they arrived.
The damage will probably be around $200 or $300, as a new cupola will have to be built.
The alarm was sounded just at the breakfast hour at the college and students and teachers were assembled in the dining room. The entire room was emptied in about one minute.

Fine New Home for Odd Fellows - Old Frank Watson Property Has Been Secured and Will be Remodeled by Local I. O. O. F.
The local order of Odd Fellows closed a deal Tuesday morning whereby they gained possession of the Henry Kessler residence property on East Jefferson Street, and they will: commence at once to convert it into one of the finest and most convenient lodge halls to be found in this section of Iowa.
The property purchased is a large roomy brick residence. The main part is 30 X 40 feet, two stories high. At the rear is a two-story addition 25 X 36 feet. The interior will be considerably altered. On the lower floor will be a men's club room, a ladies' parlor, library, dining room, kitchen, toilet and bathrooms. The lodge room will be on the second floor, occupying the main part, which will give them a room 30 X 40 feet. The ante room will be reached by an open stairway leading out of the men's club room at the southwest corner of the building. At either side of the ante room will be commodious paraphernalia and dressing rooms for both the Odd Fellows and Rebekas. The whole building will be fitted out with suitable furniture and will be second to none when completed. The property was purchased for $3,000 and the order is planning on spending about $2,000 in remodeling and furnishing it. The building is in good repair, has a basement under the entire building and has a first-class heating plant.
For the past six months the Odd Fellows have been figuring on changing their location and have had several propositions under consideration. They have now secured a very desirable location and will soon have a beautiful suite of lodge and club rooms.

03/01/2025

What am I? Wood board. Holes about the size of a dime, numbered 1-279. Each hole has had a nail through it.
We have no idea!

03/01/2025

Come out to the V/S High School today until noon! Many wonderful vendors (including BCHS)!

02/28/2025

Portrait and Biographical Album of Benton County Iowa.

Frank Crooks, farmer, living on section 35, Jackson Township, was born in Franklin County, Ohio, Sept. 15, 1844. He is a son of Samuel and Mary Ann (Shipman) Crooks, both of whom were natives of the same State.
Frank was the oldest of three children. He lived with his parents on a farm until March 1864, when he enlisted in Co. G, 46th Ohio Vol. Inf., and served until July 1865, when the regiment was discharged. Among the engagements participated in were the following: Resaca, Dallas, New Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain, Jonesboro, Lovejoy, battles before Atlanta on the 22d and 28th of July, Griswoldville, Savannah, Charleston, Columbia, Bentonville and the surrender of Johnston. He was slightly wounded on the ear before Atlanta. On Sherman's march to the sea, he was detailed as one of a company of mounted foragers and scouts, by Gen. John A. Logan. During this time, he had many narrow escapes from captivity and death. On one occasion he was with a party of thirty men near Lynch Creek, S. C., considerably in advance of the main army. Suddenly the men were surrounded by a band of rebel guerrillas, and all killed but himself and two comrades. Their escape was almost miraculous. Letting their horses go, they escaped capture and death by hiding. For twenty-four hours they were surrounded, and did not dare to come out of their hiding-place for fear of the consequences that would surely follow. If taken alive they would be treated as spies and meet the fate of spies. Being without food for so long and fearing relief would not come in time, they determined to make a bold strike for freedom. As they were about to put their plans into ex*****on, they heard the shouts of Kilpatrick's cavalry. Never was a more welcome sound heard. The guerrillas were defeated, and they were rescued. After receiving his discharge, he returned home and remained two years.
On the 15th day of September 1867, Mr. Crooks was united in marriage with Miss Mary R. Snouffer, daughter of David and Rebecca (Kent) Snouffer, the former a native of Maryland and the latter of Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Crooks are the parents of two children - Charlie C., born Jan. 31, 1875, and Ralph L., born Oct. 31, 1884.
Land in Ohio being so dear and desiring to go where he could have a farm of his own and be his own master, Mr. Crooks determined to come West. An aunt of his wife, whose home was in Benton County, Iowa, was in Ohio on a visit. She gave such glowing accounts of her home that he made up his mind first to visit this county. Packing up his goods, he started with a team and was twenty-three days in making the journey. On arriving, he rented a farm until 1877, when he bought eighty acres of land on section 35, erected a house, and began its improvement. He has since added forty acres to his original purchase, giving him a good farm of 120 acres, which he has well improved.
Mr. Crooks is a member of P. M. Coder Post, No. 98, G. A. R., at Vinton, and takes much interest in the order, being at present an officer of the post. In the Benton County Agricultural Society he is greatly interested, being at present the Vice-President. His parents are yet living in Franklin County, Ohio.
Mr. Crooks came to the county a poor man, but by industry and economy he has accumulated enough to make him independent. Stock-raising, in connection with general farming, is his specialty.

02/26/2025

Lynda Jeanne Formanek was the second daughter born to Evelyn Rayner and Charles Milo Formanek of Belle Plaine. She was born in the Corn Belt Hospital in Belle Plaine on March 1 1, 1944.

Jeanne attended the Belle Plaine Community Schools, graduating in 1962. AS a high school student, she was actıve in speech and dramå and played oboe in the band. She was also active in Rainbow Assembly 19, serving as Worthy Advisor in 1960.

Jeanne attended the State College of Iowa (now University of Northern Iowa), graduating in 1966. A speech and drama major she participated in a number of theatre productions throughout her college career. She entered the Miss Iowa Pageant as Miss Belle Plaine in 1965 and was named First Runner-Up and was selected by the other contestants as Miss Congeniality.

