\osborne\biograph\bio26  Updated: 3/29/2007

Bio. of Byron E. Osborn


   Biographical Review: This Volume Contains Biographical Sketches
   of the Leading Citizens of Cayuga County, New York,
   Boston, Biographical Review Publishing Co., 1894.  Page 165.

MAJOR BYRON E. OSBORN, MD., one of the oldest practitioners of this county,
having located his office here immediately after the war, was born at
Hannibal, Oswego County, N.Y., March 15, 1832, son of William and Sabrina
(Ketchum) Osborn.  The father was a native of Saratoga County, the family,
which was of English ancestry, having moved there from New England.  William
Osborn was a musician in the War of 1812, and was a highly educated man.  He
taught school for many years in Saratoga County, in his later years coming to
Oswego, where he engaged in farming near Hannibal Centre.  Mr. Osborn died in
Oswego, and his wife in Ontario.  both were active members of the Methodist
Episcopal church.  Mr. Osborn, although never an aspirant for the honor and
emoluments of office, held different positions of public trust, as Justice of
the Peace and Assistant Sheriff, whose duties he discharge with promptitude
and efficiency.
   Byron E. Osborn received his early education at Fulton, and at the Falley
Seminary, which was a celebrated Methodist institution, after which he taught
school in Oswego County for some years.  He began the study of medicine with
Dr. C.G. Gacon, of Fulton, at that time one of the leading practitioners of
the country, attended medical lectures at Geneva and the Albany Medical
College, and graduated from the latter in the class of 1854.  He started in
practice at once in Oswego, N.Y., and soon afterward took as partner Dr. John
Hart, a graduate of the Buffalo Medical College.  Dr. Osborn was appointed
Health Physician of the city of Oswego, and also had charge of the Marine
Hospital, east of the fort, remaining there for two years, when on account of
ill-health he went to Waupun, where the State prison was located.  There had
been no surgeon in that part of the country, and Dr. Osborn soon built up a
large practice; but, the population being very scattered, he had to drive
many miles to attend his patients.
   In 1858 he removed to St. Joseph, Mo., where he practised until 1861, when
the war broke out.  He was living at that time among rebels, and, as he had
always been a Democrat, was supposed to be in sympathy with them.  The times
finally became so troublous that every one had to take sides actively; and,
as Dr. Osborn did not feel like deserting the United States that had used him
so well, as through the influence of prominent men he had obtained a
gratuitous medical course at Albany, he decided to leave Missouri.  At that
time the Republican citizens of Missouri were forming a gathering that had a
semblance to a mob, to meet the Governor of Iowa, and assist him and his
detachment, who were coming down to meet Price on his raid.  Leaving home on
horseback in the night, and spending most of the time in a cornfield, he at
break of day started north across the prairie, riding all day.  At night he
hear the beat of a drum, and, following the sound, came up with the organized
mob spoken of before.  As he had eaten nothing for twetny-four hours, he
joined this force; and the next day, meeting the forces under the Governor of
Iowa, they together marched to St. Joseph.  The men were mostly without
change of clothes; and, as many were sick, Dr. Osborn took charge of them.
   On arriving at St. Joseph, they organize into three different regiments of
State militia, with which he served for six months under General B.F. Loan,
as surgeon of his regiment.  He established the first hospital that was
erected in St. Joseph during the war, his service being mostly in that city.
At the expiration of six months he was mustered out, receiving a department
order to go to St. Louis, Mo., before the Board of United States Medical
Examiners for the Army.  After having successfully passed the examination, he
was recommended by the Board to Governor Gamble for an honorable appointment
to the first regiment organized, and was detailed to the First Regiment of
Cavalry under Colonel McFarran.  On order of Brigadier-general Loan, he was
sent on detached service to establish a post hospital at Lexington, Mo.,
where the different regiments could send the sick and wounded.  After forming
the hospital, he remained at it for over two years.  Through exposure and
fatigue and working in the small-pox epidemic, he became disabled and sick,
but remained for some time longer, until, finding that his prospect of
recovery was poor, he resigned on a medical certificate, and was honorably
discharged, after spending nearly three years in the service, retiring with
the rank of Major.  He had at the hospital an average of one hundred and
eighty-five patients per day under his care, being assisted by several
assistan surgeons and aids.
   After leaving the army, Dr. Osborn came to Auburn, the home of his
friends, and purchased land, still owning a very fine farm in Seneca County.
He started up his practice in this city, which has developed into a large and
lucrative one, to which, however, he has not been able to devote his full
time, his old troubles connected with his army experiences seriously
interfering with his work.  He now draws a pension of twenty-five dollars per
month, in recognition of the chronic ailments brought on by overwork and
exposure in the war.
   Dr. Osborn was married October 12, 1854, to Miss Ruth E. Harmon, a
resident of this city, where she was born August 6, 1832, a daughter of Reese
Harmon, a well-known resident of this county.  Two children have been born to
them -- Harmon R. and Byron E., Jr.  Dr. Osborn is a member of the Cayuga
County Medical Society and of the State Medical Society.  He is also a member
of Seward Post, Grand Army of the Republic, of which he has been Surgeon for
several terms.  He has been closely identified with the Prohibition party of
this county, having been Chairman of the Central County Committee.  Both Dr.
and Mrs. Osborn are members and supporters of the First Baptist Church of
Auburn.
   Dr. Osborn has had a busy and eventful life, his services during the war
being especially noteworth; and, although not an active participant in
battle, yet his life and health were as much at stake as if he had been amid
the thick of shot and shell.  Always on the alert to alleviate the distress
and suffering of those around him, his impaired health to-day is a sufficient
testimony to his devotion to his country.


Bio. of Samuel Osborn-13675


   Biographical Review: This Volume Contains Biographical Sketches
   of the Leading Citizens of Cayuga County, New York,
   Boston, Biographical Review Publishing Co., 1894.  Page 294.
   [See the bio. of George L. Osborn-13688]

   SAMUEL OSBORN is numbered among the well-to-do and thrifty farmers of this
county, and is the owner of a comfortable and well-improved homestead in the
town of Fleming.  The place of his nativity, like that of many other American
citizens, was on the other side of the broad Atlantic, his birth having
occurred in Bedfordshire, England, May 23, 1817, he being a son of Samuel R.
Osborn and a grandson of an earlier Samuel Osborn.  The latter was a
life-long resident of England, and spent his last years in Bedfordshire, his
body being laid to rest with that of his wife, whose maiden name was
Elizabeth York, in the old churchyard of that place.  They were the parents
of five children, named Elizabeth, Samuel R. George, William, and James.
   Samuel R. Osborn was the only member of the parental household that ever
left their native county.  He was reared and married in the town in which he
first saw the light, residing there until 1823.  In the month of June of that
eventful year, accompanied by his wife and seven little ones, he sailed from
Liverpool, in the sailing-vessel "Rufus King," and after a voyage of seven
weeks landed in New York City.  He came directly to Cayuga County, by wife of
the Hudson River to Albany, thence taking passage on the first canal-boat to
carry passengers as far west as Weedsport, where he disembarked, and came
thence to Auburn, having been two months journeying from New York City.  He
settled in Auburn, and here engaged in the provision business, his being at
one time the only market in this locality.  Fater carrying on a thriving
business for twenty years, he was succeeded by his two oldest sons; and he
retired to a farm in the town of Fleming, where he resided until his death,
nineteen years later, at the age of threescore and ten years.  The maiden
name of his wife was Mary Barnett.  She was born in Nottinghamshire, England,
and was a daughter of William Barnett.  She also died in the town of Fleming,
after living a useful life of seventy years, and having reared ten children:
namely, Eliza, Emery, William, Mary, Samuel, Joseph, Maria, George L.,
Seth B., and Anna B.
   The subject of this sketch, the fifth child enumerated above, was a manly
little lad of six years hen he came to America.  He received excellent
educational advantages in Auburn, attending first the district schools, and
afterward taking a thorough course of study at the Auburn Academy, he being
one of one hundred and seventy-six students enrolled there at that time.  He
began when quite young to assist his father in the market, and at the age of
sixteen years was apprenticed to learn the trade of a builder, serving a five
years' apprenticeship, and receviing nine cents a day and his board.  When
twenty-six years old, he went to Milwaukee, and engaged as contractor and
builder there, being for a long time known as the "boy builder."  He remained
in that city most of the time for four years, and while there voted for the
admission of Wisconsin as a State of the Union.  Returning to Auburn, he
followed his trade here until after the death of his father, when he
purchased the interest of the other heirs in the home farm, and has since
carried on general farming with excellent financial results.  He is an
industrious and skilful farmer, thoroughly understanding, the vocation in
which he is engaged, and is numbered among the respected and esteemed
citizens of the community in which he lives.
   The union of Mr. Osborn with Maria Roe was solemnized in 1853.  Mrs.
Osborn, like her husband, is a native of England, having been born in
Northamptonshire, being a daughter of Mark and Nancy (Barnett) Roe.  Of the
five children born to Mr. Osborn and his wife, the following is the record:
Annie M., the wife of John b. O'Hara, lives in Scipio; Barnett E., who
married Bird Weber, resides in Fleming; Mary, who married Orland O'Hara, died
March 25, 1893, leaving two children -- Enos B. and Clarence; William H. died
in his second year; George J. is the eldest child of the parental household.
Mr. and Mrs. Osborn are sincere Christian people, and valued members of the
Baptist church, of which he has served as Clerk for a number of years.


Bio. of Thomas A. Osborne-12689


   History of Chautauqua County, New York, Andrew W. Young,
   Buffalo, NY, Printing House of Matthews & Warren, 1875.  Page 277.

   THOMAS A. OSBORNE was born at Hooskick Falls, N.Y., July 1, 1800, and
removed in 1821 from Troy to Fredonia; thence, in May, 1822, to Mayville,
where he still resides.  He was for several years a law partner of Jacob
Houghton, at Fredonia and Mayville; and afterward a partner, successively, of
John Birdsall and George A. Green.  He was from 1827 to 1830, inclusive,
clerk of the board of supervisors; a member of assembly in 1834; and first
judge of the court of common pleas in 1843 and 1844.  He was deputy collector
of customs in New York, under Greene C. Bronson and Heman J. Redfield,
successively, during the administration of President Pierce.  In 1834, Mr.
Osborne, Wm. Smith, and Samuel S. Whallon, established the Mayville Sentinel.
About one year afterward, it was sold to Beman Brockway.  Mr. Osborne was its
editor from its commencement until 1836, after the destruction of the
land-office.  In 1849, he purchased for his son, an equal interest in the
Frontier Express at Fredonia, and furnished the editorial matter of the paper
until after his son's death.  In 1850, he sold his interest to E.F. Foster,
and its name was changed to Chautaqua Union.  Mr. Osborne was married, first,
in Sheridan, to Mary Walters, of Sangerfield, N.Y., by whom he had 2
children: 1. Gustavus A., born May 25, 182-, and died May 11, 1850.  2. Mary
W., born Dec. 30, 1833, and died in Kingsville, S.C., May 5, 184-.  After the
death of Mrs. Osborne, he married, in Chautauqua, Eliza J. Huston, of
Greenfield, Saratoga Co., who had no children.  And after her decease, he
married Mary Derby, of Mayville, widow of ----- Godard, by whom he had a son,
Albert Buel, born April 30, 1866, who is still living.


Bio. of Winslow L. Osborn


   Our County and Its People, A Descriptive Work on Erie County, New York,
   Truman C. White, ed., The Boston History Co., 1898.
   Vol. II, Part III "Personal References", Page 823.

   Osborn, Winslow L., Hamburg, p.o. Blasdell, was born in Hamburg, July 3,
1857.  He was educated in the public schools and followed the occupation of
farming.  November 14, 1877, he married Lucy E. Potter and they have one son,
Leroy E.  Mrs. Osborn's father, John Potter, was born in London, England, in
1819.  He was educated in their schools and married Sarah Kitchen of his
native city; they came to America in 1858 and had eleven children, five were
born in England and nine grew to maturity.  Mr. Potter died December 22,
1895, and his wife survives at this date, 1896.  Mr. Osborn's father,
Maurice, served three different terms on the Board of Supervisors and in his
political choice he is a thorough Democrat.


Bio. of Richard Osborn


   Our County and Its People, A Descriptive Work on Erie County, New York,
   Truman C. White, ed., The Boston History Co., 1898.
   Vol. II, Part III "Personal References", Page 520.

   Osborn, Richard, Buffalo, a native of Truro, Cornwall, England, was born
December 31, 1850.  He came to this country at the age of twenty-one and
settled in Buffalo, where he has since resided.  He was apprenticed to the
carpenter's trade, which he followed seven years, and has since been engaged
in contracting and building.  In 1891 he was made vice-president of the
Equitable Aid Association, inwhich capacity he now acts.  He was married
January 2, 1883, to Emma Fowler, of Mayville, Ky.


