JOSEPH GLIDDEN, DeKALB, ILLINOIS - THE FATHER OF BARBED WIRE

Even though Joseph Glidden did not invent the first barbed wire he is considered the father of barbed wire. His patent wording withstood the scrutiny of the courts and after years of litigation he owned most of the barbed wire patents in partnership with the Washburn & Moen Company, which later evolved into US Steel & Wire Company.

I recently added an example of one of his early patents to my collection. Patent No. 150,683 dated May 12, 1874. You will notice he made no claims for the barbs but the method of holding the barbs in place. That singular wording held him in good stead with the courts.

No copyright infringement intended.