Benjamin R. Vale

VALE, BIDDLE

Posted By: Fran Hunt, Volunteer
Date: 10/5/2001 at 06:41:16

From the Portrait and Biographical Album of Jefferson and Van Buren Counties – 1890
BENJAMIN R. VALE
Benjamin R. Vale, President of the Farmers’ & Traders’ Bank of Bonaparte, Van Buren County, is well and favorable known throughout southern Iowa. He is a representative of the best class of citizens—one who feels an interest in public affairs and cheerfully performs any labor, which will promote the general welfare of the community. His birth occurred on June 4, 1848, in Jefferson County Ohio, and he came to Iowa in 1850 and to this county in 1856. His primary education, which was acquired in the public schools, was supplemented by a course in the Academy of Birmingham, Van Buren County, and in 1868 he entered the Monmouth College, of Monmouth Illinois being graduated, on his completion of the classical course, in 1873. It was his intention then to take up the study of law. In fact, he had made partial arrangements to enter the law department of the Iowa State University, but circumstances so shaped themselves that he gave up that idea, turning his attention to other pursuits. He is now engaged to a considerable extent in stock growing in Harrisburg Township, and has met with good success in that line. As before stated, he is connected with the Farmers’ & Trader’s Bank, of Bonaparte Iowa, as its President, and the success of that institution is due in no small degree to Mr. Vale, who possesses good business ability, energy and a straightforward manner, which wins the confidence of all with whom he comes in contact.
It was in February of 1874, that Mr. Vale led to the marriage altar Miss Julia Biddle, daughter of Dr Biddle, of Kirkwood Illinois, one of the prominent physicians of that town. They began their domestic life in Harrisburg Township, but in 1885 he built a residence in Bonaparte and removed his family to that town, the cause of the removal being his wife’s health. There were four children born of their union, one son and three daughters—Anne R., May B., Margaret E. and Bruce Rex. Mr. Vale has the honor of being President of the National Anti-Horse Thief Association. Both he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church and in the social world are held in high regard. In politics he is a stanch supporter of Republican principles, having cast his ballot with that party since attaining his majority. In the fall of 1887 he was nominated by his party for the office of State Senator and triumphantly elected, representing his constituents in the Upper House faithfully and well. He proved an influential member of the Legislature and gave his support to all measures calculated to aid the general community. The school interests of the community have engaged his attention, he having served for eight years as Secretary and seven years as President of the school board. He is also connected with several stock breeding associations, and is now President of the National Swine Breeders’ Association, which is beneficial in developing stock and shaping legislation. The public and private life of Mr. Vale alike, are above reproach. He is a man of sterling worth and strict integrity, with many commendable characteristics, and it is with pleasure that we present this brief sketch of his life to the readers of the Album.
I am not related, and am only copying this for the information of those who might find this person in their family.