James Newell came to Iowa from Ohio in the 1830s, originally settling near Muscatine. James Newell heard of the Turkey Foot area from Nathan Boone while living near Muscatine, and made two scouting trips to see the area in 1845. Later, he built a cabin home. In May of 1846, he brought his family and settled there, becoming known for his friendly relations with the Native Americans living nearby.

The Newell’s occupied the original cabin until 1854, when a two-story house was built nearby. The house was built of walnut, then plentiful in this area. Members of the family occupied it until 1932, when one of James Newell’s daughters sold it. The 1854 house was destroyed by fire in 1961.

Still standing on the site is the original barn that Newell had built in 1859. The barn is 40 x 80 feet and is built of hand-hewn local walnut beams and timbers on a limestone foundation. The 12-inch square beams are 40-feet long.. The axe marks are still plainly visible. Only the outside boards and roof are made of sawed lumber. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.