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Notes for John F. Van Fossen:
Obituary Eureka IL Newspaper: Well Known Resident Passed Away
John F. Van Fossen died at his home at 7:00 o'clock in the 77th year of his age. He had not been in good health for a long time and for the past year had been quite poorly. Mr. Van Fossen was born in Licking County, Ohio, February 5, 1834, in 1859 he came to Woodford county and located five miles southeast of Eureka. Besides a widow he leaves a brother, W. H. Van Fossen of this city, and a sister, Mrs. Allen Rakestraw, at Baxter Springs, Kansas.
From "History of Woodford County, IL"
John F. Van Fossen. It is said that every man has his hobby, and were it not for this quality of character many ideas and pursuits would remain practically underdeveloped. We can scarcely call to mind any more important calling or profession than the breeding and training of horses, that animal upon which so many industries depend, and which practically is the only source of income for a vast number of people - aside from his strength, beauty and symmetry, which are so pleasant to the eye, and which is utilized as a great source of pleasure to the human race. In this as in all other pursuits there are men who seem particularly adapted to it, and who have the proper view of its importance, making of it an art and science, and in order to make of it a success they must have for it a genuine love and a pride in it. As a breeder of fine horses Mr. Van Fossen stands probably second to no man in Woodford County, and his efforts in this direction have gained him an enviable reputation. Up to 1881 he had since early manhood been engaged in general agriculture, although always interested in the equine race, but this year he turned his attention particularly to the breeding of fine horses, and it has been his pride and pleasure to become owner of some very valuable animals. Among these is the Royal Kentucky-bred coach stallion known as "Black Harp", and acknowledged to approach as near perfection in his line as is to be seen. He has been driven a mile in 2:40 without any jockey training, flying over the ground without any effort, and apparently delighting in the excercise. His beautiful animal stands seventeen hands high and weighs 1,400 pounds, while his value is away up in the thousands. His companions of the stable are all blooded animals, and the source of a handsome income to their owner. Mr. Van Fossen has a private track and every other convenience for the development of the best points in horse flesh, training not only his own property but horses belonging to other parties. Our subject was born in Licking County, Ohio, Feb. 5, 1834. His father William Van Fossen, was a native of Virginia and married Miss Mary Fishburn, also born and reared in the Old Dominion. They emigrated to Illinois, locating in Woodford County early in the forties, and spent most of their days thereafter in Olio Township. The mother departed this life in February 1887. The father is still living, making his home with Mr. Van Fossen. John F. was a youth of eighteen years when coming to this county, of which he has since been a resident. In 1840 he formed the acquaintance of Miss Millie A. Foster, to whom he was married in Licking County, Ohio, Sept. 15, 1849. This lady is the daughter of Willis and Nancy Foster, who were natives of Virginia, and emigrated to Licking County, Ohio, at an early day. Mrs. Van Fossen was born in the latter county Oct. 3, 1840. Our subject and his wife have no children. Both are members of the Christian Church, and Mr. Van Fossen, politically, gives his support to the Democratic Party. His farming operations have engrossed the greater part fo his time and attention, and aside from holding the office of Highway Commissioner, he has had very little part in public affairs. His farm comprises 256 acres of choice land, and upon it have been erected first-class buildings, which with their surroundings form a very attractive and desirable home. Each year adds something to the beauty and value of the premises. The farm is the source of a handsome income, and Mr. Van Fossen likewise realizes generously from his operations as a breeder of fine horses. He has built up for himself an enviable reputation in this line, and has reason to look upon the result with his efforts with pride and satisfaction. An elegant lithographic engraving of Mr. Van Fossen's home appears elsewhere in this volume.
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