Dan Patch, a Standard-bred colt sired by Joe Patchen and out of Zelica, was foaled in 1896 at Oxford in Benton County and raised on this farm by Daniel A. Messner, Jr. A natural pacer trained for harness racing, then a very popular sport in the late 1800's and early 1900's, he began his racing career at county fairs in 1900, became famous in Grand Circuit racing, and never lost a race. In 1902 he was sold to M. E. Sturgis of New York, then to Marion W. Savage of Minneapolis, Minnesota, owner of the International Stock Food Company, who used the horse's racing fame to market his stock food and many other products from toys to automobiles. Dan Patch set a world record mile of 1:55 in 1906 that stood for thirty-two years, was retired from racing in 1909 for stud, took part in exhibitions, and died in 1916.