About This Project

Jacob Haish has a story that needs to be told. 

As one of the first inventors of barbed wire, he helped shape the community of DeKalb, Ill. and the rest of the country as his invention helped "fence the West."

People in DeKalb County, Ill. know the story of barbed wire inventor Isaac L. Ellwood. He's got the beautiful mansion off First Street in DeKalb. They also know about barbed wire inventor Joseph F. Glidden, the farmer with the quaint house off of Lincoln Highway in DeKalb. People have seen the street names and they know the gist of the stories.

But who is Jacob Haish? Where's his house? Why don't we hear more about him? 

Although he funded portions of projects like the university, the hospital and the library, he's sort of a quiet hero in the tale of DeKalb's history. That's why I'm setting out to learn the whole story.

As a Haish descendant, my maiden name is Haish, but even I don't know the whole story. That's why this blog will feature Haish's story through other stories - through the people who collect Haish artifacts, to the people who study his life, and even the people who call him a relative.

And if you've got a Jacob Haish story, I'd love to hear that, too.

Please email me at JHaish09@gmail.com. I'd love to hear from you.