Dr. Forest C. Van Hook, MD (1886 - 1937)

Van Hook (6 ft 295 lbs) was the first 3-time University of Illinois All-Western  in Football - 1906 - 1907 - 1908 (in the early 1900's, there were no "All American" designations.  Instead, there were All Eastern and All Western players, selected by sports writers from the East and Midwest respectively).  He was not only a great defensive player, but "Van was perhaps the best offensive guard in our history" ("G" Huff, Athletic Director of U of I, 1937).  His interest in U of I athletics lasted throughout his lifetime and he was frequently instrumental in persuading young men to enroll at the University of Illinois - often to participate in football or basketball.  Van Hook frequently attended U of I football and basketball games.  He always had two tickets, since he weighed more than 300 lbs.  

Forest grew up on a farm outside of Mt. Pulaski, where he attended a small one-room school.  He graduated from Mt. Pulaski High School in 1904 and went on to major in science at U of I, playing intercollegiate football and track all four years.  He graduated with highest honors, finishing first in his class.  Following graduation from U of I in 1908, Van Hook attended Northwestern Medical School, where he graduated 2nd in his class in 1912.  He interned two years at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis.  In 1914, he returned to Mt. Pulaski where he served at a practicing medical practitioner for the rest of his life. 

He died at a young age of 51 due to complications of diabetes.  He married Marie Miller in 1916, leaving her and four children - one boy and three girls.  Harry was the son, who also graduated from the University of Illinois. 

Dr. Van Hook belonged to St. John's Lutheran Church, the Masons, and the Logan County Medical Society.  He also spent many years as president of the Mt. Pulaski grade school board.