\osborne\biograph\bio17  11/23/2000

Letters by James Ozburn-6556


(Contributed by Sally Jenkins)

These letters are part of the "Thomas Walsh Papers" B4704,
held by
   J.J. Talman Regional Collection
   D.B. Weldon Library
   Universtiy of Western Ontarion
   London, Ontario, Canada  N6A 3K7
They exist on microfilm (Regional Collection shelf #1313)
and can be borrowed on interlibrary loan.

********************************

To: Capt Welsh
    Living near -----
From: James Ozburn

              Linkun County December 26/1790
Sir
                After my Complaments
to you and family  I Beg Leave to in
form you by the information of Soloman
Oston to an aquantance of mine in
form me that your Lady Mrs. Oston men
shun my kname  She thugh I was
Likely to be of Distance a ralation of him
and she was Desirous his whether I
was of the family She Made Expect
of no I can ashore her I thout --
Be very happy in answer hir
Request and give hir Every Satafation
in my power Lays I was born near
the mouth of Susquahanna my
Father and granfather my Fa
ther<sic> names was Benjamin
Ozburn my granfather was
Benjamin and as well as I Remember
my Grat Gran Father name was benjamn
when the County he Settle in bush
River --- my father brthers
sisters names William
James Thomas Jacob John
Sussey mareded John west
ho in his Lifetime and the ----
Fryer Fery on Suscohanna
Peggy was married to Joseph
Baley Saley and Hannah
was maried to two of the michels
my mothers madan name was Rebeccah
Hawkins  I Shall say no more in
this Case Cannot give you any
Firther Satisfation in Less a per
Sonnal Conversation So more
at present but Desiring an
swer the first oportunity

           S------- your
           Frien and most
           abeadant

           James Ozburn

You will please
to send or derect
anything to -----
John Mill-- live
7 mils from thir

********************************

To: Thomas Welsh Esq
        Charlotvaill
From: James Ozburn

           Barton  January 13/1799
Sir
        I have been Lately favid with
your Letter and is happy to hear that
I have some Ralation in this Country
Tho I am apperhensif that I am not the
person Mrs. Welch Suspected all tho
Equal as near related my Father Left Mary
land 12 years before William Thomas & Jacob
Jacob Ozburn My father and 3 uncles
Removed from South Calinea to Caintuck
about 5 years ago and I herd from
them 12 months ago I think long to hear
from oll my friend and ralations that
was Left in Maryland  I intend as soon
as I can make it Convennant to Com and
See you --- you will please to give my Cynd Compla
ments to all my frinds and Ralations you no in provence
all the in ---- Stronger<Stranger?> to me as yeat  My family
Resable good health at present all but my Wife she com
plains of the ruemactic pains -- hoping these few Lins will
find you and your famil<?> in good health  Sir I hope
you will Faver me with a few Lins the first opertunity
you have Let me know your will fair health

So no more at present but remains your humble
                                     Servent
                    James Ozburn

********************************

Lee - I have typed out James' petition for Land -  Note that he spells his
name Ozburn - but his name has been spelled (by others in his time-frame)
every variation of Osborn...
James 1st petition was written in October 1798 while his family was in
Barton Twp., Ontario.  The first petition starts thus:
"That your Petitioner is a native of Maryland & afterwards lived in North
Carolina where he remained nearly 27 years."  and then contains much the
same information as below:

--------------------------
To His Excellency Francis Gore Esquire
Lt Governor of the Province of Upper Canada
In Council
The Petition of James Ozburn of Markham, yeoman

Humbly herewith,

That your petitioner came into this Province from North Carolina with his
family on the 3rd day of July, 1798 - and has resided in it ever since - and
in the same year received a grant of 600 acres of land for which he paid the
fees under the regulations of that day.

That under your Excellency's proclamation of the 31 October, 1806, your
petitioner is induced, respectfully to state his petition as a military
claimant, and humbly to show that your Petitioner was born in his majesty's
American Colonies, and on the 4 of January 1771 joined the Royal Standard by
raising a Volunteer Company and rescued a loyalist named John Reilly from a
Rebel Goal, and a certain Soloman Austin now at Longpoint in this Province,
was at that house with your petitioner. Throughout the year 1776, your
petitioner was constantly employed in his majesty's service and was engaged
with the Rebels at Moore's Bridge in North Carolina - the campaign then
brokeup and your petitioner had to fly for his life, and was in continual
Danger and Extremity, but always employed in annoying the Enemy.

