Kishwaukee Hospital recognizes Haish (1987)

Kishwaukee Hospital advertisement in the Daily Chronicle's "Milestone 150" | Photo by Jessi LaRue

In 1978, the Daily Chronicle published a special edition in honor of the 150th anniversary of the founding of DeKalb County. The publication features reminiscing columns, sports and culture highlights, and much more from the county's history. It is also filled with various advertisements from county establishments. The advertisement for Kishwaukee Community Hospital pays homage to Jacob Haish.

It reads:

"Building on a rich heritage...

One of this hospital's major benefactors was born even before DeKalb County was founded. He was the late Jacob Haish, leading industrialist, outstanding philanthropist, and great humanitarian. Though his concerns and benefactions were many, the barbed wire king had a special interest in health care. He left the bulk of his estate for a hospital and health care. Half a million dollars went to construct the Jacob Haish Memorial Wing, predecessor of DeKalb Public Hospital and of KCH. Later, directors of the Jacob Haish Memorial Corporation awarded $200,000 to KCH, a gift memorialized in 1981 with a dedication of the Jacob Haish Surgical Department here.

Jacob Haish was one of the earliest DeKalb County residents to support local health care. Today, we salute the memory of him and all the other generous givers through the years. We honor, too, the many citizens of today who share that concern for better health care, supporting KCH through memorial gifts, the Tree of Life, KCH 100, and other giving opportunities. We appreciate all you have done to make this hospital and its services possible. And we pledge to use your gifts as a steppingstone to build on all that has gone before. We promise, in short, to build on a rich heritage ... to provide better health care for this and all future generations.

Kishwaukee Community Hospital

Route 23 and Bethany Road.

DeKalb, Illinois 60115"

Cover of the Daily Chronicle's "Milestone 150" published in 1978 | Photo by Jessi LaRue

More About The Old Timers Here

The below article was printed in the June 19, 1915, edition of the Daily Chronicle. It was a follow-up to the article in which Haish claimed he was the oldest living resident in DeKalb.

MORE ABOUT THE OLD TIMERS HERE
Jacob Haish Writes The Chronicle Concerning the Early Days
- - -
Still Thinks He Is It One
- - -
Joins With All of the Rest of the Claimants for the Honor in Saying That He Has Enjoyed it Here

The following letter from Jacob Haish is self explanatory. Apparently there seems to be no doubt that Mrs. Mary Huntley King, who was born in 1846 on North First Street, within two blocks of Main Street, is our oldest residenter, but we can all unite with Mr. Haish's statement that he has "had a good time" here and hope that he and all of the rest of our old settlers will be with us many more years.

The Chronicle still thinks that some kind of a social affair each year for our old settlers would be a grand good thing.

Mr. Haish says:

DeKalb, Illinois, June 18, 1915.
Editor DeKalb Chronicle, DeKalb, Illinois.

Dear Sir,
In your paper the other evening I note several of our old residents are taking issue with me as to my being the oldest living resident in point of years spent in DeKalb.

Now, I am positive there is a misunderstanding on their part. I meant to convey the idea that I came here in 1853 and made no reference to others living in the county at that time. I do, however, contend I am the oldest resident from a standpoint of years spent in the corporate limits of DeKalb as well as the oldest resident from the same standpoint that came from outside of the county.

I do not dispute the fact others were born in the vicinity of DeKalb and maybe still living prior to my coming.

After my arrival, others, such as the Bradts, Sweets, Brookings, Garner, Newitt, Ralph, Bristow families. 

I might also state there was no corporation at that time, as it required a certain number of people living here at the time I came to incorporate, and it was sometime afterwards before the necessary number came in order to allow us to do so.

As I look in the matter it does not matter to me who is who but I will say that I have had my residence in DeKalb a " Hallelujah, Rattlety Bang Grand Good Time" and am happy to say I am still on my feet.

Yours very truly,
Jacob Haish

Article provided by the Joiner History Room.

Haish Says He Is The Oldest

The below article was printed in the June 12, 1915, edition of the Daily Chronicle:

Haish Says He Is The Oldest
Brings Down Documents In Proof of His Statement to Chronicle
- - -
Came to DeKalb in 1853
- - -
Makes the Distinction That He Was the First One Now Living to Settle in the Corporation and Not in Township Outside

Jacob Haish was in this morning to set our minds at rest as to who was the oldest "residenter" of DeKalb still in existence here. Mr. Haish claims the honor for himself and has the documents to prove it.