Bio. of William Bushnell Osborne


   A History of Ontario County, New York and Its People,
   New York, Lewis Historical Publishing Co., 1911.  Vol. II, page 307.

OSBORNE.
   William Bushnell Osborne, ex-sheriff of Ontario county, New York, has been
an earnest worker in the interests of the Republican party since his early
manhood.  In addition to having been instrumental in furthering plans for
many improvements in that section of the country he has been one of the most
successful and enterprising farmers of the vicinity of the town in which he
lives.  He and his children are eligible to membership in the society of the
Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution, several members of the family
having borne their share bravely and gallantly in the famous Revolutionary
struggle.  The family is of English origin, members of the Osborne family
having settled on Long Island in colonial days.
   David Osborne, grandfather of the above mentioned, was born in East
Hampton, Long Island, and there engaged in building and in connection owned
and operated a farm in Columbia county, as was the occupation of the majority
of the settlers in those days.  Later he migrated to Columbia, New York, and
there followed the same occupation with success.
   David Henry, son of David Osborne, ws born in Austerlitz, Columbia county,
New York, November 11, 1819, and died January 26, 1905.  He removed to
Victor, Ontario county, New York, in the winter of 1835, making the journey
in a stage coach, the only mode of travel in those days, with the exception
of ox teams or horseback.  The first position in his new place of abode was
as a clerk in the general store of Nathan Jenks, which he retained for one
year, and then engaged in the dry goods business in association with Mr.
Pierce, of Rochester, New York.  Subsequently he sold his interest in this
enterprise, settled on a farm on the borders of Victor, which was the old
Bushnell homestead, and engage in its cultivation.  In addition to this he
conducted a business in Freedom for a period of two years.  The farm which he
settled became the homestead of the family, and each generation has enriched
it by systematic and improved modes of cultivation.  About 1855 he erected a
substantial brick dwelling, the doors and sashes of which were made by hand,
inside the house, after it had been enclosed, during the winter months.  From
time to time improvements have been introduced, until at the present time
(1910) it is modern in every respect, fully equipped with furnace, baths,
electric facilities, and is pointed out as one of the most commodious houses
in the section.  Mr. Osborne was a supporter of Democratic principles until
the organization of the Republican party, which he was one of the first to
join, and always gave it his staunch support.  He was a devout church
attendant, and served as an elder of the Presbyterian church for many years.
Mr. Osborne married, January 5, 1847, Lovina Amelia, who was born October 4,
1830, and died April 13, 1906, daughter of William Bushnell, who came from
Berkshire, New Hampshire, and settled in Victor.  Children: William Bushnell,
see forward; Cora Bushnell, born Septeber 13, 1857, is unmarried; Carrie
Bushnell, born April 20, 1859, married Hon. Mark T. Powell, at present
residing in Victor, formerly engaged in law practice in Canandaigua; Henry
Bushnell, born July 10, 1863, died September 4, 1865.
   William Bushnell, eldest child of David Henry and Lovina Amelia (Bushnell)
Osborne, was born in Victor, Ontario county, New York, October 26, 1852.  His
elementary education was received in the district schools, and he then became
a student at the Canandaigua Academy.  During his early years he assisted his
father in the cultivation of the homestead farm, to which property he later
succeeded and which is now comprised in the limits of Victor village.  This
farm has been the object of his greatest care, and withthe exception of the
years he spent as sheriff he has given it his personal attention.  Some years
ago he purchased another farm consisting of ninety acres, located outside of
the corporation of Victor.  His political affiliations have always been with
the Republican party, and the esteem and respect in which he is held by his
follow<sic> townsmen is fully attested by the fact that he has been elected
to fill a number of public offices of trust and responsibility.  As
supervisor of Victor his administration was so efficient that he was elected
to succeed himself.  After the expiration of this second term he was elected
to the office of sheriff of the county, in the fall of 1894 for a term of
three years.  At present (1910) he is a member of the board of education, in
which body he has been an efficient member for many years.  His religious
affiliations are with the Presbyterian church, and he has served as a trustee
of his church for many years.
   Mr. Osborne married, at Rochester, New York, January 5, 1881, Laura, born
in Rochester, October 20, 1857, daughter of Angus McDonald, a prominent
lawyer of Rochester.  Children: 1. David Henry, born March 15, 1883; received
an excellent education and was graduated from Williams College, 1905, then
took a post-graduate course in electrical engineering at Union College,
Schenectady, New York, from which he was graduated as one of the honor
students of the class of 1907.  After devoting some months in active work in
his chosen profession, he was compelled by impaired health to renounce it in
favour of outdoor employment.  He has accordingly taken up farming as his
life work, lives with his parents, and superintends the cultivation of the
homestead farm of one hundred and ten acres.  2. William Bushnell Jr., born
November 25, 1884; was graduated from Williams College in class of 1907.  He
then took a two years' course at Yale University, in the Forestry School, and
was graduated in 1909.  At present he is in the employ of the United States
Government, in the Division of Forestry, with his headquarters at Portland,
Oregon.  He married Lura Ester Cooly, of Canandaigua, New York.  3. Elizabeth
McDonald, born February 5, 1890; is now in her junior year at Mount Holyoke
College, Massachusetts.  4. Cora Lavinia, born September 24, 1891, died
April 2, 1894.  5. Ruth McDonald, born March 7, 1897, is a student at the
high school in Victor.


Bio. of Henry C. Osburn


   A History of Ontario County, New York and Its People,
   New York, Lewis Historical Publishing Co., 1911.  Vol. II, page 414.

OSBURN.
   Sturgis Osburn was probably descended from the Osborns of Fairfield
county, Connecticut.  He lived in Dutchess county, New York, and died in the
West.
   (II) John, son of Sturgis Osburn, was born in Dutchess county, New York,
in 1807, died February 4, 1885.  When a small boy he came with his parents to
Farmington, Ontario county, New York.  He started in life on a small farm at
Farmington and by industry and close application to business became one of
the most prosperous and successful farmers of the town.  From time to time he
added to his farm until he had at the time of his death three hundred and
eight acres.  In politics he was a Republican and took an active interest in
public affairs, but for business reasons declined public office.
   He married Hannah Tracy Smith, who was born at Farmington, September 18,
1812, died May 18, 1864, daughter of Levi and Lucy (Hayward) Smith.  Her
father was born December 17, 1770, died February 5, 1857; her mother was born
December 5, 1788, died September 6, 1847.  Children of John Osburn.
1. Charles C., born September 24, 1832, died in 1907; married Maria Nelson and
had four children.  2. Lucy M., June 16, 1835; married William Hayward.
3. Stephen H., January 20, 1837; lost his life in the civil war in front of
Petersburg.  4. Levi S., December 24, 1839; married Harriet Jones and had one
child.  5. Mary E., September 25, 1841, died in 1889; married and had one
child, now deceased.  6. Henry C., mentioned below.  7. Frances A.,
October 13, 1846, married Silas Howe.  8. John Byron (twin), May 30, 1852.
9. James Myron (twin, May 30, 1852, died November 29, 1852.
   (III) Henry C., son of John Osburn, was born at Farmington, September 23,
1843, and was educated there in the district schools.  From early youth he
assisted his father on the farm and he remained on the homestead until his
father died.  He inherited part of the farm and bought the remainder of the
other heirs and he has continued to carry on the paternal homestead to the
present time.  Mr. Osburn is prominent in town affairs.  He was an inspector
of election for a number of years; assessor of the town of Farmington from
1891 to 1894 and supervisor in 1894-95.  For five years he was justice of the
peace and at the present time holds that office.  In politics he is a
Republican.  In religion he is a believer in the faith of the Friends.
   He married, November 14, 1867, Mary Howland, who was born at Farmington,
February 9, 1848, daughter of Abraham Howland, who was born at Farmington,
February 6, 1821, and married, in 1844, Phoebe McCumber, born in 1821, died
February 19, 1851.  Her father died June 9, 1897.  Mrs. Osburn had a sister,
Lucile Howland, born at Farmington in 1846, married Winfield Mink.  Randall
Robbinson, great-grandfather of Mrs. Osburn, was a native of Vermont and a
soldier in the revolution.  Children of Mr. and Mrs. Osburn: 1. Louis C.,
born at Farmington, January 19, 1873; married May Cornford and has one child.
2. John A., born February 11, 1877; married Nellie Hawkins.  3. Stacy L.,
born December 4, 1884.


Bio. of Fred W. Osborn


   Landmarks of Tompkins County, New York,
   John H. Selkreg, ed., Syracuse, NY, D. Mason & Co., 1894.
   "Part III", page 171.

   Osborn, Fred W., the subject of this sketch, was born in the village (now
city) of Ithaca, July 19, 1849, was educated in the public schools, and is a
farmer, gardener and nurseryman by occupation.  September 29, 1872, he
married Eliza M., daughter of Captain John C. Smith, of Farmer, Seneca
county, and they have one adopted daughter, Nellie E., who is a successful
school teacher, residing at home.  Mrs. Osborn's father, Captain John C.
Smith, was born in Friendship, N.J., November 19, 1825, and came to this
locality with his parents when young.  He was an architect and contractor.
July 4, 1844, he married Persis M. Loomis, of Aurora, Cayuga county, and they
had two children: Eliza M., as above noted, and Chester C.  Mr. Smith
enlisted in 1864, in Company I, 111th New York Volunteers, as first
lieutenant, and was honorably discharged at the close of the war.  He died in
Ovid, January 24, 1870, and his wife died October 23, 1879, aged fifty-two.
Mr. Osborn came to Jacksonville in 1880, and has been overseer of the poor in
this part of the town four years.  He and wife are members of the Methodist
Episcopal church and by integrity and industry they have gained a pleasant
home where they now reside.


Bio. of James W. Osborne


   Duluth and St. Louis County, Minnesota,
   Walter Van Brunt, ed., Chicago, The American Historical Co., 1921.
   Vol. III, page 1199.

   JAMES W. OSBORNE.  It is appropriate to refer to James W. Osborne as one
of the oldest members of the duluth bar.  He was admitted to practice in that
city thirty years ago, and while his office has not been in Duluth proper
except for a few years, he has practiced always in that territory immediately
adjacent to the Head of the Lakes, and nearly all his interests identify him
with the city of Duluth.
   He was born in Eagle Harbor, Keweenaw County, Michigan, November 4, 1862,
son of Robert and Mary Osborne.  His father was a native of the north of
Ireland, while his mother was born in Cornwall, England.  Robert Osborne was
a carpenter by trade and came to America early in life.  For a time he lived
at Warren, Ohio, and in 1847 moved to the copper country of northern
Michigan.  His home was at Superior from 1857 to 1859 and again from 1870 to
1878.  He did some of the first building construction in Superior.  He and
his wife spent their last days in Calumet, Michigan, where he died June 20,
1910, and his wife April 18, 1918.  Of their ten children seven are still
living, James W. being the sixth in age.
   James W. Osborne, while he was not able to attend school consecutively and
had to pay his own way for several years, acquired a liberal education as the
foundation of his professional career.  He attended school at Eagle Harbor,
Michigan, Superior, Wisconsin, Calumet, Michigan, and one of the best known
preparatory schools in the east, Phillips Academy at Andover, Massachusetts,
and gained his LL.B. degree in 1890.  Mr. Osborne was admitted to the bar in
Duluth in November, 1890, but after about six months practice in that city
moved to Superior, where he was an active member of the bar until June, 1901.
At that date he transferred his offices and residence to Ely, Minnesota, but
in October, 1915, returned to Duluth and has since enjoyed an extensive
general practice.  While at Ely he spent two years as judge of the Munciple
Court.
   Judge Osborne was the first to join the Kiwanis Club in Duluth, and is
secretary of that organization.  He is a member of the Commercial Club, is a
Republican, attends the Unitarian Church and fraternally is affiliated with
the Knights of Pythias, Modern Woodmen of America and Loyal Legion.  Judge
Osborne first saw Duluth in May, 1870, just half a century ago, and the
changes noted in his career have never taken him far from this city.  The
family home while he was growing up was at Superior, Wisconsin, until 1878,
when the family moved to Calumet, Michigan.  Some of the first work he did on
leaving home was in a saw mill that occupied ground where the home of the
Duluth Boat Club is now.
   In Superior, Wisconsin, February 23, 1907, Judge Osborne married Miss
Cordelia DeLong, of Superior.


Bio. of Harvey F. Osborne


   The City of Detroit, Michigan,
   Detroit, The S.J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1922.
   Vol. III, page 180.

