Marsh Harvester

Invented: 1861

Charles W. and William W. Marsh of DeKalb formed the idea for the Marsh Harvester in 1857. The first machines were manufactured in 1860, but these early models were not adequate for harvesting that season¹.

The following season, the brothers partnered with John Hollister of Plano, Illinois to build the most productive harvester of its kind up to that point¹. The subsequently formed company went on to sell Marsh Hervesters worldwide. According to one source, William Marsh established the the Marsh Harvester as the new industry standard with a public demonstration, during which he harvested an acre of grain in less than an hour².

Images of Marsh Harvester.

Sources:
¹Dickson, Elmer. "Story of Harvester, Which Made Plano Famous." Kendall County News, June 17, 1908.
²Portrait and Biographical Album of DeKalb County, Illinois (Illustrated). Chicago: S.J. Clarke, 1898 (p. 288).