In all cases where any vessel or water craft shall be taken up, which shall be of a value of less than $15, the finder or taker-up shall advertise the same, by setting up 3 advertisements in the most public places in the neighborhood; but in such case the taker-up or finder shall be required to keep and preserve the same in his or her possession, and shall make restitution thereof to the owner without fee or reward, except the same be given voluntarily, if legal application is made for the same within 3 months from the time of such taking up; but if no owner reclaims such property within the time aforesaid the exclusive right to the same shall be vested in the taker-up and the court shall enter an order to that effect.
765 ILCS 1020/29