   HARVEY F. OSBORNE.  It is a trite saying that there is always room at the
top, but few feel the stimulus of the fact and grasp the opportunity that is
offered higher up.  Harvey F. Osborne, however, has attained a point of
leadership that has made him the president of The H.F. Osborne Company,
importers of wholesale crockery and glassware and the head of what is the
largest enterprise of the kind in the state of Michigan.
   A native of Wooster, Ohio, he was born September 9, 1866, his parents
being William S. and Anna E. (Smith) Osborne, whose family numbered six
children, the others being: Mrs. T.D. McElhenie, of Brooklyn, New York;
William S., a resident of Kendallville, Indiana; Edward P. and Anna D.,
residents of Wooster, Ohio; and Archibald L., who is vice president and
general manager of the Kinney & Levan Company at Cleveland, one of the
largest wholesale and retail glassware concerns of the United States.  His
son, Carl M. Osborne, is financial secretary for the M.A. Hanna estate and is
recognized as one of the able financiers of the Ohio city.
   Harvey F. Osborne attended the public schools of Wooster, where he
completed the high school course.  He started out in business with the Kinney
& Levan Company of Cleveland and after three years, by reason of his untiring
effort and loyalty to the house, became one of their most successful
salesmen.  He was appointed their Michigan representative and opened a
salesroom at No. 96 Jefferson avenue in Detroit.  He remained with the Kinney
& Levan Company until 1908, when, in association with others, he purchased
the business of Henry L. Jenness, which had been established in 1846.  The
new frim was incorporated under the name of Osborne, Boynton & Osborne and
continued in business very successfully until 1915, when the name was changed
to the H.F. Osborne Company, Mr. Osborne becoming the president of the
corporation.  The growth of the business has kept fully abreast with the
marvelous development of Detroit.  Theirs is probably the largest store of
the kind in the state of Michigan and in many respects one of the leading
enterprises of this character in the country.  When operating under the name
of the Jenness & McCurdy Company the concern established an enviable
reputation for its products, and Mr. Osborne has mad it his personal ambition
to preserve and maintain an even higher standard in the regard of his patrons
under the new order than was reached by the old.  The name of the H.F.
Osborn<sic> Company has become a synonum for progressiveness and reliability
and the business of the house has steadily developed until it has reached
extensive proportions.
   On the 1st of August, 1910, Mr. Osborne was married to Miss Josephine
Bosque, and they became the parents of a son, William B., who passed away in
July, 1911.  Mr. Osborne has been a resident of Detroit since 1898, and in
the past twenty-two years has contributed materially to the commercial growth
of the city and also figured in its industrial circles, being secretary of
the Schleider Manufacturing Company of Detroit, manufacturers of automobile
valves, this being one of the largest concerns of the kind in the country.
A pleasing personality has gained for him a large circle of warm friends,
and socially he occupies a prominent position that rivals his high standing
in business.


Bio. of Frank Conrad Osborn


   The Book of Detroiters,
   Albert N. Marquis, ed., Chicago, A.N. Marquis & Co., 1908.
   Vol. V, page 350.
   [See the bio. of Ozias Osborn]

   OSBORN, FRANK CONRAD, president and manager F.C. Osborn Co.; born,
Bridgeport, N.Y., Dec. 10, 1856; son of Ozias and Mary C. (Herbener) Osborn,;
educated in public shools, Cazenovia (N.Y.) Seminary and Syracuse University,
graduating, degree of Ph.B.<sic>, 1885; married at Huntington, Ind., June 22,
1891, Laura A. Freele.  Taught in public schools, Fayetteville, N.Y.,
1880-82; traveling representative Ginn & co., publishers school and college
text books, Illinois, Indiana and Michigan, headquarters in Chicago, 1885-89;
located in Detroit, 1889, and invented and designed several styles of cash
registers and other machinery; organized the Osborn Cash Register Co., Ltd.,
1896, and was secretary and mechanical superintendent of same until sold out
to National Cash Register Co., in 1900; organized Standard Computing Scale
Co., Ltd., 1889, to manufacture computing scales of his invention and design,
and was general manager and secretary of same, 1889-01, when he sold out;
or design<sic> (now manufacturing round paper box machinery), and has been
president and general manger of the company since time of its organization
and incorporation; on inventions staff of the National Cash Register Co.,
1900-04; invented and put on the market the O.K. Computing Chees Cutter, now
made and marketed by the Standard Computing Co.; has been granted thirty-six
United States and foreign patents and has acted as mechanical expert in a
number of important patent suits.  Republican.  Member Delta Upsilon.  Club:
Peninsular Delta Upsilon.  Office: 65-67 Larned St., W.  Residence:
64 Lawrence Av.


1908 Bio. of Fred S. Osborne


   The Book of Detroiters,
   Albert N. Marquis, ed., Chicago, A.N. Marquis & Co, 1908.
   Vol. V, page 351.
   [See the 1909 bio. of Fred S. Osborne]

   OSBORNE, Fred S., banker and broker; born, Bloomington, Wis., May 13,
1867; son of Aaron S. and Virtue E. (Sealy) Osborne; educated in public
schools of Bloomington.  Began active career, 1884, in Detroit office of
George K. Sistares & Sons, bankers and brokers, New York, and later became
manager of the office; junior partner Cameron, Currie & Co., bankers,
1892-02; has been in business on his own account as Fred S. Osborne & Co.,
since 1904.  Secretary and treasurer Esperanza Cobalt Mines Co.  Member
Chicago Board of Trade, Chicago Mining Stock Exchange, Detroit Board of
Commerce.  Republican.  Member Masonic order (32 degree), Shrine.  Clubs:
Detroit, Fellowcraft.  Office: Penobscot Bldg.  Residence: 709 Brush St.


1909 Bio. of Fred S. Osborne


   Compendium of History and Biography of the City of Detroit and,
   Wayne County, Michigan,
   Chicago, Henry Taylor & Co., 1909.  Page 661.
   [See the 1908 bio. of Fred S. Osborne]

FRED S. OSBORNE.
   In connection with the promotion of capitalistic enterprises of broad
scope and importance Mr. Osborne has been a potential factor, and he is now
one of the leading stock brokers of Michigan, being the head and front of the
frim of Fred S. Osborne & Company, of Detroit, and being recognized as one of
the most progressive and public-spirited citizens of the metropolis of the
state.
   Mr. Osborne claims as the place of his nativity the Badger state, since he
was born at Bloomington, Grant county, Wisconsin, on the 13th of May, 1867.
He is a son of Aaron S. Osborne, producer and owner of extensive interests in
Wisconsin, where he was a pioneer settler.  His wife, whose maiden name was
Virtue Sealy, was a representative of an old and honored family of the same
state.
   Fred Sealy Osborne attended the public schools of his native town until he
had attained to the age of fifteen years, and he then initiated a business
career which has been one of most significant success and prominence.  At the
age noted he entered the employ of George K. Sistare's Sons, general stock
brokers, becoming a clerk in the Detroit office of the firm and later being
promoted to the position of cashier, of which office he remained incumbent
untill 1888, when he resigned to accept the management of the brokerage
business of J.V. Campbell & Company, of Detroit.  Of this firm, which
controls a very large and important business, Mr. Osborne still remains one
of the interested principals, and it is largely due to his able efforts that
its prestige is so secure and admirable and that its operations have been so
successful.  In 1897 Mr. Osborne was one of those interested in the purchase
of the Baltic copper mine, at Houghton, Michigan.  He has otherwise been
identified with many important transfers and developments in connection with
mineral properties in the upper peninsula of Michigan.  In March, 1905, Mr.
Osborne established his individual stock-brokerage business, under the title
of Fred S. Osborne & Company, and to this enterprise he has gained
unmistakable priority, handling stocks and bonds of general order and
controlling a very large business.  He was a promoter of and is a stockholder
in the Esperanza Cobalt Mines Company, organized in 1906, for the development
of properties in Mexico and in Cobalt, Ontario, and incorporated with a
capital stock of one million dollars.  He is also interested in copper,
silver and other mining properties, -- in Mexico, Ontario, Michigan and
western states.  His offices, in the Pnobscot building, are the most
commodius and sumtuously furnished of all similar offices in the city.  Mr.
Osborne holds membership in the Chicago Board of Trade, as well as the
Chicago Mining Exchange.  For a considerable period his firm was the only one
in Michigan represented by membership in the New York Stock Exchange.  He is
a valued member of the Detroit Board of Commerce and is a member of each the
Detroit Club and the Fellowcraft Club, besides being identified with the
Masonic fraternity, in which he has attained to high degrees in the Ancient
Accepted Scottish Rite.  In politics he gives his allegiance to the
Republican party.
   On the 22d of September, 1892, Mr. Osborne was united in marriage to Miss
Tessa A. Wight, daughter of Charles B. Wight, who was form many years a
prominent hardware merchant of Holly, Michigan, and who died in Detroit in
1903.


Bio. of Homer H. Osborn-11075


   Memoirs of Lenawee County, Michigan,
   Richard I. Bonner, ed., Madison, WI, Western Historical Assoc., 1909.
   Vol. II, page 212.

