Jacob Haish portrait dedication

Remember the story of Jacob Haish's larger than life portrait? The portrait once hung in the Haish mansion in DeKalb, before it was demolished in 1961. Local lore tells us that shortly before the home's demolition, the portrait was salvaged by Haish's "brothers" -- his fellow Masonic Lodge members.

The portrait has hung in the lodge for decades, but was recently moved to Founders Memorial Library at Northern Illinois University. There, it has been joined with images of Haish's fellow barbed wire barons, Isaac Ellwood and Joseph Glidden, to create the Founders Gallery. The gallery is located on the first floor of the college's library.

A dedication ceremony will be held at 5 p.m. Tuesday, October 9, at Founders Memorial Library, DeKalb. Local historian Steve Bigolin will speak about the history of DeKalb's founding fathers, including Haish. Refreshments will be served. Hope to see you there!

Flyer provided by Northern Illinois University Archives & Regional History Center

Haish determines donation to Northern Illinois State Normal School

Click image to enlarge.

Jacob Haish once penned an agreement that stated he would donate $10,000 to the Northern Illinois State Normal School, now known as Northern Illinois University.

He would stay true to his word, and his donation helped fund the school's first library.

Below is the text from the document, dated July 15, 1895. The school was founded that same year.

"For value received, I promise to pay on or before July 15, 1898, to the order of the trustees of the Northern Illinois State Normal School $10,000, without interest, upon the following conditions.

First, that said school be located at DeKalb, Illinois.

Second, that said amount be applied and used by said Trustees for either establishing a library, telescope or gymnasium or any other object that may be deemed advisable for the best interests of said school at my election. Provided that in the event of my death previous to said time of payment, my wife Sophia A. Haish may exercise such election."

Image provided by the Northern Illinois University Archives & Regional History Center

College Board of Trustees thanks Mrs. Haish

This letter, provided by the Joiner History Room, is addressed to Sophia Haish and thanks her for the gift of a portrait of her husband. The letter is from the Board of Trustees of the Northern Illinois State Normal School, now known as Northern Illinois University. Jacob Haish's barbed wire rival, Isaac Ellwood, can be seen listed as a board member in the top right corner of the letter.

Click the image to enlarge the letter, or the text is printed below.

Image provided by Joiner History Room

"Mrs. Jacob Haish,
DeKalb Illinois.

Dear Madam: 
At a meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Northern Illinois State Normal School, held at DeKalb, Illinois, on the 7th day of January, A.D. 1902, the following Resolution was offered and unanimously endorsed:

WHEREAS, Mrs. Jacob Haish having presented to the Northern Illinois State Normal School a life size portrait of her husband, Jacob Haish. And,
WHEREAS, Jacob Haish has, through his generosity, enabled the Northern Illinois State Normal School to equip itself with one of the very best of working libraries. Therefore, be it 
RESOLVED: That we accept the Portrait of Jacob Haish; and that it be hung in the Haish Library; and that we extend to Mrs. Haish our sincere thanks for the splendid Portrait of her husband..

Witness my hand and the seal of the Board, this first day of March, A.D. 1902.

J.J. McLallen, Secretary"