William Meek arrived in 1836 and established this mill and within several years other flour, grist and lumber mills lined the river, all powered by huge water wheels on the Des Moines. Settlers came to Bonaparte from as far as 100 miles away to have their grain ground into flour, and Meeks Mills and other mills established a reputation for quality. Steamboats and paddlewheelers chugged up the river on their way to Des Moines, and the first Utah-bound Mormon settlers stopped in Bonaparte long enough to have their grist processed and to build several sturdy downtown buildings.
Iron and Lace Shop. Just up the road from Bonaparte is a quaint town called Bentonsport (also situated along the Des Moines River. We stopped and visited with Bill and Betty. Bill is the blacksmith and Betty makes pottery and jewelry...a most interesting couple. I couldn't resist getting my hands into the mud!