   HOMER H. OSBORN, of Deerfield township, a well known citizen of Lenawee
county, Michigan, has furnished the following facts concerning himself and
ancestry, for the benefit of his descendants who may refer to these pages
long after he is dead and gone, and thereby not only laern of an honored
ancestry, but from their long and useful lives, gain much to emulate.  Homer
H. Osborn was born in Batavia, Genesee county, New York, Jan. 29, 1825, and
is descended from distinguished Revolutionary stock.  His father, Richard
Osborn, was born in Massachusetts, Nov. 16, 1784.  With his father, also
named Richard Osborn, he came to Eastern New York when a young man, engaged
for some time in rafting lumber and timber on the St. Lawrence river, and
was also employed in a ship yard at Montreal, Canada.  He then returned to
his home in Massachusetts and secured the consent of the father to remove
with his family, composed of the parents, five sons and four daughters:
Nathan, Richard, Joseph, Erasmus, William, Louisa, Electa, Eunice and Polly,
to Batavia, N.Y.  The father purchased a farm one and one-half miles south of
that village, and Richard, the father of Homer H. Osborn, purchased a farm on
the Tonawanda road, one mile west of Batavia, and built a log house on it in
1812.  He and his brothers, Joseph and Erasmus, took part in the War of 1812.
While with their regiment, which was located at the barracks near the arsenal
at the junction of the Buffalo and Tonawanda roads, they were ordered to
Buffalo, witnessed its burning and was in the fight at Niagra.  Some time
after the close of the war Richard received tardy recognition for his
services by being granted a pension.  The further military record of the
Osborn family consists of the services of Joseph Osborn, the
great-grandfather, and Richard Osborn, the grandfather of Homer H. Osborn,
who fought together in the Continental army during the Revolutionary war.  On
Sept. 19, 1777, they were in the battle of Bemis Heights and also fought
together on Oct. 7, 1777, at the battle of Saratoga, which resulted in the
surrender of burgoyne's army to General Gates, on Oct. 17, in which battle
Joseph Osborn was killed and Richard Osborn was so severely wounded in the
leg that he was made a cripple for life.  Of the latter patriot's children,
Joseph, Erasmus, Electa, Eunice and Polly never married, but lived and died
on the old home farm near Batavia, N.Y.  Louisa married William Denslow and
their only son, William Denslow, Jr., was born in Pembrook, N.Y., about 1818,
and died at Quincy, Mich., in 1890.  four of his children are living, viz:
George and Simon Denslow, Mrs. Anthony Drake and Mrs. Frank Amsden, all of
Quincey, Branch county, Michigan, except George, the eldest who resides in
Cambridge, Lenawee county, Michigan.  Nathan and William both married and the
latter had one son, A.W. Osborn, who is at present cashier of the Dickerson
County Bank, at Spirit Lake, Iowa.  Richard Osborn married Miss Lydia Bristol
on Jan. 1, 1815, and began housekeeping on his farm west of the village of
Batavia, N.Y.  He was busily engage in improving his farm for the following
twenty-five years and in connection with that work he was also engaged
extensively in quarrying and fitting large quantities of building stone and
burning lime to supply that section of the county, all of which necessitated
the employment of numbers of men.  During this time the following children
were born to Richard and Lydia (Bristol) Osborn: Melona, born Jan. 9, 1816,
married Josiah Haines in the spring of 1834 and removed to a farm he had
purchased on the River Raisin opposite Petersburg, Mich., where he resided
until the spring of 1836, when he removed to Cambridge, where she died
Nov. 11, 1843, leaving three children, all of whom are now dead.  Richard T.,
born July 9, 1818, built the first pleasure resort at Round Lake, Mich.,
which he operated successfully a number of years, then sold out and engaged
in the grocery business in Addison, but later disposed of that business and
removed to a farm one mile north of Addison.  He was married in the fall of
1855 and died on May 3, 1909, after a long and busy life of usefulness,
leaving neither wife nor children.  Milton Osborn, born Jan. 18,1821, came to
Michigan with his sister Melona in the spring of 1834.  Six years later he
returned to New York and took up the study of medicine, in which he became
eminently successful, practicing for over thirty years at Albion, Mich., and
was also the physician for the Michigan Central railroad for several years.
His death, in 1885, was due to an accident received from being tipped over
while riding in a cutter.  A Wife and four children survive him, two of whom
are daughters, married: Charles is an accountant in the office of the
Cincinnati Northern railroad, at Cincinnati, Ohio; Jay is a graduate of
dentistry, not only from the University of Michigan, but also from the
Glasgow, Scotland, Gental College, and is now filling a three-year contract
in Cape Colony, South Africa.  Joseph B. Osborn was born Dec. 23, 1822.  He
laerned the miller's trade, successfully managed a number of flouring mills,
built one and run it for a time, but being constantly in the dust gave him
the asthma, which compelled him to abandon that work.  He then engaged in the
pension and insurance business, and was elected justice of the peace of
Woodstock township, where he served for seventeen years in that office, his
death occurring in the fall of 1894.  He was twice married and has two
children living: Mrs. Kate Hare, a resident of Rollin township, and Adelbert,
in the employ of the Lamb Fence Company, of Adrian.  Homer H. Osborn, the
date of whose birth is given at the beginning of this sketch, receives more
specific mention further on in this sketch.  William W. Osborn was born at
Batavia, N.Y., May 10, 1827.  He remained at home on the farm until sixteen
years of age, when he went to Jackson, Mich., hired out as a teamster, and
there an incident determined his future.  For a time after coming to Michigan
there were no schools near their home, so fthe father took it upon himself to
teach his children, would line thm up along one side of the home shanty and
"give out" words for them to spell.  He was rigig in his discipline and ere
long his children came to be noted as spellers, especially William W., who
while in Jackson, learned that there was to be a contest, or spelling match,
between the east and west side schools, and his curiosity led him to attend.
He was shosen by the east side schools, te even up sides, with the result
that he spelled down both schools.  After this there was a declamation
program and Ruel C. Baker, a lawyer, and one of the school board, called the
champion speller out to declaim.  He responded by giving "The Negro's
Complaint," and won the prize.  As a result Mr. Baker prevailed on him to
enter his office and take up the study of law, which he did, and prior to his
death, in 1903, he had attained to eminent success, having practiced in
Addison, Hudson, Adrian and Lansing.  At the time of his death he was the
oldest lawyer in consecutive years belonging to the Lansing Bar Association,
the court adjourned and the bar association attended his funeral in a body.
He was twice married and of his seven children, five are living, viz: Emmet,
emmployed at the Michigan Central railroad freight department at Jackson,
Mich.; Norman, a traveling salesman at Lansing, Mich.; Zanthus, a candy
manufacturer at Cleveland, Ohio; Olie, now Mrs. Frank Munger, of Chicago,
Ill., and Malona, now Mrs. William Derbyshire, of Hudson, Mich.  Erasmus
Osborn was born May 23, 1829, at Batavia, N.Y.  He remained on the farm until
he was twenty years old, when he came to Adrian, Mich., and learned the drug
business, but not liking it he took up patent rights for a time and then
became a traveling salesman, which he followed until his death at Grand
Rapids, Mich., in March, 1907.  He married on July 4, 1851, Miss Eliza
Wheeler, wo now resides with her only daughter, at Grand Rapids, Mich.  The
only son, Emmet, is in the harness and saddlery business at Cleveland, Ohio.
Eunice C. Osborn was born at Batavia, N.Y., Nov. 17, 1831, and remained at
home with her parents until 1873, when she was married to George Higdon, who
was a grocer, of Leslie, Mich.  They removed to Addison, Mich., in 1897,
where she died in August, 1904, and he in the spring of 1906, leaving no
children.  Jenett Osborn was born May 22, 1834, and died ten months later.
Lydia A. Osborn was born in Cambridge, Mich., Dec. 30, 1835, attended school
in Addison and Adrian, and taught several terms in the district schools.  She
married Isaac N. Hathaway on Jan. 7, 1861, at Addison, Mich., and died at her
home there on Jan. 31, 1909, her husband having passed away at the same
place, April 17, 1896.  They have three children living: F.R. Hathaway, the
secretary and manager of the Michigan Beet Sugar Company, lives at Detroit;
Marion L., now Mrs. John Landon, lives on the homestead, and Mildred C., the
wife of Dr. Walter Peck, resides in Dallas, Tex.  Julia A. Osborn was born
May 26, 1841, attended school in Addison, taught several years, and was
married to Charles Denio in May, 1867.  They have four children: Bernice is
the wife of Dr. Frank Gibson, of Jackson, Mich.; Carrol and Stewart are in
business in Alabama, and Winfield R., resides on the home farm near Addison.
The quarter of a century during which these various sons and daughters of
Richard and Lydia (Bristol) Osborn were born, brought its changes as the
country was cleared up and populated.  The pioneer spirit which seemed to be
a trait of the Osborn family inspired Richard Osborn to dispose of his home
in New York and to again become a pioneer in the wilds of Michigan.
Therefore on June 1, 1835, he was ready to start with his family to Michigan,
at the age of fifty-one, to begin pioneer life as he had done twenty-five
years before.  He came by wagon to Buffalo, N.Y., there took the steamer,
North America, but as she could not land at Monroe, Mich., his objective
point, he was compelled to disembark at Detroit, from which place he had his
goods shipped back by samll craft to Monroe.  He put his wagon together,
hitched on his horses, got his family aboard, and started across the country
to Petersburg, Mich., to the home of his daughter Melona, and son, Milton.
The first night was spent at the home of a Mr. Hawkins, a Batavia (N.Y.)
man, who was then keeping a hotel at Ypsilanti, and the next night they
arrived at the home of Josiah Haines.  The next day Richard Osborn and Josiah
Haines saddled their horses and started out to find or look for a desirable
tract of land on which to found the Osborn homestead.  They went up the River
Raisin to where Adrian now stands and took the Territorial road for Devil's
Lake.  The road was partly opened to Rome Center and blazed through to
Gambleville on the Chicago pike.  In the extreme northwest corner of
Lenawee county, at the head of Devil's Lake, they found Joseph Younglove
(father of Aaron, of Adrian), who made location of lands a business, and with
his assistance Mr. Osborn selected four eighty-acre lots, secured their
description, went to Monroe and paid $500 for the 320 acres.  Then again, as
twenty-five years before, he began hewing a home from the forest.  His first
work was to build a shanty, which he located near a good spring.  In this
work he was assisted by his sons, Richard and Milton.  The family took
possession of this new home on July 16, 1835, their nearest neighbors in any
direction (except Indians) being three miles away.  He brought with him a
span of young horses, a yoke of oxen, two good cows and five pigs, to which
he added thirty head of sheep the following fall.  This equipment made it
quite home-like, their neighbors though far away were exceedingly hospitable,
and the Indians who visited them nearly every day also treated the family
with kindness.  He remained there until about seventy years old, during which
time he sold a forty-acre lot, gave his sons 120 acres, disposed of the
remainder and removed to Addison, where his wife died in 1873, aged
seventy-eight years.  He survived her until Dec. 31, 1878, when he passed
away at the age of ninety-four years.  Although his educational advantages
had been very limited in his youth, he kept abreast of the times, was
considered an authority on historical events for years prior to his death,
and though a man of energy, he died as he lived, without an enemy.  Homer H.
Osborn took his chances as his brothers had done in the district schools,
until he was seventeen years old, when he entered Hance's Academy, in Adrian,
and after one term, with a large class of students mostly from the country,
he successfully passed an examination for teachers and taught the following
winter at Wolf Creek.  He came back to Adrian for the spring and fall terms,
taught near Toledo, Ohio, the next winter, again returned to Adrian for the
spring and fall terms, and the following winter he taught near Lima, Ohio.
At the close of that term of school he returned to Adrian and learned the
machinist's trade, after which he set up a score or more of engines in
Southern Michigan.  As a mechanic he climved to the top of the ladder through
efficiency and merit alone.  His skill and workmanship were not only known in
Michigan, but also in several other states, notably in Kentucky and
Tennessee.  A few incidents in his career are herewith given: Arriving in
Louisville, Ky., a total stranger, he had no trouble in securing a position
as a machinist and in less than three months he secured three advances in
salary, from $3 a day to $150 per month and expenses, the latter position
requiring both practical knowledge and tact in management.  In Adrian he
served seven years as secretary of Engine Company No. 2, sat at each meeting
beside Sam Hart, treasurer, and with that crew of jolly fellows turned out
more fun to the hour than all the rest of the town combined.  For a number of
years he was a member of the Mechanics' Mutual Protection Society, and was on
a committee with James W. Helme, Sr., to draft a bill and draw up a petition
to the Michigan legislature to prevent teaching trades to state convicts.
The bill passed, and as Mr. Osborn was secretary, he conducted all the
correspondence concerning it.  Politically he is a "Jefferson Democrat," and
has always taken a lively interest in behalf of his party and its principles.
He has taken an active part in several notable campaigns and his services as
a public speaker were sought for by campaign managers.  He made his first
public speech at the age of sixteen years in a school debate, the question
being on the merits of Hamilton and Jefferson.  A candidate for the
legislature heard him make that speech and was so impressed with its
Jeffersonian Democracy that he engage young Osborn to accompany him on his
speaking tour.  In the convention which nominated J. Logan Chipman, he made a
labor speech which attracted wide attention, and he was at once placed on the
speaker's list with such men as Sylvester Larned and Richard Travilick, of
Detroit.  He also stumped the district with Col. Eldredge when the latter ran
for Congress.  When John D. Campbell ran for mayor of Adrian he called a
conference of the party leaders at his home to which Mr. Osborn was
especially invited to give his views on how to secure the votes of the
workingment.  His plans were adopted and they secured a Democratic victory.
While employed in Michigan City, Ind., in 1862, he boarded at the Jewel
House, where the officers of the U.S. Conscript regiment also boarded.  They
observed that he read the Chicago Daily Times and took exceptions to it,
abusing him in unbecoming language, which encouraged him to take an active
part in local politics.  He at once organized a workingmen's association, and
although the Republicans imported their most noted speakers, among them
Schuyler Colfax, who spoke twice, and many other big guns, Michigan City
secured the first Democratic majority it had had in twelve years.  In
Jackson, Mich., in 1868, he repeated his Michigan City policy and the
Democrats won with a good majority.  In the city of Louisville, Ky., in a
half hour's talk before 750 employees he raised about $1,600 for the Chicago
fire sufferers.  Arriving in Nashville, Tenn., a total stranger, he saw hand
bills calling all business men to a meeting to devise means to induce
immigration, as well as manufacturers to come to the South and locate.  He
attended the meeting and took a back seat listening to the speakers until all
had spoken, when he inquired of the chairman if he could ask a question.  The
chairman assented and Mr. Osborn inquired whether or not they would like to
hear the experience of one from the booming towns along the Michigan Central
railroad.  Being assured they did, he told them pointedly and emphatically
that they had the finest commercial chance in the world if they would take
advantage of their opportunities.  He outlined to them a plan which was
adopted, and at the request of the editor of the Nashville American, Mr.
Osborn was put on the committee on printing and through his advice and
assistance the plans of the committee were successful.  From the time he was
seventeen years of age Mr. Osborn has been a contributor to newspapers,
particularly in railroad matters, and wrote for the Railroad Gazette, the
first railway paper in the United States.  About 1850 he was initiated into
the order of Free and Accepted Mason, which with him, stands next to the good
old "Jeffersonian Democracy."  He does not affiliate with any church,
believing that his reward for a well spent life will depend upon his honest
and upright intercourse with his fellow man.  He has been twice married,
first to Joanna Brightman on Dec. 31, 1850.  She died Nov. 28, 1865, and his
second union was on May 8, 1867, to Mrs. Huldah E. Frey.  There were two
children by the first marriage -- Ella M., who was married to Melvin L.
Baker, of Adrian Mich., on May 181875, resides in Toledo, Ohio, and has two
sons, Roy and Elmer, both of whom are railroad men in the Southwest; Elmer B.
Osborn, born in Adrian, Mich., June 25, 1855, attended school until the
spring of 1870, then went South and learned the management of the mechanical
and transportation departments of railroading in all of their practical
details, as well as the theory and practice of applied electricity.  He now
holds a first class license as engineer for the state of Ohio and is at
present looking after the running and repairs of all the machinery of the
Libbey Glass Works, at Toledo, Ohio.  He was married in 1880 to Miss Anna
Marcham, and has two sons, Rex, an electrician and engineer in the Secor
Hotel at Toledo, Ohio, and Don R., a mold-maker at the Libbey Glass Works, in
that city.  By the second marriage there was one son, Homer B., living in
Dayton, Ohio, where he has charge of the art department of the United
Brethren Engraving Company.  Luella Frey, the step-daughter of Mr. Osborn,
was six years old when her mother married the second time.  She married
Egbert H. Van-Wey, of Palmyra, and they have one son, Dean, who is engaged in
the grocery business at Carnesville, Ga.  Mr. Osborn, at the advanced age of
eighty-four years, is now residing on his well improved farm in Deerfield
township and enjoying the fruits of his long and eventful life.


