\osborne\biograph\bio_b Updated: 8/9/2006
Bio. of B.F. Osborn-6209
Biographical and Historical Record of Greene and Carroll Counties, Iowa,
Chicago, The Lewis Publishing Co., 1887. Page 454. (transcript)
[See the 1907 bio. of Benjamin Franklin Osborn-6209]
[See the bio. of Jonathan William Osborn-6208]
B.F.OSBORN, of Rippey, was born in Westville, Indiana, July 17, 1854, son of
William Osborn, a native of that State. He removed to Iowa in 1870. He was
educated at Des Moines University, graduating with the degree of A.M. in
1876. He then engaged for one year in the grain and stock business in
Perry, Iowa, and has since been connected with the drug business. He came
to Rippey in the spring of 1878, and established the first drug store in the
village. He has one of the largest private collections of geological
specimens in the State. He was married May 17, 1876, to Miss Mittie
Shelton, daughter of George P. Shelton. They have three children -- William
S., Winnie and Wayne. He is serving his second term as county supervisor.
Benjamin Osborn-781 Family Bible
Belonging to Benjamin Miller "Kelly" Osborne
This Bible apparently originally belonged to Benjamin Osborn
(b. 5/5/1786), of Scott Co., KY. After his death, his widow,
Agatha Osborn, remarried Ben Miller Osborn (b. 8/19/1816).
Data pertaining to the family of John Osborn (b. 9/7/1788,
brother of Benjamin Osborn and father of Ben Miller Osborn) was
then apparently written into the Bible. It is known from probate
records that Benjamin's only heirs were Agatha, his wife, and
children Mary Jane, Benjamin, Tennessee, and John William Osborn.
Also, according to a county history, Ben Miller Osborn had two
sisters, but they were not named. On this basis, I believe that
the Catherine A. Osborn and Permelia F. Osborn mentioned in this
Bible are the sisters of Ben Miller Osborn and daughters of John
Osborn. Comments in "<>" are mine.
This Bible was severely damaged in a flood. The title pages are
missing, so the publisher and date of publication are unknown.
The inside covers are badly faded. There are numerous entries
on the covers, probably of slave births, that are illegible.
Births
Alonzo B. Graves was b. 11/19/1838
<son of Milton W. Graves + Catherine Osborn?>
Benjamin A. Branum was b. 3/20/1828
<would seem to be Benjamin Osborne Branham, listed below with
birthdate of 3/20/1827, son of Fannie Osborne and Tavner Branham
correspondance with his descendant Scott Ware>
John Milton Graves was b. 6/27/1840 (overwritten by 6/28/ in pencil)
<son of Milton W. Graves + Catherine Osborn?>
John William Osburn was b. 10/21/1858 <son of Benjamin and Agatha>
Agatha Osburn was b. 10/25/1824 <wife of Benjamin>
Mary Lena Graves was b. 6/25/1865 <dau. of John B. Graves + Mary Jane Osborn?>
Wm. Osborn b. 1747 <father of Benjamin and John>
Patience Hawkins Osborn b. 1752 <mother of Benjamin and John>
Ben Miller Osborn, Jr. b. 12/27/1890 <father of "Kelly" Osborne>
Deaths
John Osburn d. 11/7/1822 <brother of Benjamin and father of Ben Miller Osborn>
Wm. Osborn d. 2/15/1832 <father of Benjamin and John>
Patience Osborn d. 1833 <mother of Benjamin and John>
Katherine Ann Osborn d. 6/4/1844 <is this Mrs. Catherine Applegate?>
Tennessee Osburn d. 12/8/1849 <the Tennessee born 11/--/1847?>
Benjamin Osborn d. 3/17/1866 <THE Benjamin Osborn>
Ben Miller Osborn, Jr. d. 5/16/1923 <father of "Kelly" Osborne>
Births
Katharine Osburn was b. 4/27/1764 <is this Mrs. Catherine Applegate?>
Benjamin Osburn b. 5/5/1786 <THE Benjamin Osborn>
Agatha Osburn b. 10/25/1824 <Agatha Cartinour, Benjamin's second wife>
Mary Jane Osburn b. 5/25/1848 <dau. of Benjamin + Agatha>
Tennesse Osborn b. 11/--/1849(7?) <dau. of Benjamin + Agatha?>
Benjamin Osburn was b. 12/24/1829(37?,57?) <son of Benjamin + Agatha?>
Tennessee Osborn was b. 8/25/1853 <dau. of Benjamin + Agatha>
Benjamin M. (Miller pencilled in) Osburn was b. 8/19/1816 <son of John>
Katharine Ann Osburn was b. 10/7/1822 <dau. of John?>
John Osburn was b. 9/7/1788 <THE John Osborn>
William Burton was b. 8/31/1800 <who is this?>
George W. Osborn was b. 12/6/1809 <who is this?>
Benjamin Osborne Branham was b. 3/20/1827
<son of Benjamin Osborn's sister Fannie and Tavner Branham,
correspondance with his descendant Scott Ware>
Marriages
Catharine A. was m. to Milton W. Graves 6/27/1837 <dau. of John?>
Permelia F. was m. to William Griffith 3/3/1842 <dau. of John?>
C. West and Ann Eliza Applegate was m. 8/26/1828 <dau. of Mrs. Catherine
Applegate?>
Agatha was m. to Benjamin 8/17/1847 <Agatha Cartinour>
Mary Jane was m. to John B. Graves 8/2/1864 <dau. of Benjamin + Agatha>
Agatha was m. to Benjamin (Miller pencilled in) Osborn 7/21/----
<Agatha m. 2nd to Ben Miller Osborn, John's son>
Numerous slave births were recorded, but I had no time to copy them.