Jacob Haish photo courtesy of
Regional History Center, Northern Illinois University

He says that he is the first settler of the tract at present inside the corporate limits of DeKalb, who is still living. He came here in September of 1853. There were others who lived outside the city limits on farms but if they moved to DeKalb they did it many years later.

To prove his statement Mr. Haish had the deed to his first piece of property he owned in this city, the lot on South First street south of the Northwestern tracks on the east side of the street. 

He bought this, he says, in 1858, but did not have the money to pay for it and was not given his deed until the following year. The deed bears the date of December 1854. 

A couple of years afterward, about 1855, he says a lot of other people came here, Robert Newitt, the Garners, the Rolfes, Bristows, Bradts, Brooks, Sweets and others.

Mr. Haish entertained us for some time this morning telling about the early days. He told how he left home in Pennsylvania in the late forties with prospecting parties to come west and look over the country here. Their destination was Naperville and he spent some months in DuPage County ...

Then he moved on again to Kaneville and then he got on a farm down in the "Rooster" church district. Here he was taken sick and afterwards moved back to Kaneville for a short time where he worked at his trade. One day he decided to come a little farther west and he walked from Kaneville to what is now Maple Park.

Just as he trudged into this village along came a little engine dragging two flat cars and making awfully hard work of it. 

"Where are you going?" queried young Jacob.

"Down to the end of the line," said the engine.

"Can I go to Buena Vista with you?" asked the young pilgrim.

"Sure," said the good natured engineman and Jacob hopped aboard.

When he came to the end of the road, about where Fourth street now is the train had to stop and the young pioneer asked the engineer, "Where's Buena Vista?"

"This is it," said the engineer pointing down the street to where there a couple of little buildings and this was Jacob Haish's advent into DeKalb. Buena Vista, for the benefit of those who don't know, was the old name for this village.

There was little of a village here when Mr. Haish arrived. Dr. Basil had a little shack of a store where Hiland's store now is, and Goodell had a general store where the Chronicle is now located. There was a blacksmith shop where the Glidden house now is and that was about all the business houses there were.

Living on farms near the city at this time were Joseph Glidden, William Plank, Clark Barber and others whose names are enrolled in the list of our early settlers but they were not in the village, which is the honor Mr. Haish contends for.

Along in 1854 a Mr. Nichols started a lumber yard here and shortly afterwards a Mr. Page also started one. After that the growth of the little village was steady and rapid, and in all of its growth the personality of Mr. Haish was always prominent.

The Chronicle would be glad to hear from others of the old timers.

Article provided by the Joiner History Room

MANY MOURN HIS DEATH

Printed in the Feb. 19, 1926, edition of the DeKalb Daily Chronicle:

MANY MOURN HIS DEATH
"Grand Old Man" of DeKalb Numbered His Friends in Every Walk of Life.
HELPED THIS CITY

Genuine sorrow entered the hearts of hundreds of residents of this city and the surrounding community with the death of Jacob Haish. No resident of this city ever had more friends in every walk of life than did Mr. Haish. When Mrs. Haish died a few years ago, the entire community sorrowed with the grieved helpmate who was left, as he termed it, alone in the world. That same sorrow, even more profound, is being felt today with the death of "DeKalb's Grand Old Man." 

It seems but a short time since he made his daily visit to the Haish State bank, where he would sit contentedly in his easy rocker and greet friends who never failed to stop and have a word of greeting with him. Business men, in a hurry, would spare a few moments to chat with him. His personality and cheerful disposition was magnetic in its power. Shop workers, just free from work and still in their greasy clothes, stopping at the bank to make the savings account deposit or pay their rent, would stop to greet Mr. Haish. To all he presented the same cheerful smile and happy word of greeting. Truly, his friends are numbered in every walk of life.

Mr. Haish was a part of DeKalb. He helped build this city as much or even more than any other resident. When his shops were in operation he furnished employment for many men and he paid them good wages. His workers were not the disgruntled type and he aided materially in giving to DeKalb a citizenry that would be a credit to any community. Many families are residents of DeKalb today only through the work of Mr. Haish. The establishment of his enterprises in this city urged other business connections to be formed.


Article provided by the Joiner History Room.

