DeKALB – On April 7 there will be a free, one-hour lecture at the DeKalb County History Center. 

The lecture will cover Jacob Haish, who in 1875 secured a patent for his “S Barb” wire design, claiming his spot in what is known as DeKalb’s “Barbed Wire Barons.” Known for his contribution to the barbed wire industry, Haish also patented and manufactured farming equipment and was a banker, leaving most of his fortune to the city of DeKalb, resulting in the public library.

Jessi Haish Larue, a Haish family descendant, will present and discuss artifacts and research related to the entrepreneur. Larue has been researching in the Joiner History Room since Fall 2021 in an effort to make Hash-related items more accessible to the public. 

The lecture, titled “Adventures in Research: Exploring Jacob Haish” is a collaboration between the Ellwood House Museum and DeKalb County History Center. 

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