Bio. of Benjamin F. Ozbun-2691
Old Settlers of Greene County, Illinois
Page 50. (transcript) Contributed by William W. Osborne.
[See the bio. of Daniel T. Ozbun-6121]
[See the 1885 bio. of Benjamin F. Ozbun-2691]
BENJAMIN F. OZBUN was born in Sumner county, Tennessee, Nov. 11, 1810,
and is the fourth of a family of seven children of Bartholomew and Elizabeth
Ozbun. Bartholomew Ozbun was a native of Botetourt county, Va., and was
born in the year 1777. His father, Benjamin Ozbun, had two sons who served
in the army during the revolutionary war, and after peace was declared,
Benj. Ozbun removed, with his family, to North Carolina, where he was
engaged in farming a few years. He then settled, with his family, in
Bourbon county, Ky., lived there between six and eight years, and then left
the "dark and bloody ground" for the more genial climate of Sumner county,
Tenn., where he soon became quite a large planter, growing, as the staple
crops, cotton and corn. He continued to reside on his plantation until his
death. Bartholomew Ozbun was married, in 1805, to Elizabeth Abbott,
daughter of John and Margaret Abbott. Mr. Abbott was an old soldier in the
struggle for American liberty. In the fall of 1816 Mr. Ozbun moved, with
his young family, to the territory of Illinois, locating on a tract of land,
and the following spring his wife and his youngest son were prostrated by
the malarious disease infecting that neighborhood, and, after a brief
illness, died. Disheartened by the loss of his wife and child, whose deaths
occurred in July, 1817, he soon after returned to the scenes of his boyhood
in Sumner county, and there bought a portion of the farm which he had
previously owned. Soon after, he married Elizabeth Bandy, by whom he had
four sons and two daughters. About the year 1860 he came to Greene county,
and soon after died.
Benjamin F. Ozbun came to the territory of Illinois with his parents in
1816, though most of his early boyhood was spent in clearing up his father's
farm, and, like boys of that period, he early became inured to the toils of
farm labor, and it is said that he has split more rails than the illustrious
Lincoln himself, though he did not happen to become President. The old
gentleman is an original genius, and a fair type of a Tennesseean. In 1832
he left home and went to Greene county, Ind., where he stayed until the fall
of 1834, when he located in Greene county, Ill., landing here with fifty
cents in silver and a horse; and with that outfit he set out for himself.
His first work was done for that veteran pioneer, Samuel Thomas, at twelve
dollars per month. Not liking a bachelor's life, with the accustomed
Tennessee gallantry he concluded, as he humorously expressed it, "to take a
wife in out of the cold," in the person of Miss Nancy McCool. Their union
took place on the 9th of July, 1837. She was born in Pope county, Ill.,
August 10, 1817, and was the daughter of Jesse McCool, who was formerly from
Ireland. After his marriage, Mr. Ozbun moved on the farm which he
previously purchased, situated in the northeast part of the county, near the
sulphur springs. In 1857 they moved on the farm where they now reside,
about three and a half miles south of Carrollton. They have had ten
children, four of whom are deceased. Their eldest daughter, Elizabeth J.,
is the wife of John Roberts, resident of this county. A sad bereavement to
the family occurred in August, 1872, occasioned by the accidental death of
their son, George W. Ozbun. Mr. Ozbun can be considered to have been
successful. Besides raising a large family, he has surrounded himself with
the comforts of home. Democratic principles seem to have been inborn in Mr.
