The Farmers' Protective Association was formed in 1881 chiefly for the purpose of fighting a barbed wire monopoly by Washburn & Moen Company. The Association contracted with a "free factory" in Des Moines to manufacture barbed wire independently and sell its product to the group's members. Attorneys were hired (chief attorney was Albert B. Cummins) to fight legal proceedings brought by the Washburn syndicate. The Iowa legislature came to the aid of the Association, legal battles were fought and won in federal courts, farmers were able to purchase their barbed wire at cheaper prices, and the monopoly was eventually broken. Among the men who organized and conducted this campaign against extortion was W.L. Carpenter, superintendent of the Des Moines free factory. This battle underscored the need for revisions in patent laws which had been used by Washburn & Moen to build its monopoly.
From the description of Records, 1874-1887. (State Historical Society of Iowa, Library). WorldCat record id: 52084552
