Obed Hussey, Who, of All Inventors, Made Bread Cheap

"Obed Hussey, Who, of All Inventors, Made Bread Cheap" by Follett L. Greeno is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The work details the life and struggles of Obed Hussey, the inventor of the reaper, a revolutionary agricultural device that significantly impacted the efficiency of grain harvesting. The narrative emphasizes Hussey's humble nature, his fierce competition with contemporaries like Cyrus McCormick, and the broader implications of his invention on agriculture and society. The opening of the volume establishes the context of Hussey's life, introducing his character as a modest, hardworking person driven by a passion for innovation, particularly in agricultural technology. It highlights the challenges he faced in promoting his invention against rival manufacturers and the injustices that often plagued inventors in the commercial world. The preface sets the tone for a detailed exploration of Hussey's journey, including testimonials from those who witnessed his trials and triumphs as he worked tirelessly to develop the reaper and navigate the complexities of patent disputes. This early portion of the text serves to engage the reader with the legacy of an underappreciated genius whose invention laid the groundwork for modern farming practices.