Requiem the Haish House

Photo of Haish mansion demolition is part of Steve Bigolin's collection | Photo by Jessi LaRue

"Requiem the Haish House"
By Homer Hall ("Uncle Silas")
Printed in the Daily Chronicle, Sept. 21, 1961

Ah well, at last you've got your way
We can no hope enjoy
To save some old or well loved thing
When PROGRESS says "destroy"
Torn down the study old stone walls
Now rubble fills the space,
An heirloom of the city's gone
No one can e'er replace
Gone frescoes on high ceilinged walls,
The carved and polished paneling,
Gone with the vanished years.
What social life streamed thru those rooms,
What distant strangers came
To see the town whose product spread
World wide to give us fame.
A sneer to those old fogies all,
(Their ranks are thinning fast)
Who wished to save for future years
Some relic of the past.
Who thought some value still may lie
With the old and quaint.
Such obstacles to modern ways
Would irritate a saint.
And Jacob Haish who helped to build
Our town to what it is,
Whose benefactions still abound --
How many gifts were his?
Who built the mansion that he loved,
(Though quaint it was he knew)
Would he be pleased to see it fall
Beneath the wreckers' crew?
Ah well, we'll let New England keep
Historic house and scene,
The West preserve each hallowed hut
Deadwood to Abilene.
DeKalb wants only modern stuff,
We're on the ball, no fear
That visitors can ever say
That we're old fashioned here. 

 

Photos of demolition provided by Steve Bigolin

Tearing Down Old Mansion

From historian Steve Bigolin's collection, a photo of the Haish mansion. | Photo by Jessi LaRue

The article below was printed in the Aug. 16, 1961, edition of the Daily Chronicle:

Tearing Down Old Mansion
By Marcella

Formal proceedings have started to send one of DeKalb's grand old mansions on the way to oblivion. According to information received from members of First Lutheran Church, their Parish House, the former home of Jacob Haish, DeKalb inventor, will be torn down in the very near future.

An old community landmark, the Jacob Haish residence became the property of First Lutheran Church about six years ago, having been purchased from the Jacob Haish estate. While the furnishings of the home were gone, appointments inside and out were such as made it a unique spot in DeKalb. Priceless treasures decorating the home at Third and Pine Street have been sold for use in a commercial enterprise.

Jacob Haish's home is one of the finest homes ever built in DeKalb and in years to come, this city may well regret that it isn't around for the edification of tourists when most of the neighbors are gone. Visitors to the house often find themselves in spontaneous conversation with others. There is a comradeship which stems from a mutual admiration of the Jacob Haish story. 

The veteran manufacturer's inventive genius and shrewd business ability contributed largely to the prosperity and growth of the city of DeKalb as a city. The story of the city of DeKalb or the chapter of history concerning barb wire would be incomplete if the name Jacob Haish was omitted from the picture. 

Mr. Haish was born in Germany in 1827 and at the age of nine came to this country and the state of Pennsylvania with his parents. At 19 the call of the West reached him and he came to Illinois, settling first in Naperville. He married Sophia Brown in 1847. In 1853, he came to Buena Vista, now DeKalb, impressed by the cordiality of the people.

Glancing at the splendid mansion of the Haish family built about 1884, it is hard to picture Jacob Haish and his lovely wife living in a crude shanty on First Street, south of the tracks. A lumber business he launched was effective, but he could foresee the day when the board fences would have to be replaced because of its expense, its limited supply and its weakness.

Mr. Haish's barb wire idea is reflected in inscriptions on the front of the house. There is "Victory, 1874," and the name "Sophia," an association that could have come from the help his wife gave him as she turned the handle of a coffee grinder while he studied it to see how his barbs might be made. His first patent was granted Jan. 20, 1874. Further experimentation led to his development of "S" wire which he began manufacturing.

Some of the statuary has been removed from the grounds, but that near the house is there still. An old fountain has simulated barb wire around it as a replica of the Haish era. Then there is the likeness of Mr. Haish, to the left of the front walk as one approaches the residence. The phrase "patentee of barb wire," is engraved on the back of the animal likeness which forms the step-rail. 

Within the house, elegant crystal chandeliers are still in place, as are many of the fine mirrors. Six marble fireplaces, each of different color and design, added to comfort as well as the beauty of the rooms. The original painted murals hang on the walls with birds and gold-trim which tend to lighten the ostentatious mood. Cut-glass door panels, stained glass window and hand carved wood decor excite those who appreciate the craftsmanship that went into the building of this dream of a little bearded German immigrant. 

