Oxford in Benton County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Dan Patch
Photographed By Al Wolf, June 25, 2008
1. Dan Patch Marker
Standard-bred colt (sire Joe Patchen, dam Zelica) foaled 1896 Oxford, Benton County; raised by Daniel A. Messner, Jr. on this farm. A natural pacer, trained for harness racing, a very popular sport in late 1800's and early 1900's. Dan Patch began his racing career at county fairs in 1900; he became famous in Grand Circuit racing and never loast a race.
Side Two
In 1902, sold to M. E. Sturgis, New York, then to Marion W. Savage, owner of International Stock Food Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota, who used horse's racing fame to market his stock food and many other products from toys to automobiles. Dan Patch's 1906 World record 1:55 mile held for thirty-two years. Was retired from racing 1909 for stud. Took part in exhibitions; died 1916.
Erected 1999 by Ind. Hist. Bureau, Descendants of D. Messner, Jr., Oxford Lions Club, Oxford Citizens and Town Board, Benton Co. Hist. Society. (Marker Number 04.1999.1.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Indiana Historical Bureau Markers series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1896.
Location. 40° 31.164′ N, 87° 14.71′ W. Marker is in
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Lest We Not Forget (approx. ¼ mile away); Pine Village Football (approx. 4.9 miles away); Hooker Cemetery (approx. 6.1 miles away); Benton County Wind Corridor Kiosk (approx. 7.1 miles away); Benton County Courthouse (approx. 7.7 miles away); Benton Bounty Veterans Memorial (approx. 7.7 miles away); Benton County American Revolution Memorial (approx. 7.7 miles away); Vincent and Eileen Schwartz Parking Lot (approx. 7.8 miles away).
Also see . . . All Things Dan Patch. Website of The Dan Patch Historical Society. A number of items are located on this link. (Submitted on June 25, 2008, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana.)
Photographed By Al Wolf, June 25, 2008
2. Side Two: Dan Patch Marker
Photo taken facing West. Indiana 352 can be seen behind the marker.
Photographed By Al Wolf, June 25, 2008
3. Dan Patch Marker and his Barn.
Facing the East from Indiana 352.
Photographed By Al Wolf, June 25, 2008
4. Another - - Dan Patch Marker
It is located on the West end of Oxford Square. The Town of Oxford and the surrounding area has Dan Patch Days in memory of this unique horse and his accomplishments.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on June 25, 2008, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana. This page has been viewed 2,998 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 25, 2008, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
