CHAPTER XI.
BENTON TOWNSHIP (CONT'D).

THE MCDERMOTTS.

The McDermotts, Henry and James B., who came from Ohio, settled in Benton township in 1857 and 1859, respectively. Henry had been a year in Iowa and, besides his farm of 560 acres on section 12, was the owner of 120 acres east of Anita, Grant township. He is still an honored resident of the township.

James B. McDermott came from Ohio to this State in 1855, being accompanied by his brother Marcus, with their families. He lived in Cedar county, this State, coming to Cass county in the fall of 1857. In March, 1859, he located upon the southeast quarter of section 35, Benton township, having purchased the land of Dr. G. S. Morrison, who then lived in Grant township. At that time the only settlements in Benton were on Crooked and Troublesome creeks. Subsequently Mr. McDermott increased his quarter section to about 640 acres, or one square mile of land, and became one of the largest real estate owners and successful farmers and stock raisers in the county. He divided much of his land among his three sons, Charles W., James D. and Martin L. McDermott, and both himself and his descendants constituted most substantial personal elements in the prosperity of the township and the county. James B. McDermott represented Lura township on the Board of Supervisors, in 1865, just prior to its change of name to Grant. For many years after the organization of Benton township he was also identified with its government as trustee and in other official positions. He is now a retired and an honored citizen of Anita.

LEWIS BEASON

Although Lewis Beason did not come to Benton township until its organization, in the fall of 1870, he was a worthy pioneer of what are now Atlantic and Grant townships. His later years were passed on one of the finest farms in Benton township, his elegant residence, beautiful lawns, thrifty orchard, and harmonious surroundings stamping him as a man of taste as well as wealth. In addition to his attractive homestead Mr. Beason also owned 460 acres of land in a fine state of cultivation and dealt largely in Shorthorn cattle and Poland-China hogs.

In 1854, as a young man of twenty, Mr. Beason had accompanied his father to Oregon and California on a mining tour. After an absence of two years they returned to their home in Logan county, Ill.; but in a short time the son started again for California. While passing through Cass county he met R. D. McGeehon and J. R. Kirk, old acquaintances, and was induced to remain. He settled on section 21, Atlantic township, where he remained for five years, after which he traded his property for what was long afterward known as the Beason Station, on the site of the later town of Anita. Although a man by the name of Gardner was appoitned the first postmaster of Anita, Mr. Beason was the first to serve in that position, as he was the first incumbent of the old Lura postoffice. In 1866, 1867 and 1868, before coming to Benton township, Mr. Beason also represented Grant township (formerly Lura) on the County Board.

"Compendium and History of Cass County, Iowa." Chicago: Henry and Taylor & Co., 1906, pg. 144-145.
Transcribed by Cheryl Siebrass, July, 2018.