In 1780, when we took possession of Charlestown your petitioner used his
utmost endeavors to join Lord Cornwallis, which he affected at Hillsborough,
when his Lordship honored your petitioner with a Captains commission for
North Carolina only, and he was employed as a guide, and upon other
confidential services, and had the privilege of taking from the Pacoorl
Guard such persons as were known by your petitioner to be loyalists and
retain such as he knew to be rebels - in which services your petitioner was
constantly employed.

In being sent by Major Ross to watch the motions of the Rebel General Green
and at the Battle of Guilford your petitioner and his company under the
command of Col. Hamilton, guarded that Baggage after the battle your
petitioner was sent to learn where the American General made a stand, when
your petitioner was cutoff from the army - and in being pursued by a troop
of Rebel Horse your petitioner cast his commission out of his pocket, and
was not able to join the army which had entered Virginia - your petitioner
then secreted himself for three months, when the cruelties exercised by the
rebels on the Royalists induced your petitioner to surrender, not only upon
his own account, but to save others - and your petitioner was exchanged at
Charleston in June 1782 as will appear by a certificate annexed to a former
petition, now in the council office.

Your petitioner therefore humbly, nay, your excellency, will graciously be
pleased to allow his name to be inserted on (illegible___) dirt and to grant
him such a portion of Military Land as to your excellency may seem meet and
as in duty bound

Your Petitioner shall ever pray-

James Ozburn

York 14 April 1808


Bio. of Robert C. Osburn


   Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania,
   Chicago, J.H. Beers & Co., 1893.  Page 894.  (transcript)

ROBERT C. OSBURN, a leading and eminently prosperous merchant of
Eldersville, Penn., was born in 1842 in Robinson township, this county.  The
pioneers of the family resided in Westmoreland county, same State.  His
grandfather, James Osburn, was born in Ireland, and married to Miss
Cutcheon, of the same part of that country.  Emigrating to America, they,
settling in Washington county, Penn., reared a large family.  Some of their
numerous descendants remained in Westmoreland county, while others settled
in Johnstown, Penn., and among those who perished in the dreadful flood were
Squire Fisher, his wife (a cousin of Robert C. Osburn) and six children.
James Osburn died in Westmoreland county.
   James Osburn was born in Ireland, being nine years of age when his
parents settled in Westmoreland county, Penn.  He was reared on the farm,
and continued to follow agriculture most of his life; also worked at the
milling business for a time in Jefferson township, this county.  In early
manhood he was married to Martha McKennett, of Robinson township, this
county.  Her father, Adam McKennett, was born in Ireland, and, immigrating
to America, first settled in Fayette county, Penn., thence coming to Cecil
township, this county, locating on what is now called Miller's run.
Remaining there but a short time, he finally bought a place in Robinson
township, now known as the old Adam McKennett farm, occupied by his
descendants.  He was married to Rebecca Johnston.  To James Osburn four
children were born: One deceased in infancy, James J. (living in Robinson
township), George W. (a resident of Burgettstown, Penn.), and Robert C.  The
father died in 1843, in his forty-second year, and his wife mourned her loss
until the age of eighty-two years, when she was called to her rest, passing
away in 1885.
   Robert C. Osburn lived on the home place until eighteen years of age, and
received a good common-school and academic education.  He then taught five
terms of school, afterward taking a course at Duff's Mercantile College,
Pittsburgh, Penn.  He graduated in 1864, after which he opened a general
store in Eldersville, Penn.  At that time goods were yet sold at war prices,
and even a small store required a large amount of money.  To illustrate the
marked contrast between the prices then and those of the present day, we
give a few examples: Prints now selling at 7 and 8 cents a yard, then
brought from 45 to 50 cents; muslin now worth 8 or 9 cents a yard, then sold
at 75 or 80 cents; all-wool flannel cost $1 per yard, which is now procured
at about one-third of that price; kerosene was 80 cents a gallon; sugar 25
cents a pound, and coffee so expensive that rye, chicory, burnt crusts,
etc., were used by everyone as a substitute.
   In 1868 Robert C. Osburn was married to Mary, daughter of James P.
Robertson, of Eldersville, Penn.  She died in 1877, and he was afterward
married to Hannah M., daughter of Cyrus McConnell, of Hanover township, this
county.  Mr. Osburn's business has steadily increased, and he is now the
proprietor of a large store replete with a complete and varied stock of dry
goods, groceries and hardware.  When he began business at Eldersville he was
obliged to haul goods eight miles from Steubenville to his store; but no
obstacles daunted his energetic spirit, and his life success has been made
in the town where he had mad so humble a beginning twenty-eight years ago.
In 1871 the large and comfortable dwelling was erected which is now his home
and place of business.  In politics Mr. Osburn is a Republican, an active
worker in the party, and has filled various township offices.


