The Patent Office assembles an "Advisory Board for Agriculture" in Washington D.C.

In its continuing attempt to set up a Board of Agriculture on the British model, the Patent Office assembled agriculturalists from all over the country to meet in Washington, DC under the title of "Advisory Board for Agriculture."  The group met for eight days but Congress refused to appropriate funds and the Board disbanded with a motion that "Congress should by law provide for the enlightenment of the people by encouraging scientific and practical education in agriculture, and in the establishment of colleges and schools." Abraham Lincoln appointed the first Commissioner of Agriculture under the Patent Office in July, 1862. (By John Osborne)