She was employed as a speech and drama teacher at Central High School in Newton, Iowa, from 1966-1969. In 1967, she again entered the Miss Iowa Pageant - this time as Miss Newton. Using a dramatization of Alice In Wonderland as her talent, she won Miss Iowa. As Iowa's representative to the Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City, Jeanne became one of the top ten finalists. As Miss Iowa, her duties included making speeches and performing as Alice in towns and cities across the state, and serving as an ambassador of good will for Iowa.

Jeanne became engaged to James Harding of Chariton, Iowa. and was planning a wedding for June 6th. On March 16, 1969 as she was returning from Belle Plaine to her home in Newton, her car was struck broadside by a car which failed to stop at a stop sign. She died that evening, at the age of 25 years and five days, in the Marengo Memorial Hospital. Her memory is preserved through a Jeanne Formanek Memorial which is pres- ented annually to an outstanding speech and drama graduate of Belle Plaine High School.

The following words guided Jeanne throughout life, and may be found on her tombstone at the Oak Hill Cemetery in Belle Plaine:

"The ideal you enthrone in your heart
The vision you glorify in your mind
This, you will live your life by
This, you will become."

02/25/2025

Plan to make healthy connections at the 10th Annual Benton County Community Health & Wellness Fair! Stop in and see us at the Vinton-Shellsburg High School on Saturday, March 1 from 8-Noon! There will be lots of access to information, freebies and resources geared towards better health from throughout the county. Stay informed and find more details when you visit www.bentoncohealthfair.com

02/25/2025

Portrait and Biographical Album of Benton County Iowa.

J. A. McDaniel - a well-known and prominent citizen of Vinton, was born in Licking County, Ohio, April 11, 1827. His father, John McDaniel, was a native of Ireland, born in 1795, but was of Scotch descent. He came to America in 1811, when but sixteen years old, and became acquainted with and married Mary Dunlap, of Licking County, Ohio, a native of that state, born in 1800. Four children blest their union- James, now a resident in Mankato, Jewell Co., Kan., engaged in the livery business; Mary J., now resident in Licking County, Ohio; J. A. the subject of this sketch; William R., a farmer and stock-raiser of Licking County Ohio. The parents were both members of the old Covenanter Church. The mother died in 1852, and the father in 1880, at the age of eighty-five.
J. A. McDaniel was reared upon a farm and well knows the meaning of hard work, having assisted in clearing the timber to make a farm. Not-withstanding this, he was enabled to and did obtain a liberal education, which has served him to good purpose. When twenty-one years of age he went to Utica, Ohio, where he engaged as clerk in a store, remaining there some time. He afterward lived for a time in Newark, Ohio. From boyhood he had an earnest desire to try his fortunes on the broad prairies of the fertile West, believing that there was a more favorable opportunity to advance in life. Becoming acquainted with H. D. Gay, an agreement was entered into that if a favorable location could be found, they would form a partnership in the general mercantile trade. Mr. McDaniel then came in 1856, to Iowa, and after carefully surveying the ground, chose Vinton as his future home. The firm of Gay & McDaniel soon after commenced business in this place and continued for ten years, when Mr. Gay sold his interest to Sherman Tracy. The firm of McDaniel & Tracy was then formed, and had an existence for about three years, when Mr. McDaniel purchased the interest of his partner and continued alone until 1872, when J. C. Aldrich purchased a half interest, and under the firm name of McDaniel & Co., the business continued until 1877, when it was closed out. Since that time Mr. McDaniel has engaged in the importation of Norman horses and the breeding of fine stock. At present he owns a number of the finest horses in the State, including nine full-blood stallions, seven of which he had imported from France, and all registered in the American Percheron-Norman Stud Book. He has a number of high grades, having forty head in all. He has a fine herd of Jersey cattle, including six heifers and a bull of full blood, besides grades. He owns two fine farms, containing 200 and 185 acres respectively, with necessary improvements. He also owns a fine residence and large barns, the former located on the corner of Clay Street and Asylum Avenue, the barns being one square farther south; he also owns a two-story brick store on Jefferson Street, Vinton, occupied as a clothing store.
Mr. McDaniel has been twice married. His first wife was Malvina Skinner, who died in 1863, leaving one child - Garrett Smith, a clerk in Vinton. He subsequently married Miss Florence Hewes, a daughter of Rev. Charles F. and Abigail Hewes. Her father is a universalist minister and a native of Massachusetts, while her mother is a native of Vermont. Mrs. McDaniel's literary education was secured in New York. In Vinton and Chicago, she studied painting, possessing a natural taste for the same. She is regarded as an artist of more than ordinary ability. Mr. and Mrs. McDaniel have one child- Lola Abbott. In politics Mr. McDaniel is a straight-out Republican but has never been an office-seeker. He is a member of the A. O. U. W., of Vinton

Address

P. O. Box 22
Vinton, IA
52349

Opening Hours

1pm - 4pm

Telephone

+13195334524

Website

https://www.bchsiowa.com/

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At the junction of Highway 218 and Highway 30 in Benton County, the Youngville Cafe was built in 1931 by a man named Joe Young. He built the building on his land for his widowed daughter Lizzie Wheeler. Only the cafe remains today, but the one-stop business used to include a Skelly gas station and three cabins for rent. It closed down in 1967 and was then used as a private residence until it was abandoned in the 80s. The cafe was eventually reopened in 1994 after a state grant allowed it to be renovated. Youngville Cafe was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2007. The cafe which is currently ran by volunteers serves burgers, soup, sandwiches, and grilled tenderloins, but they are famous for their pies. It's only open from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Tuesdays but well worth the stop!