Joshua C. Vining, one of the prominent business men of Sauk Rapids, Minnesota, is a gentleman of exceptional business ability, and is well known throughout Benton county as a worthy citizen. He is proprietor of a drug store and also has other financial interests in Sauk Rapids and has gained his possessions as a result of his good judgment and integrity.

Mr. Vining was born in Maine, December 5, 1841. His father, Moses Vining. was born in Maine in 1812, and the mother of our subject, Reliance C. (Soule) Vining, was also a native of Maine and was born in 1820. Joshua C. Vining was reared on his father’s farm, and he received a high school education. He began the drug business as apprentice at the age of eighteen years and in 1864 removed to Minnesota. He began farming in Redwood Falls, Redwood county, and continued this occupation for six years; carpentering eight years; fuel business six years; and in 1883 he went to Renville county and established a drug business in Morton Village, which he ran until 1894 when he removed to his present location in Sauk Rapids. He has a fully equipped drug store and carries a stock valued at $2,000, and an elegant $500 soda fountain. He owns three residences in the town and the store building, and is one of the substantial business men of the town.

Mr. Vining was married in 1870 to Hannah C. Towle, who was born in Maine, November 19, 1842. To Mr. and Mrs. Vining two children have been born, namely: Blanche L., and Myrtle R. Mr. Vining is a prominent member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen Lodge at Sauk Rapids and the Masonic Lodge at St. Cloud. Mr. Vining and family are members of the Christian church.

He is general agent for Dr. White Eagle’s medicines, one of which is a positive cure for sore throat or diphtheria.

Compendium of History and Biography of Central and Northern Minnesota (1904) p. 774