Bio. of John Warren Osborn


   Memoirs of Lenawee County, Michigan,
   Richard I. Bonner, ed., Madison, WI, Western Historical Assoc., 1909.
   Vol. II, page 272.

   JOHN WARREN OSBORN, deceased, for many years one of the prominent figures
in agricultural life of Palmyra township, was born in Sodus, N.Y., Nov. 19,
1830, a son of George and Rachael (Paddock) Osborn.  The father was born at
Haverstraw, Rockland county, New York, Aug. 15, 1802, and died in Palmyra
township, June 13, 1872.  The mother, wo was some years younger than the
father, survived him for fifteen years.  When six months old, John Warren
Osborn, the subject of this review, came to Lenawee county with his parents,
who located on a farm in Adrian township.  Six years later they removed to a
farm in Madison township, and it was in the district schools of that township
that Mr. Osborn received his scholastic training.  The early years of his
manhood were devoted to helping his father in the management of the farm, but
in 1861, with a party of twenty young men, he made a perilous overland
journey to seek his fortune in the gold fields of California, and spent three
years in the mining sections of the western state.  Many adventures befell
him, and in his later years his tales of hardship and privation proved of
great interest to his many friends.  Upon his return to Lenawee county he
established a successful live stock business, shipping to eastern markets,
but subsequently turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, in which he
met with an equal success.  He was a man of great inherent ability, thrifty
and industrious, and his efforts brought well-merited results.  His religious
belief found expression by membership in the Baptist church.  Although he
gave staunch support to the men and measures of the Democratic party, he
never sought publick preferment for himself.  Fraternally he had no other
interest than his membership in the Adrian lodge of the Masonic order, in
which he always took a leading and able part.  Mr. Osborn's death resulted
from a fall from a ladder, the injuries received resulting fatally two years
after the accident.  He was a man of great kindness of heart, a loving and
indulgent husband and father, upright, honorable and honest in all his
dealings with his fellow men.  On Nov. 19, 1880, was solemnized Mr. Osborn's
marriage to Miss Margaret Farquhar, a native of New York, and the daughter of
James and Margaret (Graham) Farquhar.  Her father was of Scotch descent, was
born in 1802 and died May 14, 1877, and her mother, a native of Ireland and
some years younger than her husband, died when in her fortieth year.  They
were the parents of five children, but two of whom Mrs. Osborn and Samuel, a
carpenter residing in Peoria, Ill., survive.  Mr. and Mrs. Osborn had no
children of their own, but in 1896 they adopted a daughter, Gladys Margaret,
born March 6, 1892.  This daughter now makes her home with their widowed
mother on the home farm of seventy-seven acres.  Daniel Farquhar, a nephew of
Mrs. Osborn, is staying with her and managing the home farm.


1909 Bio. of Joseph W. Osborne


   Memoirs of Lenawee County, Michigan,
   Richard I. Bonner, ed., Madison, WI, Western Historical Assoc., 1909.
   Vol. II, page 649.
   [See the 1888 bio. of Joseph W. Osborne]

   JOSEPH W. OSBORNE.--The beautiful lake district of the old Empire State
sent many sterling citizens to become pioneers of the various counties of
Southern Michigan, and from that district came the parents of Mr. Osborne.
They were numbered among the very early settlers of Lenawee county, and the
family name has ever since been prominently linked with the civic and
industrial history of this section of the state.  Joseph W. Osborne was born
in Macon township, this county, June 29, 1849, and is a son of William H. and
Mary Jane (Foote) Osborn, both natives of Seneca county, New York, where the
former was born Oct. 29, 1814, and the latter, May 13, 1820.  In 1833,
William H. Osborne came to the Territory of Michigan, which was not admitted
to the federal Union until four years later, and he made Lenawee county his
destination.  Soon after his arrival in this county he entered claim to 320
acres of land in section 20, Macon township, and here he erected his pioneer
log house and established his home.  He gave himself vigorously to the work
of recliming and otherwise improving his farm, and with the passing years he
was not denied a due reward for his indefatigable efforts.  He was a man of
inflexible integrity of purpose and well merited the high regard in which he
was held in the community which so long represented his home and to whose
upbuilding he contributed in most liberal measure.  In politics he was
originally an old-line Whig, but he allied himself with the Republican party
at the time of its organization and ever afterward remained a strong advocate
of its principles.  In the climateric<cis> period which culminated in the
Civil war he was an ardent Abolitionist.  He was influential in local affairs
of a public order, and the confidence in which he was held in Lenawee county
was shown in his having been elected to represent the county in the state
legislature in 1860.  Both he and his wife were zealous members of the
Methodist Episcopal church.  He passed to his reward Oct. 15, 1907, and the
death of his loved wife and helpmeet occurred Feb. 1, 1896.  He passed the
closing years of his life in the village of Tecumseh, where he lived in quiet
retirement, surrounded by "troops of friends" and other gracious influences
which should ever cheer the sunset of life, and he continued in ownership of
his old homestead farm until he was summoned to the life eternal.  Concerning
the eight children of William H. and Mary J. Osborne, the following pertinent
data are consistently given place in this review: Mary Elizabeth is the wife
of Jhn F. Hicks, of Tecumseh; Ann Hex is the wife of John J. Hagerman, of
Roswell, New Mexico; Sophia M. became the wife of George L. Graves and her
death occurred March 25, 1884; Thomas died Dec. 30, 1885; Joseph W. and
Rebecca are twins, the former being the immediate subject of this sketch and
the latter being the widow of Henry C. Lowe; Samuel I. is a resident of
Carlsbad, new Mexico; and William Henry resides in the city of Milwaukee,
Wis.  Joseph W. Osborne was reared to maturity on the old homestead farm, and
after duly availing himself of the advantages of the schools of Macon
township he passed one year as a student in Albion College, at Albion, this
state.  From his youth to the present time he has not wavered in his
allegiance to the great elemental industry under whose beneficent influences
he was reared, and he stands today as one of the representative farmers and
stock growers of his native county.  His well improved and eligibly located
farm comprises 150 acres, in section 21, Macon township, and he is held in
unqualified esteem as a worthy representative of one of the honored pioneer
families of the county.  In a generic way he gives his support to the
Republican party, but in local affairs, where no definite issues are
involved, he holds himself independent of strict partisan lines.  He has
served as justice of the peace and has shown at all times a proper interest
in public affairs of a local nature.  He is affiliated with Tecumseh Lodge,
No. 69, Free and Accepted Masons, and he and his wife hold membership in the
Methodist Episcopal church.  Feb. 8, 1871, bore witness of the marriage of
Mr. Osborne to Miss Helen Hand, who was born in Macob township, this county,
June 10, 1849, and who is a daughter of Edmond Hand, of whom more definite
mention is made in the sketch of the career of his son, Horace A., on other
pages of this work.  Mr. and Mrs. Osborne have two children.  Anna M., who
was born July 11, 1874, and was afforded the advantages of the schools of
Macon township and the Tecumseh High School, is the wife of Frederick G.
Harris, M.D. of Chicago.  Harriet, who likewise completed a course in the
Tecumseh High School, is the wife of Harry L. Perkins, of Toledo, Ohio, and
they have four children: Helen, Margaret, Robert, and Joseph.


Bio. of John A. Osborne


   Memoirs of Lenawee County, Michigan,
   Richard I. Bonner, ed., Madison, WI, Western Historical Assoc., 1909.
   Vol. II, page 843.

   JOHN A. OSBORNE, who operates a general and garden farm in Madison
township, was born on this farm, Oct. 26, 1872.  His father is John R. and
mother Harriett V. (Dawson) Osborne.  The formmer was born in England,
May 18, 1845, and came with his parents to Canada in 1849.  Mr. and Mrs.
John R. Osborne were married in Canada, in which country the wife was born,
March 3, 1845.  From Canada they came to Michigan and located on the farm
their son is cultivating, but their time is now spent between here and
Virginia, where they own a plantation of 453 acres.  This Madison township
farm was greatly improved under the elder Osborne's care and was turned into
a garden farm, and in that line the son, who is the subject of this sketch,
is principally engaged.  To John R. Osborne and wife were born six children:
William R., born Oct. 3, 1866, died Feb. 19, 1907; Opal (Mitchell), born
Nov. 3, 1868, resides in Raisin township; Oliver C., born Nov. 26, 1870,
makeshis home in Virginia and looks after the plantation there; Albert H.,
born June 7, 1878, resides in Madison township and is justice of the peace at
the present time; Pearl (Ehinger), born July 2, 1882, is also a resident of
Madison township; and John A., is our subject.  John A. Osborne is the fourth
child; his early education was obtained at the district schools of Madison
township, and this was further supplemented by a course of two years at
Adriian College.  His first work in life was school teaching, and this
profession was followed for two years.  After that period he returned to his
father's Madison township home and has continued to reside there.  At the
present time he occupies his father's house, but has lands of his own
adjoining his father's tract, and both places are operated by him.
Stock-raising and feeding are given some attention, but his time is
principally given to raising fruits and vegetables, his principal products
being peaches and celery.  A hot-house has been installed for the early
plants and the farm is equipped with every facility for this particular line.
These two farms are about three miles from the city of Adrian.  Their
location is very pleasant and Mr. Osborne is in the foremost rank in his
specialty in agriculture.  No kind of farming requires more labor and
attention than this, but it has the added benefit of this labor and attention
in the profits that inure to its devotees.  On Dec. 20, 1898, was celebrated
John A. Osborne's marriage to Miss Olive G. Baldwin, daughter of John W. and
Ann Eliza (Bradish) Baldwin, of Madison township.  Mr. Baldwin is a Canadian
by birth and his wife was born in the Empire State.  Coming into this county
in its early days, they located on a farm in Madison township and continued
their home there till Mr. Baldwin's death, May 11, 1897.  Mrs. Baldwin
resides at the present time on the old homestead, where Olive, the wife of
our subject, was born, July 5, 1876.  Her early education was received at the
district schools.  To Mr. and Mrs. Osborne have been born two children, both
of whom are at home.  They are DeEtta M., born March 13, 1901, and Noel B.,
born Sept. 27, 1905.  Mr. Osborne is a member of Gorman Grange.


Bio. of Sheridan Osbon


   Portrait and Biographical Album of St. Joseph County, Michigan,
   Chicago, Chapman Brothers, 1889.  Page 439.

   PROF. SHERIDAN OSBON, Superintendent of the schools of St. Joseph County,
Mich., is an honorable, learned man, an able educator, an influential citizen
of Sturgis, where he makes his home, and as such, it affords us great
pleasure to place a brief record of his life before the numerous readers of
this BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM.  He is a native-born citizen of this State, his
birth having occurred in Sturgis, Oct. 3, 1842.
   The father of our subject, George W. Osbon(2d), was born in Painesville,
Ohio, Aug. 3, 1811.  He remained in his native State until ready to establish
himself in life, when he joined the tide of emigration that was flowing into
the unsettled portions of the Peninsula State, and in 1838 became a pioneer
of St. Joseph County, engaging for several years in the mercantile business
in Sturgis.  He remained an esteemed and honored resident of the place until
his death, which occurred March 9, 1870.  He was an enterprising,
conscientious business man, and performed efficient service in aiding the
growth and development of his adopted town.  He married Miss Cornelia H.
Hawes, a native of Hamilton, Ohio, born April 14, 1821, who still resides in
Sturgis.  She bore him seven children, of whom two only are now living,
Henry R. and Sheridan.  One son, Frank, was a soldier in the Union Army
during the late Rebellion, and died from disease contracted during the
service.
   Superintendent Osbon, of this sketch, was reared and received the
rudiments of an excellent education at Sturgis, having been graduated from
its High School in 1858.  He subsequently attended the Agricultural College
at Lansing, Mich., completing the sophomore year in 1859.  The ensuing year
our subject, imbued with a strong desire to see life in some of its rougher
aspects, visted the Western mining regions, and as an active worker in one of
the gold mines, proved himself, at the youthful age of seventeen years, fully
adequate to combat all the obstacles to be met with in the typical mining
camp.  He was not, however, sufficiently enchanted with the life there to
stay many months, and returned home to take up the profession of teaching,
and for five years taught with eminent success in Mongo, Ind.  In 1866 Prof.
Osbon further pursued his studies at Hillsdale College, completing the junior
year, and in 1867 and 1868 took charge of the schools at Muir, Mich.  From
that time until 1877 Superintendent Osbon gave his time and attention to
farming on a tract of land near Sturgis, thus utilizing the knowledge of
scientific farming gained at the Agricultural College.  In September of that
year, receiving an urgent call to take charge of the educational institution
of Mongo, Lagrange Co., Ind., he gave up his agricultural works and devoted
himself to the improvement of the schools of that place, remaining there
three years.  In the meantime he organized a High School in Mongo that was
second to none in that part of the State, and that his successful labors were
appreciated is amply shown by his having received a call for two consecutive
seasons to take the principalship of the summer Normal Institute, held at the
county seat.  In 1880 the Professor accepted the principalship of the Sturgis
schools, but after teaching one year was promoted to the superintendency of
the city schools, an office in which he served with signal ability until
1887, when he resigned to accept his present position as County
Superintendent of Schools.  During his professional career the Superintendent
has taught in all grades, from the lowest to the highest, and the experience
thus gained, and the knowledge of what a school ought to be, has well fitted
him for his present duties.  Being a gentleman of polish and culture, an
excellent organizer, and throughly conversant with the most approved Normal
metholds in use, he has won an enviable reputation as a scholar, and
educator, and supervisor, and his management of the county schools is above
criticism.
   Prof. Osbon was united in marriage, in Sturgis, Sept. 24, 1869, to Miss
Adaline C., daughter of Andrew and Phillippine (Schoneberger) Negle, both
natives of Germany.  Mrs. Osbon was born in Europe in 1849.


