VAN HORN, FRANK R. (7 Feb. 1872-1 Aug. 1933), mineralogist, geologist, and head of Case School of Applied Science's athletic association for 26 years, was born in Johnsonburg, N.J. to Geo. W. and Ellen Robertson Van Horn, and graduated from Rutgers with a B.S. (1892) and master's degree in mineralogy (1893) before earning his Ph.D. at the University of Heidelberg (1897). In 1897 Van Horn became an instructor in geology and mineralogy at Case School of Applied Science (SEE: CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY) , advancing to assistant professor in 1899 and professor in 1902. He traveled widely studying and collecting minerals, making trips to Europe, Alaska, Africa, and the Pacific coast; his collection included 10,000 specimens. Van Horn lectured on his travels and authored 2 textbooks, 26 technical papers, and coauthored a U.S. Geological Survey report, Geology and Mineral Resources of the Cleveland District (1931).
Van Horn helped develop Case's athletic program. Made head of the athletic association in 1900, he structured its finances and paid off its debt, built a new athletic field, and increased its athletic assets to $155,000. Called "the father of Case athletics," Van Horn saved the football program and encouraged other athletic endeavors. Van Horn was a member of several professional organizations, including a charter fellow and later secretary of the Mineralogical Society of America. In 1898, Van Horn married Myra Van Horn, his first cousin. Part of their wedding trip was a mineral-collecting expedition to Wyoming. The couple had two children Kent Robinson, and Hilda Lucile.