Lecture Series Presents “Exploring Jacob Haish”

DeKALB – In 1875, Jacob Haish secured a patent for his “S Barb” wire design, claiming his spot as one of DeKalb’s “Barbed Wire Barons,” and a role in the development of the west.

While mostly known for his contribution to the barbed wire industry, Haish also patented and manufactured farming implements and was a banker. He left most of his fortune to the city of DeKalb, resulting in the public library and much more.

On Thursday, April 7, Jessi Haish LaRue, a Haish family descendant, will present and discuss “new” artifacts and research related to this lesser-known barbed wire entrepreneur. LaRue has been researching in the Joiner History Room since fall 2021 in an effort to make Haish-related items more accessible to the public and creating conversation regarding Haish’s impact.

The lecture, titled “Adventures in Research: Exploring Jacob Haish,” is part of Brown Bag Lunch/Local Lore, a collaboration between the Ellwood House Museum and DeKalb County History Center. 

The free one-hour program will take place at noon at the DeKalb County History Center, 1730 N. Main Street in Sycamore. A virtual option is also available. To register, visit dekalbcountyhistory.org. 

Brown Bag Lunch/Local Lore is funded in part by the Mary E. Stevens Concert and Lecture Fund.

Unidentified Haish pins

I've been working my way through the Haish-related archives at the Joiner History Room, and have come across two unidentified pins that simply read "Haish." 

With no additional documentation, one can only make educated guesses about the history of these pins. Perhaps a Haish family member ran for public office? Who knows.

Below are photos of the pins, along with the only identifying information.

"1 inch triangle, red on one side and white on the other. Gold bar down center with 'Haish.'"

"1/2 inch button: red & white 'Haish'"

Haish featured in History Center's latest exhibit

I visited the DeKalb County History Center to tour their latest exhibit "The History of DeKalb County in 100 Objects," and I was pleasantly surprised to find Jacob Haish featured throughout the exhibit!

To learn more about the museum's "100 Objects" exhibit, click here.

Barbed wire creators on display, including Henry Rose of Waterman. Click photo to enlarge. | Photo by Jessi LaRue 

Barbed wire display | Photo by Jessi LaRue

Close-up of barbed wire samples from the three barons | Photo by Jessi LaRue

Text accompanying the barbed wire display | Photo by Jessi LaRue

Newspaper clipping mentions the famous county fair, where Glidden, Haish and Ellwood saw Rose's fencing exhibit | Photo by Jessi LaRue

A model of Henry Rose's fencing display. This fencing inspired Haish, Ellwood and Glidden to apply barbs directly to wire, rather than wood fencing. | Photo by Jessi LaRue

A patent section in the exhibit mentioned Sophia Haish, Jacob's wife, who patented her own improvements on the safety pin! Click the photo to enlarge. | Photo by Jessi LaRue

To read more about Henry Rose's story, click here

To learn more about Sophia Haish's safety pin patent, click here

Jacob Haish at the DeKalb County History Center

DeKalb County History Center in Sycamore, IL | Photo by Jessi LaRue

I visited the DeKalb County History Center to view the Crossroads: Change in Rural America exhibit. I was pleasantly surprised to see Jacob Haish represented within the museum, as well.

The barbed wire display included wire samples, a Haish barbed wire cane, and images and background information on Haish, Isaac Ellwood and Joseph Glidden.

Barbed wire display at DCHC | Photo by Jessi LaRue 

Barbed wire display at DCHC | Photo by Jessi LaRue

Displays tell the story of the three men seeing the Henry Rose exhibit in DeKalb, and pondering how to improve Rose's creation of "a thin wooden rail with nails driven into fence wire:" 

"One source relates that Glidden, seeing the fence, said out loud, 'The barbs should be on the wire.' Over the next few months, all three worked to perfect the idea."

The display also details Haish's other contributions to the agricultural world, including gas engines, fencing tools, and more.

Barbed wire display at DCHC | Photo by Jessi LaRue 

Barbed wire plaque at DCHC | Photo by Jessi LaRue

The exhibit also features other legendary local stories, such as the Sandwich Fair, Pumpkin Festival, the Egyptian Theatre, Kishwaukee College history, and much, much more.