While vacuum cleaners might feel like a modern invention, their roots can actually be traced back to the 1800s. Specifically, in 1860, Daniel Hess of West Union, Iowa, invented a device he called a “carpet sweeper.” The apparatus used a combination of bellows for suction and a rotating brush for gathering dust. And while yes if all you have is a hard wood floors the need for a vacuum is diminished but is still helpful. And what is useless for one person is helpful to another. Now there is interesting stories on how the Dyson came around to sell such an expensive vacuum.