Barb City Bank takes shape

Barb City Bank check, courtesy of Steve Bigolin. Click image to enlarge.

Printed in the Dec. 9, 1885, edition of the Sycamore True Republican:

"That $100,000 project has taken definite shape, and the curious as well as the interested public can have an opportunity, on Thanksgiving day, between the hours of 8 and 10, of inspecting a new bank. It is to be called the "Barb City Bank," with Jacob Haish as president, and Paul Holm as cashier.

The office furniture and belongings will be of the latest design, and everything pertaining to the outfit will be designed with special care for the comfort and accommodation of its patrons, while giving ample security for the safe keeping and accounting of all funds entrusted to its protection. Not only is the vault fire proof, but within its walls will dwell a burglar and fire proof safe of the very latest pattern, provided with a time lock and all the modern improvements that skilled labor can invent to make it absolutely secure. The vault will also be provided with a set of fire proof, securely locked, drawers, where persons desirous of depositing valuable papers, silverware, etc., can do so, having entire control of their own key. They can at any time inspect or change or look over their contents in the private room of the bank without being disturbed. To parties leaving home for a season this feature of the bank will supply a growing need.

Arrangements are made for furnishing Chicago, New York and foreign exchange, and the utmost attention will be given to needs of the people. Mr. Haish desires it understood that the most gentlemanly treatment and courtesy will be accorded all. An exchange, loan and discount business will be done on the most liberal terms. The bank will occupy the room of the "S" barb wire office, the latter moving to rooms overhead on the second floor."

Thanks to Joiner History Room for providing this article.

Jacob Haish reflects on his donations

Jacob Haish | Photo courtesy of Joiner History Room

The article below was printed in the Dec. 5, 1885, edition of the Sycamore True Republican:

"That was a grandly liberal gift of yours --- that $50,000 to the Denver Orphan Asylum," --- we said to Mr. Haish of DeKalb.

"No, I don't know as it was. I have made more liberal gifts." 

"Ah! When?"

"Thirty years ago, when they were building the first church at DeKalb, I subscribed $30, and worked it out by day's work. That was more liberal than this. Then I gave what I hadn't got; now I give what I have, and can give it without troubling me. Why; how much did you ever give away at once?"

"Well, let's see; I gave $140 toward a church and lot."

"Ah, then, I venture to say you were three times as liberal as I was. I shall have to give again to be as liberal as some of my townspeople who give their tens and twenties. And I mean to do it. Wife and I have been thinking this long time that it is better to dispose of our property during our life-time while we can see some good of it than to wait for our successors to quarrel over it."

Perhaps we err in publishing this fragment of a private conversation, but there is something so noble about his unselfish view of the right use of his property that we could not refrain.

Thanks to the Joiner History Room for sharing this article.

Jacob Haish Buys Car

Courtesy of Regional History Center, Northern Illinois University

The article below was published in the April 30, 1913, edition of the Sycamore True Republican.

JACOB HAISH BUYS CAR
Aged Manufacturer Succumbs to Lure At Last, and Is Now Owner of An Automobile

Jacob Haish purchased an automobile yesterday. The manufacturer having made up his mind transacted this business with characteristic promptness. He motioned to Ernest Carter who was driving a new car along leisurely in front of the bank. Mr. Carter came over to the sidewalk and Mr. Haish stepped into the car.

"Where to?" Asked the driver.

"Anywhere," replied the banker.

The Sycamore road looked good, so they took a ride out over the brick and the macadam, the cement and the hard dirt road. The day was perfect but for a trifle of dust in the air that scarcely marred it. Mr. Haish and the driver took a turn about Sycamore and then turned back for DeKalb.

"What is the price of this car?" asked Mr. Haish as they arrived at the bank.

The information was given to him.

"Come in and get a check and take the car up to my stable," was the reply. 

The car that has met Mr. Haish's favor is an Overland.

  Thanks to the Joiner History Room for sharing this article.

Searching for Jacob and Sophia's son

Did history forget Franklin Haish? | Photo by Jessi LaRue

Jacob Haish's will is usually simplified down to "he didn't have any kids, that's why he donated all of his money to the city."

But...he did have a child.

I discovered Franklin Haish while I was requesting Jacob Haish files from the Joiner History Room in Sycamore. Innocently enough, tucked in between old newspaper clippings, was census information for Haish's Pine Street home. It showed Jacob, Sophia, servants, and Franklin Haish.

Franklin Haish was Jacob and Sophia's adopted son. I'm not sure where he came from, why he was adopted, or why Jacob and Sophia never had biological children of their own.

I've never even seen a photo of Franklin Haish, but here's what I do know:

Franklin appears on the 1860 census as an 11 year old living in the Haish mansion, which means he was born in 1849. It states he was born in Illinois.

He appears on the 1870 census as a 21 year old who works in a cheese factory. 

After that, articles about the 23 year old Franklin appear in the Sycamore True Republican newspaper. 

The articles state that Franklin was taken sick, and:

"in a short time seemed to lose all reason, in which condition he has been most of the time since, and at times unmanageable, necessitating tying his arms ... to prevent personal injury to his friends. Frank has lived with Mr. Haish since he was two years of age, and greatly beloved by the family who have done everything possible to restore his health. He was a young man of ordinary intelligence, upright in character and industrious disposition. As nothing in his physical condition indicates anything wrong, it is believed that his insanity is hereditary."

The article mentions that he had previously showed remorse for striking his father in the days before. However, he was taken to Sycamore for "examination by the proper authorities."

Within a month another article states:

"A letter from the superintendent of the insane hospital at Jacksonville, to Jacob Haish says: 'Frank has been doing well since he came, not showing any violence or excitement, and his mind and health have improved. He is very quiet, conversing very little with the other patients. His mind is still a little confused. Apparently he is as contented as one can be in his condition, and it is hoped will continue to do well."

From these articles, it can be deduced that Franklin was taken to the Jacksonville State Hospital, a sanatorium in Morgan County, Ill., at the time. However, I haven't been able to find anything that states what happened to him during or after his stay. It's as if he just disappears from history. I'm currently seeking birth and death records in his name.

I'll be doing research to learn more about Franklin, but if anyone has information, I'd really appreciate the help. Please reach out to me, Jessi Haish-LaRue, by email at JHaish09@gmail.com, or contact me at this website's Facebook page here.