Descriptive summary
|
creator: |
Benjamin,
Bert (1870-1869) |
|
title: |
Papers |
|
dates: |
1893-1968 |
|
extent: |
0.42 linear feet (1
document box) |
|
collection number: |
RS 21/7/57
|
|
repository: |
University Archives,
Special Collections Department, Iowa State University. |
Administrative information
|
access: |
Open for research |
|
publication rights: |
Consult Head,
Special Collections Department
|
|
preferred citation: |
Bert
Benjamin Papers, RS 21/7/57, Special Collections Department,
Iowa State University Library. |
|
Biographical note
|
|
Bert Benjamin was born December 17, 1870 in Newton, Iowa.
He received a B.S (1893) from Iowa State College
(University).
Mr. Benjamin
worked as a draftsman-designer (1893-1940) for McCormick
Harvesting Machine Company, which merged with several other farm
implement companies in 1902 to form the International Harvester
Company (IHC). In
1910, he was named supervisor for the McCormick Works
experimental department.
During his years with IHC, Mr. Benjamin was granted 140
patents for tractors and tractor accessories, including a cotton
picker, corn shredder, and corn binder.
He also developed the power take-off system.
Mr. Benjamin is best known for developing the Farmall
tractor, the first
tractor that could plow and cultivate row crops.
|
|
Collection description
|
|
The collection contains biographical information,
correspondence, photographs of farm implements and family, and
research materials. Topics
discussed in the papers include the Farmall tractor, the
International Harvester Company, cotton production, a study on
automobile tires, and genealogical materials relating to the
Benjamin family. The
papers also include a poem Mr. Benjamin wrote entitled “Snap
Shots”, and a variation of Bridge (card game) he developed. |
|
Organization
|
|
The collection is arranged alphabetically.
|
Container List
|
Box
|
Folder
|
Title
|
Dates
|
|
1
|
1
|
Automobile
tires – research materials and articles
|
1952,
n.d.
|
|
1
|
2
|
Biographical
materials
|
1943-1968,
n.d.
|
|
MAP
CASE
|
C409
D010
|
Certificates
|
1914-1968
|
|
1
|
3
|
Correspondence
– friends, family, and the Iowa State University Alumni
Association
|
1944-1968
|
|
1
|
4
|
Cotton
production – research materials
|
1945
-1967
|
|
1
|
5
|
Farmall
Tractor – advertisements and drawings
|
1929
-1937
|
|
1
|
6
|
Genealogy
– Benjamin Family history and news clippings
|
1963
-1967
|
|
1
|
7
|
Indian
Club – drawings of a bottle-shaped wooden club
|
1961
|
|
1
|
8
|
|
1934-1953
|
|
1
|
9
|
|
1933,
n.d.
|
|
1
|
10
|
|
1893
-1967, n.d.
|
|
1
|
11
|
Photographs
– Farmall Tractor (22 8x10, 10 5x7, 4 3x5 B&W photographs)
|
1921-1929
|
|
1
|
12
|
Poem
– “Snap Shots”
|
n.d.
|
|
1
|
13
|
Publication
– “Accurate Bidding Contract Bridge, Trump and No Trump
System, Trick Valuation”
|
n.d.
|
|