Bio. of Ebenezer Osburn-12635


   Portrait and Biographical Album of St. Joseph County, Michigan,
   Chicago, Chapman Brothers, 1889.  Page 603.

EBENEZER OSBURN.  The name of this worthy pioneer, who is now deceased,
deserves honorable mention among the early settlers of St. Joseph County.  He
came to this region when a young man from New York State, where he was born
Aug. 10, 1822.  He took up a tract of land on section 21, in Flowerfield
Township, opening up a good farm of eighty acres near which the village of
Howardsville afterward sprung up.  He battled with the difficulties incident
to that time, and after making a good record, departed this life at the
homestead which he had built up, Feb. 11, 1887.
   Mr. Osburn was married at Three Rivers after coming to this county,
July 10, 1862, to Miss Nancy Clark, who passed away prior to the decease of
her husband, her death also taking place at the old farm, June 21, 1884.
They were the parents of two sons.  Charles, the elder, was born April 13,
1863, and was reared upon a farm, becoming familiar with its various
employments and receiving his education in the common school.  Frank, the
younger son, also grew up on the farm, and when reaching manhood was married,
at Buchanan, Berrien County, this State, to Miss Fannie Cave.  This lady was
born in Marcellus Twonship, Cass County, Sept. 7, 1867, and is the daughter
of John L. and Lucina Cave.
   The former was a native of England, whence he emigrated to the United
States early in life.  He came to Cass County during its early settlement,
and after opening up a good farm spent the latter years of his life in
prosperity and quiet.  Mrs. Cave was born in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, and is
still living, maker her home in Lamoni, Iowa.  Besides Mrs. Osburn there are
three other daughters: Addie, the wife of Isaac Judson, of Covert; Nettie and
Jessie, who live with their mother in Iowa.  Both the Cave and Osburn
families represent the better element of society, being people well-to-do and
of good standing among their neighbors.


Bio. of William B. Osborn


   Portrait and Biographical Album of Washtenaw County, Michigan,
   Chicago, Biographical Publishing Co., 1891.  Page 386.

WILLIAM B. OSBORN.  This well-known and popular Supervisor of Sharon
Township, whose farm is located upon section 27, is a son of William Osborn,
a native of Fairfield County, Conn., who was born June 10, 1802.  He in turn
was a son of Isaac Osborn, a native of Connecticut, who was born March 11,
1776, and his father, Isaac Sr., was born in 1740.
   The mother of our subject, Anna Lockwood, was a native of Fairfield
County, Conn., where she was born in 1804 and her father was Job Lockwood, a
farmer there.  She was united with William Osborn in her native State and
contiinued her residence there until the death of her husband in 1845.  The
widow continued to make her home in Connecticut until 1865, when she came to
Michigan and died there in June, 1889.  They were the parents of four
children, only two of whom are now living, our subject and his brother George
E., whose home is at Grass Lake, Mich.  both parents were active members of
the Protestant Methodist Church and had both been teachers for many years and
were ever solicitous for the best educational advantages for their children.
The father was an active Whig in his political views and one of the most
thoroughly upright and progressive men in Wilton, Conn.
   He of whom we write was born June 17, 1830, in Fairfield County, Conn.,
and there he grew to manhood, taking his schooling in the district schools
and his training upon the farm and remaining at home until he reached the age
of twenty-three years.  He then started out with $400 and coming to Michigan
in February, 1854, made his home with an uncle, Mr. Burr Gould, who was an
early settler in Sharon Townshiop, and had come here from Connecticut.  This
uncle died during the same year, 1854, and the nephew then took charge of his
farm.
   The young man now learned what he could do toward building up a home and a
fortune in the Far West and in the fall of 1854 he returned to Connecticut to
bring hence the lady of his choice.  He was married November 19, 1854, to
Jane, daughter of the Hon. Sherman and Mrs. Susan (Hurlburt) Cole, both of
whom were natives of Fairfield County, Conn., Mr. Cole being born in 1804,
and the mother in 1812.  She still survives in her old home in Connecticut
but became a wido in 1877.  They were earnest and active members of the
Methodist Episcopal Church throughout life and the father was useful as
Steward and Trustee of the church.  They were the parents of twelve children,
ten of whom are now living.  The Hon. Sherman Cole was an active Whig in
politics and besides serving as Selectman in his town was for one term a
member of the Connecticut Legislature and in every walk of life was a most
popular man and a thoroughly educated one.  He had great mechanical skill and
carried on the manufacture of carriages in Wilton, Conn.
   Mrs. Osborn is the only one of her father's family who had ever removed to
the West.  She was born August 18, 1832, and besides receiving a district
school education had thorough and efficient training in the domestic arts
which have made her ever useful throughout life.  After her marriage with out
subject they came West and settled upon the Gould farm which they carried on
for twelve years and then bought one hundred and thirty acres of land on
section 32, which was already improved but had no building upon it.  He at
once proceeded to erect a residence and barn, and having set out an orchard
and put the property in fit condition he sold it and bought two hundred and
fifty acres which were known as the David Row farm.  After two years'
residence there Mr. Osborn sold this farm and bought property on sections 18
and 19, which comprises three hundred and fifty acres of improved land.
   Having resided upon that property for twelve years our subject sold it and
removed to his present farm to which he has added substantial improvements
and where he carries on general farming, one hundred and eighty of his two
hundred acres being under cultivation.  Five of his seven children are now
living, namely: William B., Jr., who was born in 1856, and married Mary D.
Willis, with whom he makes his home in Jackson Mich., Albert S., who was born
in 1858, and married Elizabeth Dunbar and is living in Rochester, N.Y.; Anna,
born in 1860, lives in Connecticut; Samuel, born in 1866, is still a student
at the State University, and Hattie M., who was born in 1869, resides at
home.  The daughter, Lydia C., who died, passed away in infancy, but the son,
George C., had reached the age of twenty-six.  All have received an excellent
education having been students at Hillsdale at the State Agricultural College
and at the State University.
   Mrs. Osborn is an active worker in Sunday-school and church and has had a
class or been Superintendent of the school since she was eighteen years old.
She is the President of the Ladies' Aid Society, which office she has held
for two years.  Mr. Osborn takes a great interest in educational matters and
has been a member of the School Board.  He is an active supporter of the
church although not a member and in politics is attached to the Democratic
party.  For eight years he was Justice of the Peace and his various terms as
Supervisor have extended through the years 1871, 1882 to 1888 and again in
1891.  He has been exceedingly useful among his neighbors in settling up
estates, a work to which he is often called.
   The grandmother of Mrs. Osborn was married during the Revolutionary War
and her husband was a soldier under Gen. Washington, and it was one of their
sons who became the father of Mrs. Osborn.  The first of the Osborn family to
locate in America was Capt. Richard, who was born in 1612 and who sailed in
the ship "Hopewell" in 1634.  Upon reaching this country he joined the
Plymouth Colony and made his home in 1635 in Hingham, Mass.  He was a
volunteer during the Pequod Wars and afterward became a resident of New
Haven, Conn., where he settled in 1643.  Ten years later he located at
Fairfield, Conn., and died in 1686, leaving five children.  His son David had
seven children, one of whom, William, was born April 16, 1708.  This son had
four chldren by his first marriage, and his second wife, Mary Lyon, presented
him with eight children.  His son Isaac, who was one of the children of the
first marriage, was born September 6, 140, and had nine children, one of whom
Isaac, born March 11, 1776, was the father of twelve children, his son
William being the father of our subject.



Rev. War Pension Papers of Ephraim Hawkins


   W3987

Declaration of Ephraim Hawkins in order to obtain the benefit of the Act
of Congress of the 7th of June 1832.

State of North Carolina}
Person County          }  towit

   On this 17th day of September 1832 personally appeared in open Court
before the Court of Pleas + Quarter Sessions, the same being a court of
record Ephraim Hawkins, a resident of said County + State who being first
duly sworn according to Law doth on his oath make the following declaration
in order to obtain the benefit of the aforesaid act of Congress _ that he
entered the service of the United States for a militia tour of 3 months in
the County of Rowan in the State of North Carolina under Capt Gordon, he
thinks in the year 1780 _ that he remained three months in the town of
Salisbury guarding the jail, in which many Tories were confined _ that he
received a discharge for this service from Capt Gordon, but has long since
lost it _ that he next entered the service under Capt Pearson in the
aforesaid County of Rowan and marched under his command against the tories,
chiefly Scotch, in Cumberland + the neighboring Counties _ that there was no
action in this expedition ...
This declarant has a record of his age by which it appears that he was born
July 8th 1761 in Baltimore County State of Maryland, removed to Orange No
Ca at an early period, removed to Rowan during the Revolutionary War and
returned again to that part of Orange NoCa which now composes Person County
in 1783 or 4 _ that he knows of no person by whom he can prove any of these
services, but his name is on the roles of the abstract of the army accounts
of teh North Carolina line settled by commissioners appointed by the State _
He hereby relinquishes every claim to a pension or annuity except the present
+ declares that his name is not on the pension role of the agency of any
state _ sworn + subscribed in open Court _
----                                           his
Jesse Dickens clerk                     Ephraim x Hawkins
                                               mark

   Declaration of Ann Hawkins
In order to obtain the benefits of the Act of Congress of the 7th July 1838
entitled "An Act Granting Half Pay and Pensions to Certain Widows"
   State of North Carolina}
   Person County          }  On this 14th day of January 1843 personally
appeared before me Clement H. Jordan one of the Justices of the Court of
Pleas and Quarter Sessions Ann Hawkins a resident of said County aged Seventy
Six years who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on her oath make
the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision
made by the Act of Congress passed July 7th 1838 entitled "An Act Granting
Half Pay and Pensions to Certain Widows."  That she is the widow of Ephraim
Hawkins late of this County and formerly a Revolutionary soldier, who for a
number years drew a pension as will readily be seen by reference to the
records of the office.  She further declares that she was married to the said
Ephraim Hawkins by John Womack Esq then of this Co on the first day of May
Seventeen Hundred and Eighty Eight as she now believes and that her husband
the aforesaid Ephraim Hawkins died on the 3rd day of November Eighteen
hundred and thirty six.  That she now is and has remained the widow of her
said husband Ephraim Hawkins ever since _ She further says that she was not
married to him prior to his leaving the service but the marriage took place
previous to the first of January, seventeen hundred and ninety four, viz: at
the time above stated.                             her
Sworn to and subscribed on the day and          Ann x Hawkins
year above written, before                         mark
C.H. Jordan J.P.

Copy of bond by Epriam<sic> Hawkins and John Womack, security, date not on
bond for the marriage of Epriam Hawkins and Ann Farmer;  Signed
Ephriam his E mark Hawkins.  Note by clerk making the copy that the date of
the record is 1 day of May Anno Domini 1788.