Ozbun. He says he remembers seeing the old "Hermitage" and its illustrious
owner. He voted first for Andrew Jackson for President, and has made it a
point to vote at each secceeding election. He is classed as among the old
settlers of Greene county.
Bio. of Benjamin F. Ozbun-2691
History of Greene and Jersey Counties, Illinois, Springfield, IL,
Continental Historical Co., 1885. Page 793. (transcript)
[See another bio. of Benjamin F. Ozbun-2691]
[See the bio. of Daniel T. Ozbun-6121]
Benjamin F. Ozbun was born in Sumner county, Tenn., Nov. 18, 1810, his
parents being Bartholomew and Elizabeth (Abbott) Ozbun, natives of Virginia.
He came with his parents to the territory of Illinois, in 1816, and most of
his boyhood days were spent in clearing up his father's farm, so that he
became proficient in the duties of farm-life. In the year 1832, he removed
to Greene county, Ind., where he remained until the fall of 1834, when he
came to Greene county, Ill., landing here with 50 cents in silver and a
horse which he had rode all the way from Tennessee. He began work for
Samuel Thomas, one of the early pioneers, at $12 per month. He worked
around for about two years, and on the 9th of July, 1837, was united in
marriage with Nancy McCool, born Aug. 10, 1817, in Pope county, Ill. She
was the daughter of Jesse and Jane McCool. By this union there were 10
children, six of whom are living -- John F., married Lena Lesman, resides in
Kane township; Daniel T., spoken of elsewhere; Robert B., lives at home;
Jane E., wife of John Roberts, residing in Kansas; Jesse A., married Mary
Ryan, lives in this township; and Mary M. Those deceased are Bartholomew,
George W., Lucy A. and James L. After his marriage he moved on the farm he
had previously purchased, in the northeast part of the county. In 1857,
they moved on the farm where they now reside, on Sec. 3, T. 9, R. 12. He
owned 220 acres of land on sections 3 and 10 at the time of his death, and
his family were surrounded with all the comforts of a good home. He was, in
politics, a democrat and his first vote for president was cast for Andrew
Jackson, whose principles he followed ever afterward. He died July 18,
1885, leaving his wife and children to deeply mourn the loss of a kind
husband and a loving father, and the community to regret the loss of so good
a citizen. He was buried in the Carrollton cemetery. The farm is now
managed by his son, Robert. He was one of the oldest settlers of Greene
county, and but few of our readers can imagine what those pioneers had to go
through when they settled in the now rich and fertile Greene county. They
are one by one passing away, and may a rich reward be theirs.
Bio. of Daniel T. Ozbun-6121
History of Greene and Jersey Counties, Illinois, Springfield, IL,
Continental Historical Co., 1885. Page 794. (transcript)
[See the 1905 bio. of Daniel T. Ozbun-6121]
[See the bio. of Benjamin F. Ozbun-2691]
Daniel T. Ozbun was born in Greene county on the 7th of Oct., 1839, his
parents being Benjamin and Nancy (McCool) Ozbun, natives of Tennessee. They
came from that state to Greene county, Ill., about the year 1835, and
located in Kane township. Daniel T. Ozbun was reared on the farm, but
learned the carpenter's trade, at which he has worked, off and on, all his
life. He made his home with his parents until he was 35 years of age, at
which time he started out for himself, buying 80 acres of land on section 3.
He cleared it off, built a house, into which he moved, and on this land has
since lived. He now owns 120 acres of land, on which he has worked very
hard, most of it having been timber. He has the greater portion cleard off,
and has a nice residence, and his surroundings show him to be an energetic,
industrious man. He was married, April 7, 1875, to Susan J. Summers,
daughter of Ezekiel and Elizabeth (Tunnell) Summers. They have three
children -- Charles U., born Feb. 22, 1876; Alice E., born Oct. 25, 1878;
Jackson L., born Feb. 6, 1881. Mrs. Ozbun is a member of the M.E. church.
Mr. Ozbun has held the office of school director five years.
Bio. of Daniel T. Ozbun-6121
Past and Present of Greene County, Illinois, Chicago, The S.J.