Bio. of George W. Osburn


   Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania,
   Chicago, J.H. Beers & Co., 1893.  Page 1256.  (transcript)

GEORGE W. OSBURN, retired merchant, of Burgettstown, is descended of Irish
ancestry, his father and grandfather having been natives of the Emerald
Isle.
   James Osburn (grandfather of subject) was married to a Miss McCutcheon,
of his locality, and they soon afterward emigrated to America, landing at
New York.  Proceeding to Westmoreland county, Penn., they there made a
permanent settlement, and reared a family of children, as follows: James,
Jane, Robert, George, Margaret, Catherine, Martha and John.  Mr. Osburn was
a Democrat in politics, and in religious faith a member of the M.E. Church.
   James Osburn, father of George W., was reared and educated in
Westmoreland county, Penn., and was first married to a Miss Johnston, who
bore him two children, Thomas and Jane.  For his second wife, he was united
in marriage with Martha, daughter of Adam McKennet, a native of Ireland, and
a member of the M.E. Church.  Mr. McKennet settled on a farm in Robinson
township, this county, in the early part of the present century, and there
passed the remainder of his days.  After his second marriage James Osburn
settled on the McKennet farm, where he died in 1843.  Politically Mr. Osburn
was a Democrat, and in religion an adherent of the M.E. Church.  Martha,
wife of James Osburn, survived him until the year 1885, when she died on
August 5, leaving three sons, James J., George W., and Robert C.
   George W. Osburn, whose name opens this sketch, was born June 9, 1836,
and passed his youth on the home farm in Robinson township, receiving a
common-school education.  On October 20, 1859, he was united in marriage
with Mary, daughter of James Hastings, of Allegheny county, Penn.  She was a
very estimable lady and model wife, whose demise occurred January 5, 1865.
As a result of this union three children were born, of whom two died in
infancy.  The surviving child, Martha J., was born January 19, 1861, and was
reared on the home farm under Presbyterian influences.  She was educated in
the common school.  She married R.C. Cassidy, November 18, 1884.  As a
result of this marriage the birth of Ora R. Cassidy occurred on April 17,
1888.  Mr. Osburn continued to reside on the home farm until 1888, in which
year he came to Burgettstown, where he formed a partnership with R.C.
Cassidy in the grocery business, which they conducted until 1891, when Mr.
Osburn retired.  He is an active Republican, and has held various public
offices.


Bio. of Milton Osborn


   Biographical Review of Calhoun County, Michigan, Chicago,
   Hobart & Mather, 1904.  Page 632.  (transcript)

