Wooden Corn Planter

[69hemi]

Looking for any information on this wooden corn planter.
My research points to G.W. Brown Mfg. in Galsesburg Illinois as the first patented corn planter.
Patent dates show 1870's. Any confirmation, or details would be much appreciated. Would like to know how it worked and what is missing.

 

[big tee]

69 Hemi--Nice Name--Nice Place!!---Tee

 

[Farmallb]

I see a notch cut out of that cross board, and a hole drilled at either end on the side of the boxes. I wonder if this was a automatic drop or if a kid had to sit crosswise and run a handle that made the drops. Dang good shape for as old as it is.