Clark Publishing Co., 1905. Page 526. (transcript)
[See the 1885 bio. of Daniel T. Ozbun-6121]
[See the bio. of Benjamin F. Ozbun-2691]
DANIEL T. OZBUN.
The attractiveness of Greene county as a place of residence is indicated
by the fact that many of its native sons have continued to remain as its
citizens after reaching manhood. Among this number is Mr. Ozbun, who is now
successfully carrying on farming near Carrollton. He was born in Roodhouse
township, Greene county, on 7th of October, 1839, and is a son of Benjamin
F. Ozbun. The family is of Scotch and Welsch lineage and was established in
America in early colonial days. Representatives of the name removing to
Tennessee became owners of large plantations there. The grandfather,
Bartholomew Ozbun, who was born in North Carolina on the 10th of March,
1776, went to Tennessee, where he remained for a number of years and some of
his brothers became residents of Indiana. The grandfather, accompanied by
his son Benjamin F., came to Illinois in 1834, his son Daniel having
previously located in Greene county. In 1816 the grandfather had made a
trip to the southern portion of Illinois, where he remained for a year, but
later returned to Tennessee and afterward spent a short time in Indiana. In
1832, however, he again went to Indiana and located in Greene county there,
where he remained until 1834, when he came to Greene county, Illinois. He
was married to Miss Elizabeth Abbott, who was born November 16, 1785.
Among their children was Benjamin Ozbun, the father of our subject, whose
birth occurred in Sumner county, Tennessee, Noveber 18, 1810. With his
father he came to Illinois in the fall of 1834, becoming a resident of
Greene county. At that time he had a cash capital of fifty cents and he
also owned a horse, which he had ridden from Tennessee to Indiana and
afterward to this state. He began work for Samuel Thomas for twelve dollars
per month and was employed in the neighborhood as a farm hand for about two
years. He was then married on the 9th of July, 1837, the lady of his choice
being Miss Nancy McCool, a native of Polk county, Tennessee. They became
the parents of ten children, of whom four are now living. After their
marriage the young couple settled on a tract of land which he had entered
from the government in the northwestern part of the county and he at once
began to cultivate and improve what hitherto had been raw prairie. He
resided thereon until 1854, when he sold the property and for a few years
rented land from Samuel Thomas. In 1857, however, he purchased one hundred
and twenty acres in the northwestern part of Kane township and continued to
make his home thereon throughout his remaining days. As his financial
resources increased he added to this from time to time until he became the
owner of two hundred and forty acres. He was there engaged in general
farming and his enterprise and business activity were salient
characteristics in his life. He was also a good citizen and kind and
devoted husband and father. He passed away July 18, 1885, amid the deep
regret of many friends. His son Robert then took up the management of the
farm for his mother, who resided upon the old homestead until her death,
which occurred on the 7th of March, 1895.
Daniel, spending his boyhood days under the parental roof, was sent to
the subscription schools at an early day and when he put aside his
text-books he learned the carpenter's trade, living at home up to the time
of his marriage, which important event in his life was celebrated the 7th of
April, 1875. He wedded Susan J. Summers, a native of Virginia and a
daughter of Ezekiel and Elizabeth (Tunnell) Summers, also natives of
Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. Ozbun had five children: Charles U., who is now
living on the old homestead; Alice E., now the wife of H.W. Forman, clerk of
Carrollton township, and a resident of Carrollton; Jackson L., who was born
February 6, 1881, and died July 30, 1903; Allen Tunnell, who was born
November 6, 1885, and died July 8, 1886; and Elmer, who was born September
3, 1889, and is at home with his parents.
At the time of his marriage Mr. Ozbun purchased eighty acres of land,
upon which he now resides. It was a timber tract and, clearing away the
trees, he plowed the fields, planted his crops and in due course of time
developed rich tracts. He inherited forty acres of the homestead property
and he purchased sixty acres in addition to the homestead. He has
altogether at the present time one hundred and eighty acres of land, which
is very arable and productive and he is now successfully carrying on general
farming. He also raises cattle and hogs and has added to his income in this
way. There are good buildings on his place, well located, and there is also
excellent bearing orchards. Mr. Ozbun has served as a school director and
the cause of education finds in him a warm friend, for he realizes the value
of instruction as a preparation for the practical and responsible duties of
life. He and his family have long been connected with the Methodist
Episcopal church as faithful and helpful members, and he gives his political
allegiance to the Democracy. He is a man of firm convictions, of strong
purposes and honorable motives, and his life record is in many respects well
worthy of commendation.