MILTON OSBORN, M.D.
   The name of Dr. Milton Osborn is enduringly inscribed on the pages of
Calhoun county's history, for he located in the county about 1849, and
continued one of its honored and valued residents until his death.  His life
was devoted to labors wherein wealth and influence availeth little or
naught, the measure of success depending upon mentality, ability -- both
natural and acquired -- and the broad culture of the individual.  Possessing
all the requisite qualities of the able physician, Dr. Osborn advanced to a
position prominent among the representatives of the medical fraternity in
Calhoun county.
   A native of New York, he was born in Batavia, January 18, 1821, a son of
Richard and Lydia (Bristol) Osborn.  His people were pioneer settlers of
western New York, removing to Batavia when that entire district was almost
an unbroken wilderness.  When a youth of thirteen years, Dr. Osborn came to
Michigan with Mr. and Mrs. Hanes, the latter being his eldest sister.  He
was educated in Adrian, Michigan, and determining to make the practice of
medicine his life work, he pursued his reading under the direction of a
physician of this state until he entered the Western Reserve Medical
College, at Cleveland, Ohio, in which he was graduated in the class of 1849.
He immediately afterward came to Calhoun county, locating for practice at
Rice Creek, six miles north of Albion.  He had been graduated in the same
class with Dr. O'Donohue and Dr. Bristol, who later became practitioners in
Albion.  Dr. Osborn remained at Rice Creek for six years and obtained a good
country practice.  In 1855, however, he removed to Albion in order to have a
broader field of labor, and entered into partnership with his former
classmate, Dr. O'Donohue, this relation continuing until the outbreak of the
Civil war, when Dr. O'Donohue went to the front as a surgeon.  Dr. Osborn
continued in charge of the practice here and secured a large patronage,
being long considered one of the leading and capable physicians of this part
of the state.  He gave years of thought and painstaking preparation to his
profession and was thoroughly qualified for its practice.  Nature endowed
him with the qualities necessary for success as a practitioner for he was
sympathetic, patient and thoughtful and in the hour of extremity cool and
courageous.  Though his professional cares engross much of his attention, he
has always found time to keep posted upon the practical details of the
improvements of the science and availed himself of every development in
remedial agencies.  He was a member of the County Medical Society and
enjoyed the highest esteem of his professional brethren who recoginized his
close fidelity to the ethics of the profession as well as his ability in his
chosen calling.
   On the 1st of June, 1863, Dr. Osborn was married to Miss Clara Van Wyck,
of Marshall, a daughter of Cornelius and Christina (White) Van Wyck.  Her
father, who was born in Dutchess county, New York, and was of Holland
lineage, went as a young man to Cayuga county, New York, where he was
married in 1837.  Immediately afterward he started with his bride for
Michigan, locating at Marshall, where he was engaged in farming.  During his
active life he lievd in Marshall and Adrian, Michigan, and for some years
prior to their death Mr. and Mrs. Van Wyck made their home with Mrs. Osborn.
The former died in May, 1902, the latter in 1887.  They were consistent
Christian people, holding membership in the Methodist Episcopal church.
Mrs. Osborn spent her early life in Marshall, pursuing her education in the
city schools and was married in Adrian, to which place her parents had in
the meantime removed.  Six children graced this union, of whom four are
living.  Thirza is the wife of George C. Ballentine, of Clarendon township.
Charles D. is married and is connected with the Big Four Railroad office at
Cincinnati, Ohio.  Jay M. is now studying dentistry in the University of
Glasgow in Scotland.  He is a graduate of the dental department of the
University of Michigan, but having a position in Kimberly, South Africa, is
now pursuing an advanced course in order to win a British degree.  He
intends to locate at Kimberly, South Africa, as a dental assistant there.
Emma A. is now a teacher in Portland, Michigan, and is a graduate of Albion
College.  Both Dr. and Mrs. Osborn were members of St. James's Episcopal
church and he served as warden and vestryman for many years.  His political
allegiance was given to the Democracy and though never an aspirant for
office, he was at one time nominated for the legislature, but the district
being strongly Republican, he was defeated.  Socially he was identified with
the Masonic fraternity and attained the Knight Templar degree in the
commandery in Jackson, Michigan.  He died March 14, 1884, and his death was
the occasion of sincere and wide felt regret.  He had qualified himself
thoroughly for his profession, realizing the great responsibility which
devolves upon the physician.  Moreover, he possessed a sympathetic, kindly
nature that prompted him to put forth every effort in his power to aid his
fellow men.  All of his strong traits of character were such as commended
him to the confidence and good will of the public and he enjoyed the warmest
regard of all with whom he was associated.


Bio. of John C. Osborn


   Portrait and Biographical Album of Hillsdale County, Mich.,
   Chicago, Chapman Brothers, 1888.  Page 479.  (transcript)