Rev. War Pension Papers of John Hawkins


   S16857

State of Missouri}  In the Circuit Court
Washington County}  July term 1833

   On this 8th day of July 1833 personally appeared in open Court before
Charles A. Allen, Judge of the Circuit Court in Washington County State of
Missouri, now sitting, John Hawkins, a resident of Washington County State of
Missouri aged seventy one years, wo being first duly sworn according to law,
doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the
benefit of the act passed March 7th 1832.
   He states that he was born December 22d 1762 on Hyco river North Carolina.
That he has the record of his birth, copied from the family record of his
father __ That he was living in Burk County N Carolina when he first entered
the service __ that he resided in Burk County till 1797 whn he removed to
upper Louisiana, now Missouri, where he now resides.
   That the first time he entered the service, he volunteered in a company of
light orse against the indians in the spring of 1779, and served about two
weeks or more under Capt Jas. Britain __ that the same spring he volunteered
a second time under Capt Kenedy, now Gen. Kenedy of Kentucky, against the
Cherokees up the Cataba River to the Cherokee Towns on Tuckasiege? River a
branch of Tennessee __ that on his return, he stopped at a fort, near the
head of the Cataba, called Browns fort, where he continued about a month
under the command of Capt Josiah Branham that he then went to a fort lower
down the same river, called Davidsons fort, where he completed his tour of
three months, and imediately substituted for a man whose name he has
forgotten, for another tour of three months, under Captain Smith, according
to the best of his recollection ... he volunteered  and marched from that
fort, and went into the lower parts of North Carolina against the British and
tories, near Wilmington under the Command of Gen. Rutherford, Col. McDowel
and Capt McFarland, all Militia officers, ... He hereby relinquishes every
claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that
his name is not on the pension roll of the agency in any state.
                                        John Hawkins
        Sworn and subscribed the
     day and year first aforesaid
                               Israel M Gready clerk


Rev. War Pension Papers of Joseph Hawkins


   S4322

State of Tennessee}
Jackson County    }
                     On this 18th day of March 1834 personally appeared in
open court Before the Circuit Court for the County of Jackson now siting in
the town of Gainesboroug Joseph Hawkins a Resident of the county county<sic>
of Jackson State of Tennessee aged sixty nine years.
Who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on is oath make the
following Declaration in order to obtain the Bennefit of the Act of Congress
passed June 7th 1832.
   That he entered the service of the United States under the following named
officers and served as Herein stated.  In the year 1781 their was a call for
men to go against the Cherokee Indians applicant volunteered as a private
soldier under Captain James McFarland.  This Regiment was commanded by Colo.
McDowel and served this tour of two months was discharge and Returned Home
Home<sic> to His Fathers Residence in Burk County North Carolina whear he
then Resided with His Father.  Their was after His Return Home another call
for men to go against the Torys and British.  Applicant voluntered under his
Former Captain McFarland under the command of Major White and His Former
Colo. McDowel.  Believes this was August or the first part of September 1781.
General Rutherford was our general.  I marched from Burk County near the
Court House to a widow Wards about Eight miles distant from Sherrels Ford on
the Cautaaber River whear the Regiment Rendavoused.  We was then marched to
Wilmington North Carolina and Kept about their untill the place was Evacuated
by the British, we was then marched and encamped near the town we had some
fighting with the Enemys picket guard and the torys, But nothing like a
general engagement while lying and watching about one of our men was Killed
in one of our skirmishes and I understood from a Deserter that came in to us
that we Had Killed seven of the British in our skirmishes in the swamps and
about Blufords Bridge.
...
Interrogatoratories prescribed by the War Department
1  Whear and in what year were you Born.
   Answer.  My parents informed me that I was Born in the State of Maryland
   in about seven miles of Baltimore in the year 1765 on the 7th day of June.

2  I have the Record of my age in my Bible at Home taken from my Fathers
   Record out of His Bible.

3  I Resided in Burk County North Carolina where I first Inlisted in the
   service of the United States.  lived with my Father was young But By leave
   and Incouragement of my Father went to find for my Country.  I continued
   to live with my Father after the war was over untill I got Married then
   continued to Reside in Burk County North Carolina untill the year 1806.  I
   then moved and settled in Jackson County Tennessee whear I now Reside.
...


Rev. War Pension Papers of John Robertson


   W8330

Declaration
In order to obtain the benefit of the 3rd Section of the Act of Congress of
July 4th 1836 and of the 1st Section of Act of the 3rd march 1837
State of Kentucky }
County of Owen    }  On this Sixth day of November one thousand Eight Hundred
and thirty Eight Personally appeared before me A Justice of the peace in and
for the County of Owen and State of Kentucky Sarah Angleton a Resident of the
County of Owen and State of Kentucky Aged Eighty Eight years who being First
duly Sworn according to Law Doth on her Oath make the Following Declaration
in order to obatain the benefit of the Provision made by the Act of Congress
Passed July the 4th one thousand Eight Hundred and thirty Six and the Act
Explanatory of the said Act Passed the third day of March one thousand Eight
Hundred and thirty Seven that she From her great age and Bodily Infirmity is
unable to appear in Court and that She was married to John Robertson in the
County of Price William and State of Virginia by Parson Grissom in the month
of September Seventeen Hundred and Seventy Seventy<sic> Six and She Further
Declares She has caused Diligent Search and Enquirie to be made for Record
evidence of her marriage and has not been able to obtain any and She Prays
that hte best evidence that can be Produced may be Received in her case she
Declares that her Husband the aforesaid John Robertson was in the service in
the War of the Revolution.  She Believes at Least three years under General
Clarke as she believes She cannot say in whose company he was in owing to her
great age and Loss of memory and her husband the aforesaid John Robertson
Died on the Twenty Seven day of April Seventeen hundred and Eighty Four.  She
cannot State what Battles he was in or what Counties or Towns he marched
through but that they Lived Together as man and wife from the Time of their
marriage until his death and that their Eldest Daughter Elizabeth Robertson
was Bron in the Month of December Seventeen hundred and Seventy Eight and in
October Seventeen hundred and Eighty Six she was married to John Angleton who
Died the Twentieth day of August Eighteen hundred and Twenty Eight and that
she was a widow on the Fourth day of July Eighteen hundred and Thirty Six and
Still Remains a widow as Will more fully appear by Reference to the proof
hereto a-----d and she further Declares that her husband John Robertson was
in the Service after their marriage  from under my hand this 6th day of
Novr. 1838                              Elizabeth<sic> Angleton
Say Interlined before Signing

Affidavit by Rebecca Calvert and Tryphena Calvert of Owen County, Kentucky
(not copied)

Affidavit by Elizabeth Johns of Rush County State of Indiana
   State that I am a daughter of the late John Robertson and his widow now
Sarah Angleton of Owen County State of Kentucky.  I was young at the Death of
my Father John Robertson but recollect well of his Returning home from the
Army and of my mother the said Sarah Angleton meeting of him and of Her and
others Stating that my Father the said John Robertson was a Regular Soldier
under Col. Clark and Captain Quick during the War of the Revolution.  I well
recollect of my Father being absent from home and of hearing my mother often
speak of his being in the army at the Time and have often heard her give a
detail of the many dificulties and Trials that she encountered and her
Sufferings and aflictions during his services in the War of the Revolution.
I have no Family Record of my own age but do well Know that I am upwards of
Sixty years Old and was Born previous to my Father Leaving the Service and
was married to James Osborne when I was near about twenty years of age and my
son John was born on the Twentieth day of August Seventeen Hundred and Ninety
Nine and the Above Leef is my True and Jenuine Family Record of the ages of
my Children and in the hand writing of my Late Husband James Osborne and I do
well Know that I am upwards of sixty years Old and do believe that my mother
now Sarah Angleton was married to my Father John Robertson previous to my
Birth and near the commencement of the War of the Revolution and that my
Father was a Regular Soldier under Col. Clark and Capt. Quick For at Least
Three years, and after the death of my Late Husband James Osborne I was
married to Abram Johns.  given under my hand this twenty ninth Oct 1839
                                          her
                                Elizabeth  X  John
                                          mark

Affidavit by Rhodam Neal of Scott County, Kentucky
(not copied)

Affidavit by Bennet Osborne
   I Bennet Osborne state that I have examined the affidavits of Elizabeth
Johns and Rhodham Neal and believe they contain the truth and I was well
accquainted with John Robertson in the State of Maryland and he left there
before the commencement of the Revolution War. and emigrated to the State of
Virginia and I was informed and believe that he married Sarah Angleton the
mother of the said Elizabeth Johns at or near the commencement of the
Revolutionary War. and I have often been informed that he was a soldier in
the War of the Revolution.  I Became acquainted with the said Sarah Angleton
and her Daughter Elizabeth Johns in the year seventeen hundred + ninety three
and the said Elizabeth Johns was from appearance at Least Fourteen or Fifteen
years of age and she resided one year in my Family.  I was at her house about
two years ago in Hancock County and State of Indiana and I was well
acquainted with the hand writing of James Osborn her former husband and
believe the Family Record refered to to be in his hand writing and know it
contains the true age for her son John and believe that her mother the said
Sarah Angleton was Lawfully married to her Father the said John Robinson and
Previous to her Birth and During his services in the War of the Revolution
the said Sarah Angleton, Elizabeth Johns and Rhodham Neal are all well known
to me to be persons of respectability Truth and Piety and full credit aught
to be given to thir Declarations and the said John Angleton has been Dead
Several years and she has remained a Widow ever since his Death.
Given under my hand this 13th day ov Novr 1839
                                Bennett Osbo----


Rev. War Pension Papers of Samuel Robinson


   S4155

Declaration by Samuel Robinson to obtain a pension
State of Tennessee}  ss
Hardin County     }
On this the 18th day of March 1834 personally appeared in open Court being a
Court of Record possessing the power of Fine + imprisonment now sitting
Samuel Robinson a resident of and in said County of Hardin and State of
Tennessee aged Seventy three years in September 1833 who being first duly
sworn according to Law doth on his oath make the following declaration in
order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed June 7th 1833.
That he entered the service of the United States as a volunteer for five
months tour ---- he thinks in the fall of the year 1778 (of which he is not
certain) under the command of Captain Bennet Ausburn Lieutenant Col. Hugh
Parard? + Col. Co--? Fifer? in Burke County in the State of North Carolina +
marched to Peerysburgh South Carolina where we joined the army under the
command of Genl. Rutherford + Major Sharp and then went to the Savannah river
to a place called the Two Sisters.  We also marched to Matthews bluff on
said river where the army under Genl. Lincoln was to cross, whilst at
Matthews bluff this declarant was dispatched with intelligence to Genl. Ashe,
who was on the other opposite side of the river from our encampment, on
Breer Creek, but before I had got far I was recalled by Genl. Rutherford, he
hearing the firing of the guns + the commencement of the battle at brier
Creek between the Americans under the command of Genl. Ashe + the British,
before I got back to our encampment across the river, Genl. Ashe came running
up, having lost his wig, + requested me to carry him across the river in the
canoe in which I had went across when Genl. Ashe got across to our encampment
Genl. Rutherford in an imperious tone demanded to know where his men were,
when this declarent thinks that Genl. Ashe replied that they were gone to
hell for aught he knew + this declarant thinks that Rutherford took Genl.
Ashes sword from him.  From Matthew's bluff we marchd back to the Two Sisters
where we remained until my term of service of 5 months expired where I
received my discharge and went home.
...
This declarant was born in the State of Maryland in Baltimore County on the
7th day of September 1760.  I was living in Burke County North Carolina when
called into service and after the war removed to Pendleton District in South
Carolina + resided there about 15years + from thence to Limeston County
Alabama + lived there 2 years + from thence to Hickman County Tennessee +
lived there two years + from there to Madison County Alabam + resided there
3 years, from which place I removed to Limestone Alabama + ---- there - +
from there I removed in February 1823 to Hardin County Tennessee where I now
reside + have resided ever since.  I am acquainted William Str---, Josiah
Hurley, John Richardson ---- --- ------ who can testify as to my character
for  ----ty, he hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or
annuity except the present + declares that his name is not on the pension
roll of the agency of any State.
Sworn to + subscribed in                       his
open court this 18 March 1834           Samuel  R  Robinson
    John ----ston clk                          mark


Rev. War Pension Papers of Benjamin West


   R11345

Declaration by Benjamin West to obtain a pension
State of Georgia}
Hall County     }  On this the eighteenth day of December eighteen hundred
and thirty two personally appeared in open Court before John Nichols, Samuel
Finly, + Thomas S. Tate Judges of the Inferior Court and now sitting as an
Inferior Court Benjamin West Senr. a resident of Hall County + State of
Georgia age seventy three years who being first duly sworn according to Law
doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the
Benefit of the act of Congress passed the 7th of June 1832.
   That he entered the service of the United States under the following named
officers and Served as herein Stated.  Deponent States that Some time in the
year Seventeen hundred and Seventy Seven he Substituted in the place of his
father and Served a two months tour of duty under Capt McDoll + Liet. Nail
the Regiment to which he belonged was commaned by Colo. Bevard that he lived
in Lincoln County North Carolina at the thime he went into Service and was
marched to the head of the Cataba River against the Indians and at the
expiration of said term of two months deponent enlisted for a six months tour
under the above named Capt McDoll and marched to Guilford Court House North
Carolina and from thence to the Kings Mountain and reached the battle ground
about half an hour after the engagement was over.  Deponent further States
that the Regiment to which he belonged was attached to a Brigade Commanded by
Genl. Clark having Served five months was discharged by Colo. Bevard which
discharge is lost or destroyed.  Deponent Says he was born in the State of
Maryland Baltimore County.  That he has no record of his age that he has
resided in South Carolina and Georgia ever Since the Revolutionary War.  That
he has no documentary evidence + that he Knows of no person whose testimony
he can procure who can testify to his service, except the affadavit annexed.
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension except the present
and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any
State.  Sworn to and Subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
Thos. S. Tate ---                               his
                                        Benjamin x West Senr.
                                                mark