Mr. Haish's contribution to the City of DeKalb was not only his wire industry or his "man-against-the-millions" courage. His civic leadership and financial aid to education and welfare organizations; his generosity toward his employees and his various enterprises in the manufacturing of farm implements, gas engines and cream separators, all combined to further DeKalb and make it the wonderful city it is today.

That voices of youth rang out to keep the house alive as the Intermediates, Boy Scouts and other church organizations met in the Parish House, might seem a living monument to this DeKalb pioneer and his wife. For this glamorous "castle" to be replaced by a modern home of a layman assistant to the church seems hardly the end DeKalb wants for this 134 year old Haish story.

Perhaps the city of DeKalb --- a group of civic minded persons --- or person would be interested in purchasing the home for the purpose of establishing a memorial and museum to the inventor of Barb Wire?

Thanks to the Joiner History Room for sharing this article.

Palace Beautiful: The Haish Mansion

Image provided by Joiner History Room

For those of us who didn't have the opportunity to see Jacob Haish's DeKalb mansion at 227 Pine St. before it was razed in 1961, this July 3, 1885 DeKalb Daily Chronicle article, posted in full below, tells intimate details of the interior of the mansion.

Steve Bigolin shares this article, and he said at the time it was written, Haish had just completed the mansion and invited the media to visit. Bigolin said Haish also closed down his factories and invited his employees to enjoy the home with him that day, to show them "what hard work can do," Bigolin said.

DeKalb Daily Chronicle, July 3, 1885:
Palace Beautiful
"A Thing of Beauty is Joy Forever"

"It is a source of pleasure, we may even say delight, to watch the growth and progress of our little city, and we rejoice to know that there are those in our midst whose enterprise, pluck, push and perseverance have placed them beyond the bread and butter aspect of life, and they are now in a position to do something for the asthetic and the beautiful. 

Having built up great Industries, they are now ambitious to add something to the town that marked their prosperity. We are therefore glad to "CHRONICLE" the enterprise of our esteemed fellow-townsman, Jacob Haish, Esq., who has just completed one of the most unique and attractive residences it has ever been our pleasure to inspect.

The design is Mr. Haish's own, and is an original and attractive combination of Medieval, Gothic and Queen Ann style of architecture. And as no man owns a patent on ideas or terms of speech, we would therefore utilize Mr. Haish's own idea, and designate this exquisite and notable structure as the new "Sophiann" style, which we expect will be all the rage in the very near future. The materials used in the construction of this building are peculiarly adapted to the ever changing temperature of these latitudes.

The first story is built of brick, terra cotta, and finished with white stone. The second story is what is known as the Queen Anne composition, and the whole structure is set off with a handsome Gothic roof.

The entire building is warmed by steam, and the ventilation is on the most approved modern scientific principles, and may be said to be perfect in every particular. It is lighted by gas in every room, from cellar to garret. Three kinds of water, well, artisan, and soft, can be had in abundance at any moment, hot or cold, night or day, and bathing facilities and other conveniences are excellent. There is a fireplace in every room, and the cheerful blaze of sea coal will make the whole house cozy and home-like in the dark, dreary winter months.

The mantle-pieces are are of Scotch granite, Tennessee, and other kinds of marble, and are sculptured into the most pleasing and fascinating designs. Hammered brass and crystal chandeliers of modern design and exquisite workmanship, hang in every room, and when lit in the evening they sparkle and scintillate like resplendent gems in Aladdan's palace of Enchantment. 

The main hall is a thing of beauty. The floor is tiled with blue and white marble, and the walls are covered with landscapes, portraits, marine and mountain scenes, all done in oils, producing a very fine effect, and reminding one of the old castles and art galleries of Europe. The main stair is of carved wood and black walnut, and is a fine exhibition of the wood worker's skill.

On the second floor, at the head of the main stairway, there is another large hall decorated like the one below, and furnished with a piano, antique chairs and lounges. The drawing room walls are covered with satin and gold decorations, and a most exquisite floral wreath done in oils, together with butterflies, bees, humming birds, and a harmonious blending of colors; gold-leaf and diamond dust adorn the ceilings. The transom windows are of stained glass, wrought into beautiful landscapes, river and moonlight scenes. A rich carpet of Scotch manufacture covers the floor, and brilliant French mirrors and handsome furniture make the entire room like one of those fairy palaces we read about in the "Arabian Nights."

