The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-09-17
WINS BIG FORTUNE.
Inventor Priest Discovered Films For
Photography.

New York, Sept. 17.-After struggling
for twelve long years to prove that he
is the originator of the kodak film, much
used for photOgraphing purposes
throughout the world, Rev. Hannibal
Goodwin, of Newark, has at last re-
ceived word that the patent authorities
at Washington have recognized his
claim, and granted him a patent. This
means much to the priest inventor, as
it will likely make him a millionaire, or
nearly so.
Rev. Goodwin IS probably one of the
best known clergymen in New Jersey.
For many years he was rector of the
House of Prayer, a high Episcopal
church, but of late years he has only
filled pulpits occasionally. He is Dor
dering on four score years, but is re-
markedly well preserved. He is also
tail in stature, being six feet three inch
es in height.
For many years Rev. Goodwin spent
much time at amateur photography. 1t
was while thus engaged that he saw
the necessity of an article to take the
place of the glass plates in photograph
ing. He had some knowledge of chem
1Stry, and began to experiment in
small laboratory which he had fitted up
in the garnet of the rectory. One day,
over twelve years ago, his labors were
rewarded, when he succeeded in produc-
ing the film now used so much.
Recognizing the value of his discovery
Rev. Mr.. Goodwin sent samples of the
film to Washington and applied for a
patent. Some time afterward. while
the patent was pending, Rev. Goodwin
received word that a dry plate compa-
ny had filed an application for a patent
on like article The patent Office de-
clared an Interference, and then the
question of priority had to be settled.
1t ended in a victory for the clergy
man, the opposing company acquies-
cling as to priority.
The Rev. Mr.. Goodwin believed at the
time that the fight had ended there but
in reality it had only begun. The Dry
Plate company, finding that the prior
ity of the Goodwin invention had been
established, then began a legal fight to
prevent a patent being issued to the di-
vine on the ground that his film was
not patentable. Eminent legal talent
was engaged, expert testimony was pre-
sented, and old and new Photographic
literature of the world ranSacked with
view of finding that some similar in
ventiOn had not at some time or other
in some place been made.
Appeal after appeal was taken from
one court to another, and all kinds of
legal trickery resorted to. The strug-
gle continued for twelve years, and has
at last been settled by the patent Office
granting the patent.
What the decision of the patent office
means to the Rev. Goodwin can easily
be seen when the fact is taken into con-
sideratiO that there are it is estimated
100000 cameras in the United States
which, when used, have to be loaded
and reloaded with a spool of the film
One concern alone, it is stated, manu-
features $4,000 SpoOlS weekly and has
$3.50, 900 invested in that business alone.
The return on the investment is said to
be 100 per cent.
AS the Rev. Mr.. Goodwin will have
the monopoly on the manufacture of
the film for seventeen years, it means
an immense fortune for him. A syndi-
cate of New York capitalists is ready to
take hold of the film in any way pro-
posed by the inventor.
The Rev. Goodwin has made other in
ventions useful in the Photographic and
photo-engraving business. He is cred
tied with having discovered the basic
method upon which half-tone work is
being done today. His knowledge was
given gratis to young men who wanted
to embark in that line of business, and
some of them have made fortunes.