Affidavit by John Simpson
Georgia    }  Personally appeared before me John Simpson who being duly sworn
Hall County}  Saith that he is well acquainted with Benjamin West Sen. the
applicant in the foregoing declaration and that he the deponent Saw Said
applicant at different times during the Revolutionary War and Knows of his
own Knowledge that he served two tours of duty but cannot testify to the
length of time said applicant was in the Service.
        Sworn to and Subscribed before me this
        the 18th day of December 1832
Thomas S. Tate ---                      John Simpson
Declaration by Mrs. Nancy West on 25 Mar 1844 to obtain a pension
   That she is the widow of Benjamin West who was a soldier in the War of the
Revolution in the North Carolina Militia and was a pensioner of the United
States under the act of 7 June 1832 at the rate of $23 23 cents per annum in
Hall County Georgia.  That she was married to the said Benjamin West on the
12th day of June 1788 that he died on the 25d day of November 1842 leaving
her as his widow and that she is still his widow
                                     her
                                Nancy x West
                                     mark

...
   On the 25th day of March 1844 personally appeared before me the Subscriber
a Justice of the Inferior Court for the County and State aforesaid the same
being a court of Record Mrs. Nancy West a resident of said County and State
aged Eighty four years ...

   ... she further states that she was married to the said Benjamin West on
the 12th day of June Seventeen hundred and eighty eight by Joseph Redding a
Minister of the Gospel in Abbeville District, South Carolina where they
resided for the span of 35 years or more and removed from there to Georgia
Hall County where her husband died on the day aforesaid.  That she has no
Documentary evidence of their having been married as aforesaid.  That the
leaf herunto ann---d is the only Family Record they ever had and thtat the same
is a true Record of their Childrens age in the order of their births ...
                                     her
                                Nancy x West
                                     mark

Family Record:  <as shown in a typed record in the pension file>
   James West     born  July     13, 1785.
   Mary West       "    March    24, 1789.
   John West       "    October  16, 1790.
   William West    "    April    17, 1792.
   Benjamin West   "    February 10, 1794.
   Elezebeth West  "    August   20, 1796.
   Rebeccah West   "    August   20, 1798.
   Nancy West      "    March    11, 1801.


Gen. of Richard Osborn-2360


   A Record of the Cope Family, Gilbert Cope, Philadelphia, King &
   Baird, 1861.

   No. 34.  Grace Cope married William Piersol, of Chester County,
Pennsylvania.  They removed soon after marriage to Fayette county,
Pennsylvania.  William died 1848, 8,17; supposed over one hundred years of
age.                       Born              Died
   164.  John..........1782,  7,  4;
   165.  Sarah.........1785,  2, 24;
   166.  Jeremiah......1787,  3,  4;
   167.  Samuel........1789,  7, 24;
   168.  Mary..........1792, 12, 17;
   169.  Elizabeth.....1794, 12,  7;
   170.  William.......1797,  5,  4;
   171.  James.........1799,  5, 29;

   No. 165.  Sarah Piersol was married 1803, 5, 3, to Richard Osborn, of
Fayette County, Pennsylvania.  They removed to Trumbull County, Ohio.
Richard died 1857, 3.
   700.  William.......1804,
   701.  John..........1806, 10,  4;
   702.  Mary..........1810,  4, 24;
   703.  Hiram.........1814,  5,   ;
   704.  Elizabeth.....1817,  4,  3;
   705.  James.........1820,  6,  4;

   No. 700.  William Osborn was married 1823, 1, 16, to Sarah Jordan, of
Trumbull County, Ohio, who died 1851.
   2131. Henry M.......1824, 11, 26;
   2132. Julia.........1826,  5, 27;
   2133. Mary..........1828,  1, 21;    1851, 10, 25.
   2134. Susan.........1830,  2, 13;    1855,  6,  5.
   2135. John..........1832,  6, 16;
   2136. Sarah.........1834,  5, 15;    1851, 10, 29.
   2137. Josiah S......1837,  1, 11;
   3138. James.........1839,  1, 13;
   2139. Calvin........1841,  4,  5;
   2140. Elizabeth.....1843,  6, 29;
   2141. Alice.........1845, 11, 17;
   William married again 1852, 8, 31, to Angeline Current.  They reside in
Trumbull County, Ohio.
   2142. William P.....1853,  8, 11;
   2143. Mary S........1855,  4, 29;
   2144. Mary Ida......1858, 11, 28;

   No. 701.  John Osborn was married 1832, 3, 24, to Abigail Allen, of
Trumbull County, Ohio.  John resides near Salem, Mercer County, Pennsylvania.
Abigail died 1844, 10, 15.
   2145. Hiram B.......1833,  2, 17;
   2146. Almira........1835, 11,  9;
   2147. Sarah.........1837, 10, 21;
   2148. Stephen.......1840,  4,  2;
   2149. James P.......1842,  3, 13;
   2150. William.......1843, 12, 13;
   John married again 1848, 12, 28, to Mary M. Lewis.

   No. 702.  Mary Osborn was married 1825, 10, 6, to William Buck.  They
reside in Mercer County, Pennsylvania.
   <Children listed in book, but I have not copied.>

   No. 703.  Hiram Osborn married Hannah Wilcox.  They reside in Mercer
County, Pennsylvania.
   2158. Jeremiah
   2159. Alfred
   2160. Olive
   2161. Warren
   2162. Taylor
   2163. William
   2164. Cyrenus
   2165. Sarah

   No. 704.  Elizabeth Osborn was married 1834, 7, 17, to Samuel Johnson of
Trumbull County, Ohio.  Their address -- North Jackson, Mahoning County,
Ohio.
   <Children listed in book, but I have not copied.>

   No. 705.  James Osborn was married 1840, 10, 4, to Catharine Eckinroad, of
Mahoning County, Ohio, where they reside.
   2173. Mary Jane
   2174. Eliza Ellen
   2175. Richard Freeman

   No. 2131.  Henry M. Osborn was married 1849, 3, 22, to Jane Osborn.
   Residence -- Lordstown, Trumbull County, Ohio.
   No children.

   No. 2132.  Julia Osborn was married 1847, 10, 28, to Josiah Duncan.
   Residence -- Ottumwa, Wapello County, Iowa.
   <Children listed, but not copied here.>

   No. 2133.  Mary Osborn was married 1847, 4, 15, to Milo Baird.
   <Children listed, but not copied here.>

   No. 2135.  John Osborn was married 1856, 3, 13, to Harriet Osborn.
   Residence -- Lordstown, Trumbull County, Ohio.
   2996. Rachel L. ... born 1856, 12, 8;


Bio. of Albert Clark Osborn


   Minnesota, Its Story and Biography, Henry A. Castle, Chicago,
   Lewis Publishing Co., 1915.  Vol. I, page 947.

   ALBERT CLARK OSBORN.  By reason of the quality and extent of his
usefulness, his commercial stability and acumen, his public spirit, integrity
and proximity to the fundamental requirements of good citizenship, Albert
Clark Osborn affords an encouraging example of success gained through the
proper use of everyday opportunities and abilities.  It may be said of Mr.
Osborn that his career has been a response both to his early teaching and to
the circumstances of his environment, and that he has steadily and
consequtively climbed every round in the business ladder to success.
   Mr. Osborn was born in the City of Cleveland, Ohio, January 9, 1856, and
is a son of Lotan E. and Louiza (Booth) Osborn, of that city, where the
was the proprietor of a large foundry.  When Mr. Osborn was a lad he moved
with his parents to Marquette, Michigan, and there his education was secured
in the public schools, following which he took his place among the world's
workers as a messenger for the M.H. & O. Railroad at Marquette.  He was also
telegraph operator for the same line at that place for one year, and then
went with the family to Ishpeming, Michigan, where he was associated with his
father in the foundry for some time.  Later he entered business on his own
account as a hardware dealer, a line in which he met with much success, and
continued to engage in this business for a period of twenty years, but in
1904 he came to Virginia, Minnesota, and August 20th of that year purchased
the iron works, the name of which he subsequently changed to the Virginia
Foundry and Machine Company.  From comparatively modest beginnings this
enterprise has steadily grown and developed, and is now one of the important
industries of Virginia, being incorporated at $25,000, while its operations
are confined to foundry work, custom being attracted from all over this part
of the state.  The success of this concern must be accredited to Mr. Osborn's
initiative, progressive spirit and modern methods, and to the intelligent use
which he has made of every opportunity that has presented itself.  He is the
sole owner of this successful business, to which he has devoted the greater
part of his attention, although he has other extensive interests, being
secretary and vice president of the Pillsbury Realty Company, of Virginia,
and president of the Greenwood Cemetery Association.  He is prominent in
Masonry, belonging to the Shrine and having attained the thirty-second
degree, and is also a member of the K.C.C.H.  At one time Mr. Osborn was vice
president of the Commercial Club.  His contributions to the city's
advancement and development have been numerous and of a most important
character.  While president of the city council, a position in which he
served for four years, he was influential in building the road to Gilbert, as
well as the sidewalks to the park and cemetery, and took a leading part in
fostering the movement for the purchase of the light and water company's
plant, which was later secured for the city.  At all times a most active and
energetic man, whether engrossed in his own work or in that of civic
improvement, Mr. Osborn occupies a prominent place among his fellow-citizens
and is accounted a worthy type of the men who have been instrumental in
building up Virginia's interests.
   Mr. Osborn was married in 1870, at Ishpeming, Michigan, to Miss Elvena M.
Bacon, a native of Wisconsin, and a daughter of Hastings B. Bacon, an
insurance man and superintendent of mines.  One daughter was born to this
union, Maybert L., who died in 1905, at the age of twenty-three years.


Bio. of William Merritt Osband


   Past and Present of Washtenaw County, Michigan, Samuel W. Beakes,
   Chicago, S.J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1906.  Page 361.

WILLIAM MERRITT OSBAND.
   William Merrit Osband, who since 1887 has been interested in The
Ypsilantian and since 1893 has been sole owner and editor, was born in
Newark, Wayne county, New York, June 25, 1836.  His father, Wilson Osband,
was for many years a minister of the Methodist Episcopal church.  He married
Susanna Sherman, who was of New England descent.  The ancestry of the Osband
family can be traced back to Weaver Osband, an officer of the Revolutionary
war.  In the maternal line Mr. Osband is descended from two prominent
familes, the Shermans and the Lawtons, conspicuous among the Rhode Island
troops in the Revolutionary war.  The ancestral line of the Sherman family
has been traced back to Suffolk, England, where representatives of the name
were prominent and influential and their coat of arms shows that they won
renown in the crusades.
   William Merritt Osband was reared on a farm and was a student in the
district schools of Arcadia, Wayne county, New York, and afterward a
public-school student in Newark, that state.  His more advance educational
work was done in Genesee College, now Syracuse University, in which he
completed the classical course and was graduated with the degree of Bachelor
of Arts on the 25th of June, 1861.  He then entered upon an era of
educational work, which won him more than local renown as an instuctor.  In
August following his graducation he became professor of mathematics and
natural science in Gouverneur Wesleyan Seminary, at Gouverneur, St. Lawrence
county, New York, and in 1864 he was tendered and accepted the professorship
of mathematics in Alberta University at Bellville, Ontario.  In 1865,
desiring to settle in the west, he came to Michigan, and organized the graded
schools at Northville, subsequent to which time he settled in Ypsilanti in
the autumn of 1867, but returned to Northville in 1868.  He had charge of the
schools of Chelsea in 1870-1 and in the autumn of the latter year was elected
principal of the preparatory department and associated professor of chemistry
of Olivet College.  In 1872 he was chosen professor of natural science in
Albion College, where he remained until February, 1878, when through the
failure of his health he was obliged to give up his educational work and
return to Ypsilanti.  His ability to impart clearly, readily and concisely to
others the knowledge that he had acquired, his personal interest in his
pupils and his effective and earnest efforts for their advancement won him
wide reputation and made his labors most effective in the promotion of
educational progress in Michigan.