The dining room is a marvel of artistic beauty and perfection. The floor is set with brown and white tile, with a handsome border. The wood work is butternut, richly carved and finished in oil. The lower part of the wall is magnificently grained with fruits and flowers. On the north wall is an ornamental sideboard, with a resplendent French mirror. The transom windows are all made of colored glass, and the designs are exquisite, being a blending of every kind of fruit and vegetable. In line with these windows is a splendid cluster of oil paintings encircling the room, consisting of farm scenes, winter sketches, hunting and fishing studies, beautiful bits of prairie, woodland and river sketches, child-life and their innocent frolic. All this diversified blending make up a panorama of lovliness that feast the eyes, and is exceedingly suggestive and appropriate for a Dining Room.

The Red Room to the west of the drawing room is very unique. The wood work is composed entirely of California red wood, very richly carved, and its fine grain when finished in oil makes it very attractive to the vision. The walls are covered with red satin and gold decorations.

The ceiling is regarded by all who have seen it as the most perfect work of its kind they ever looked upon. It is a wreath of Autumn leaves, a number of birds have gathered for their last meeting, and they migrated to fairer lands from the rigors of approaching winter. The birds appear sorry to go, and there is a pensive look, full of pathos and feeling, as they turn their heads towards their own nests with its broken shells, from which many of them were hatched a few months since. This in our judgment is one of the finest things in this palace of beauty. The transom windows in this room are superb, we have never seen anything equal to it for richness of coloring and artistic design outside the old world art galleries and cathedrals. The upholstery of this room is all that could be desired.

The parlor on the second floor is by far the handsomest room in the house. There is a dome in the ceiling on which is painted the four seasons. 

Spring is represented as a splendid landscape, with men ploughing in the distance. In the background there is a village with a passing train, and in the foreground there is a pretty little farm house, with a number of playful children and skipping lambs. It is a picture full of life and movement.

SUMMER. In a haying scene. The day is perfect, a fleecy cloud in a deep blue sunny sky seems all a quiver with warmth and brightness. The jolly haymakers striped for their toil and sweating at their work seems so natural, that we almost fancy we drink in the fragrence of the new mown hay, and catch the toilers merry laugh.

AUTUMN. Represents a corn field in the distance, with the corn stalks just cut and put up in shocks, and between the rows of shocked corn there are large numbers of bright yellow pumpkins. In the foreground there is a gentleman's residence and a large orchard with trees hanging thick with ripe fruit. A buggie drawn by a handsome team of horses comes dashing down the road, and a dog just ahead is in full pursuit of a rabbit, it is a well conceived and finely executed picture.

WINTER. Represents a logging camp in the midst of a forest of large trees, the loggers fire is seen in the background, and though the deep snow, a hunting party is drawing game on a hand sled, and in the foreground there is a number of horses and men logging out some large trees, this too is a very natural and well executed piece of work. 

Just out side of the dome there is a beautiful border done in oil, and set off with some magnificent artistic work in Mother of Pearl. The wall decorations are exquisite, and the bric-a-brac carpeting and furniture tend to make it a marvel of richness and elegance. 

The blue room, Mrs. Haish's room and Mr. Paul Holm's are exquisitely beautiful. It would ill become us to depict the rich and rare attractions, in these "Sanctum Sanctorums." It is sufficient to say that all that wealth, good taste and human skills could do, to fit up, and beautify and earthly paradise are gathered here.

The rooms set apart for the use of the help, are good enough for any man or woman, be they prince or princess. All the sleeping rooms have speaking tubes communicating with the rooms below, so that anything that may be needed can be had without leaving the room to call for it. The kitchen is a gem of comfort and convenience. The pantry is done off in black walnut, with ornamented glass doors, drawers and and every other needful thing. The china closet is a model of taste and elegance. In the third story there is every essential for laundry work. There is a door from the stairway of the main hall into the conservatory, which will soon be filled with choice plants and flowers.

Well may we call it "Palace Beautiful" for it is built regardless of expenses, and in its composition it is "Cosmopolitan" or at least "Continental" for there is something in its construction or ornamentation from every State in the Union. And the entire work of building and decorating was executed under Mr. Haish's own personal direction and supervision. And that he and his good wife may live long to enjoy this beautiful home, is the fond wish of a host of friends who rejoice in his prosperity, and are proud of his success."

Photo courtesy of Steve Bigolin. Photo shows mansion in 1949