The beginning for the need of barbed wire was seen in the year of 1867 as a few men applied, that year, for patents pertaining to restraining wire with sharp points to turn and to hold livestock. From 1867 until 1880, hundreds of wires were patented. Some men claimed patent infringements and there were quite a few court hearings. Orlando M. Pond, from the Aurora, Iowa area, was no exception. He patented several types of barb (bobbed) wire as illustrated. The Buchanan Co., Iowa Historical Society has made 2 different displays of barbed wire – one on exhibit at Heartland Acres Agribition Center and the other at the Wapsipinicon Mill in Independence, Iowa. Neither have Mr. Pond’s barbed wire – have you seen any?