JOHN C. OSBORN, a representative farmer of Hillsdale County, is located on
section 23, Hillsdale Township, where, in addition to what is included in
the term general farming, he devotes special attention to stock-raising, in
which industry, as indeed in all his ventures, he has been successful.  The
subject of this notice was born in Adrian, Lenawee County, Oct. 4, 1836, and
is the son of James and Abigail (Crane) Osborne, natives respectively of
Dutchess County, N.Y., and Elizabethtown, N.J.  The father was born in 1812,
and died in Adrian, Lenawee County, April 14, 1883.  He was a farmer by
occupation, and in religion was a supporter of the Univeralist Church.  He
was a man in whom the strength of character and sterling qualities which
appear to have been hereditary among the settlers of the Empire State were
not lost, and brought his life work as an agriculturist to a successful
issue, leaving to his descendants a competency.  The mother of our subject
was born in 1822, and died in 1856.  She was a member in good standing of
the Baptist Church, and ably seconded her husband's efforts in providing for
the wants and education of their family of nine children.
   John C. Osborn was the second child in order of birth in the parental
family, and while being reared to farm pursuits, received the rudiments of
an education in the district school, which he afterward materially broadened
by an attendance of three winters at the High School in Tecumseh.  Free from
the cares and anxieties attending a more stimulating life, he grew up to a
rugged manhood, and passed his life uneventfully until 1860, when he
resolved to go out into the world and engage in the battle of life for
himself.  Accordingly he embarked for San Francisco, going by way of the
Isthmus of Panama, and reaching Sacramento in safety, he engaged in farm
labor for Dr. Manlove, whith whom he remained thus employed six months.  He
then proceeded to Lake Tahoe, where he spent one month engaged in baling
hay, and then removed to Virginia City, Nev.  At the end of two months he
returned to Sacramento, and engaged on a farm in sowing wheat, and
subsequently in teaming on the Sierra Nevadas.  While on the Pacific Coast,
the appeal for troops to and in defense of the Union was heard throughout
the land, and young Osborn, inspired by the patriotic feelings which
characterized his ancestors, was not slow in responding to the call.  Oct.
18, 1862, he enlisted in Company D, 3d California Regulars, and engaged in
drill in Sacramento, after which he was sent overland to Salt Lake with a
view to protecting emigration, and the mails in transfer.  He remained there
eighteen months, and was then ordered to Denver, Col., where he did provost
duty six months, at the expiration of which time he was mustered out of the
service, and returned to his home in 1865.  He purchased eighty acres of
land, and resumed the work of his early life.
   Having now reached a condition of life in which he could safely assume
the responsibilities of a family, and finding that it is not good for man to
be alone, Mr. Osborn took unto himself a wife in the person of Mrs. Mary
(Clemens) Knapp, who is a native of New York, and was born in 1837.  Of her
union with Mr. Knapp there was born one child, Phebe A., who became the wife
of Cyrenus H. White, Aug. 18, 1871.  Mr. Knapp enlisted in the Union army,
and lost his life in the service of his country.  Mr. and Mrs. White have
been blessed by the birth of four children: Charles R, who died at the age
of two months; Lulu B., Mary E. and Ethel M.  Mr. Osborn and wife were
married Sept. 5, 1867.
   The extensive travels of our subject, and the considerable experience
thus acquired, together with his close habits of observation, have combined
to make him a well informed, practical man, while his sterling qualities
place him high in the esteem and confidence of his fellow townsmen, who in
testimony of their appreciation of his interest in the public welfare, have
appointed him to the various offices within their gift.  Politically, he is
a straight Republican, and loses no opportunity of emphasizing his views by
supporting his party at the polls.  Socially, he is a member of the
I.O.O.F., Tecumseh Lodge No. 14.  Mr. Osborn is not a member of any church
organization, but his wife is identified with the Baptist Church, and is a
woman of strong character and amiable disposition.


Alfred J. Osborn Mil. Service Papers


   (Contributed by Mary Lusk)

                      Head Quarters 32d Reg Ills Vols.
                      Natchez Miss. Jan 10th 1864

   Capt Geo. Q. Babbitt
        Act Asst Adjt Gen.

Sir,
   Alfred J. Orsburn, Private of Co. "C" this Regt was dropped upon the
Muster Rolls of Aug 31st 1862 as a deserter.  was arrested and returned to
duty in his Company on the 17th of November 1863.  The circumstances under
which he became a deserter are as follows.  While in camp of instruction at
"Camp Butler" Ills Jan 1862 said Orsburn was taken severely ill with the
"Measles", ending with the "Typhoid" fever.  Capt Phillips then in command
of the Co. believing that he would never be fit for military service and not
knowing what course to pursue to get him out of the service, told him to go
home & stay there.  which he did.  until arrested.  Said soldier having
re-enlisted in the Veteran service, I earnestly <end-of-page, do not have
rest of letter>

-----

Volunteer enlistment papers.  Alfred J. Orsburn enlisted 1/2/1864 at Natchez,
MS, age 19, born in Monroe Co., KY.

-----

                      Head. Quarters
                         "C" Co. 32nd Ills S.S. Infty
                            In Field N.C. 17 April 1865

Capt O.D. Kinman
   Asst Adg't Gen'l 3rd Brig 4th Divis.
        Captain
   I have the honor to request that Private Alfred J. Orsburn of my Co. who
is doing Prvt Guard duty at 3rd Brig Head Quarters be relived in order to
accept promotion in his company.
        ----. Captain
           Your Obedient Servant
              Hardin T. Richardson
                 1st Lieut. Comd "C" Co. 32nd Ills.