Bio. of Benjamin Franklin Osburn
Portrait and Biographical Album of Jackson county, Iowa, Chicago,
Chapman Brothers, 1889. Page 452. (transcript)
[See the 1889 bio. of Ebenezer Osburn]
[See the bio. of Orson F. Osburn]
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN OSBURN. The Osburn family has borne no unimportant part
in the development of Jackson County, numerous representatives of them
having come to this section during its pioneer days, at a time when such men
as they were most needed. The subject of this notice owns and operates a
farm of 115 acres on section 10 in Van Buren Township. Upon this he was
born Oct. 27, 1851, and grew to manhood, receiving his education in the
district school, and becoming familiar with the various de-<sic> departments
of agriculture.
Our subject is the son of Samuel and Betsey (Barker) Osburn, who were
natives of New York. The father is deceased, but the mother resides with
her son B.F. Their family consisted of nine children, and Franklin, our
subject, was the only one born in this State. He spent his early years
after the manner of the most farmers' sons, and when twenty-six years of age
was married, March 28, 1877, to Miss Ellen Perkins. This lady was born in
Jackson County, Iowa, April 9, 1856, and is the daughter of Charles A. and
Winnie Ann (Stallard) Perkins, who were among the pioneer settlers of that
county, and are now residents of Washington Township, this county. Mr. and
Mr.<sic> Osburn began their wedded life together in Van Buren Township, and
are the parents of one child, only, a son, Orson, who was born March 21,
1881.
Mr. Osburn gives his support to the Republican party. Other members of
the Osburn family are fairly represented elsewhere in this volume, and it
will be noted that they have made their mark in both its social and business
circles. They have mostly followed agriculture, and are without exception
well-to-do and reputable citizens.
Rev. War Pension Papers of Bennett
Osborn - 82
W26603, BLWt 155448-160-55
Lived in Burke Co., NC during the Rev.
12/12/1778 Entered the militia service under his brother Capt. Benj. Orsburn
who raised a volunteer corp. This company was a part of the
Regt. of Col. Brevard and attached to Genl. Rutherford's
Brigade. Marched to the Savannah Riv. about 25 miles above
Savannah Town + joined Genl. Lincoln in 1779.
5/8/1779 Discharged after 5 months service.
1779 Served 3 months under Capt. George Johnson and returned home
in 1780.
1780 Joined a light horse company raised + commanded by Wm. Adams +
served 3 months + 10 days. This company was --- a part of Col.
Brevard's Regt. or rather under Lincoln.
10//1782 After taking Cornwallis Cols. McDowell + Hearn were authorized to
raise a Regt. of 500 mounted men to go against the hostile
Creeks. Joined the Regt. under Capt Willson and acted as
Lieut. to said company, James Weathers, Ensign. Served
6 weeks.
11//1813 Marr. Rebecca Kirtly in Woodford Co., KY by Cornelius Riddle.
Woodford Co., KY marr. bond dated 11/2/1813; Rich'd Taylor bm.
8/20/1832 Res. of Scott Co., KY, aged 68 on 2/6/1832.
12/6/1841 Died.
5/16/1853 Widow, age 77, states Bennett Osborn served as a private and Lt.
in the South<sic> Carolina Line.
W. 26,603 Bty. Land Wt. 15448-160-55
Bennett Osborn-40 Civil War Pension Papers
ca 1834 Born in Owen Co., KY
8/5/1851 Married to Mary Baldwin at Delphi, Carroll Co., IN.
2/15/1862 Enrolled at Reynolds, IN in Co. D, 63rd Regt of IN Vol.
11/18/1862 Discharged due to injury to hand at Battle of Bull Run in
VA on 8/13/1862. Personal description: age 28, 5'11", light
complexion, blue eyes, light hair. Corporal at discharge.
12/5/1863 Enrolled as private in Co. F, 128 Regt, IN Vol. Inf.
9/15/1865 Discharged at Salisbury, NC.
5/18/1871 Applied for invalid pension.
8/5/1886 Bennett Osborn, resident of Sidney, Champaign Co., IL, applies
for pension.
8/4/1898 Seven children, four living: Charles b. 1852, Alice b. 1855,
Pollard b. 1857, Susan b. 1860.
10/30/1912 Mary Osborn applies for a survivors pension.