Oxford in Benton County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Dan Patch
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.
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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 Oxford, Indiana, in Benton County. Marker is on South Michigan Street (State Road 352) south of East McConnell Street (State Road 55), on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Oxford IN 47971, United States of America. Touch for directions.
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.)
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 3,002 times since then and 28 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.