Chattahoochee County GaArchives Biographies.....Van Horn, Hubbard 1818 - 1884 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/ga/gafiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Joy Fisher http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00001.html#0000031 November 4, 2004, 11:01 pm Author: N. K. Rogers VAN HORN Hubbard VanHorn, who settled at Ochillee, Chattahoochee County in 1837, was descended from one of the Dutch patroon families who were the original founders of the state of New York. He was born in Delaware Co. New York in 1818. His wife Nancy Emily Christian was born in Edgefield, S. C. and died at Ochillee July 10, 1879. They reared a family of two sons and three daughters who formed one of the most highly esteemed families in this state, being noted for their gentility and refined manners. The family of one of the sons, Dr. James Van Horn, never resided in this county, but the other four children spent their entire lives here—three of them never having removed from their homes on the plantation where their father settled until the expulsion of that portion of Chattahoochee's inhabitants, who live in territory now in Fort Benning reservation. Ochillee, name of the creek and of a station on both the S. A. L. and C. of Ga. railroads, which run parallel and within 200 feet of each other at this place, is inseparably connected with the name Van Horn. This station was of great value to the country side before the day of motor transportation, for both freight and passenger trains stopped daily to accommodate the demand for their service. Since its first settlement, there were industries established which led people to seek this place. First, a grist mill so necessary to the people living nearby; then a cotton gin and a store with postoffice added in later years; and there must have been other buildings in the past housing different handicrafts, since Mr. Van Horn had some furniture made during the earlier years which is worthy of mention. There was a spool bedstead for each of his children made of chinaberry wood which takes on an attractive polish all its own with the passage of time. There are several pieces of handsome furniture but the most striking of all is a desk now in the possession of his grandson Alvah Hubbard Van Horn. Three kinds of wood, oak, pine and crotch mahogany were used in its construction and the delicate tracery in its ornamentation adds to the beauty and charm of this secretary. As the people met at this community center, the needs of those in want or trouble were disclosed and it became a family custom to extend assistance which has been continued by each generation, even since Ochillee is no longer the center from which such estimable deeds radiate. After the death of Mr. Hubbard Van Horn in 1884, his son W. I. Van Horn, with his two sisters Miss Mary, the second wife of Dr. James H. Lester and Miss Lucy remained at the old homestead. These sisters were refined, cultured ladies whose personalities are reflected in those of their nicees. William Irving Van Horn, during the ensuing years became one of Chattahoochee's most valued citizens, always upright and honorable in his dealings with every one. He did not care for political honors, but was interested in educational matters and served as president of the Board of Education here and as trustee representing Chattahoochee in the A. and M. schools both at Carrolton and Americus. About 1895 he erected a house near his birthplace to which he brought his bride, Fredonia Harp; and where they established a home never to be forgotten by any of those fortunate enough to cross its threshold. For there Christian principles motivated every word and act, and the charity which predominated in that home were so all-embracing that they extended over the whole community and are remembered to this day. And since Mr. Van Horn passed from the sphere of mortal activity, his wife has preserved the Christian spirit they so carefully cherished throughout the years of their life together. Her life is a benediciton to all who come in contact with the devout personality and her sons and daughters can rise up and call her blessed. And these sons and daughters having been reared in this Christian home have a heritage so splendid that they must necessarily be among the best citizens of any community in which they may reside. Additional Comments: From: HISTORY OF CHATTAHOOCHEE COUNTY, GEORGIA By N. K. Rogers Dedicated to KASIHITA CHAPTER U. D. C. and all worthy descendants of the County's first settlers. Copyright 1933 by N. K. ROGERS PRINTED BY COLUMBUS OFFICE SUPPLY CO. COLUMBUS, GA. File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/ga/chattahoochee/bios/gbs566vanhorn.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/gafiles/ File size: 4.9 Kb