Special Collections Department
403 Parks Library
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011-2140
RS 21/7/57
Bert Benjamin (1870-1969)
Papers, 1893-1968
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. Bert Benjamin was awarded the Cyrus Hall McCormick Gold Medal by the American Society of Agricultural Engineers (1943) and the Professional Achievement Citation in Engineering from Iowa State University. Mr. Benjamin passed away in October 1969. |
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 in alphabetical order. |
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 |
International Harvester – history and articles |
1934-1953 |
1 |
9 |
Photographs – cotton production (27 3x5 B&W photographs) |
1933, n.d. |
1 |
10 |
Photographs – family and friends (10 8x10, 6 5x7, and 8 3x5 B&W photographs) |
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. |