\osborne\biograph\newbio5 Updated: 8/17/2013
Bio. of Ephraim D. Osburn
History of Trigg County, Historical and Biographical, ed. W.H. Perrin,
F.A. Battey Pub. Co., Chicago, 1884. Page 260. [Rock Castle Precinct]
[Copied from http://www.starbase21.com/kybiog/trigg/osburn.ed.txt (KY Biography Project)]
EPHRAIM D. OSBURN, farmer, was born in Trigg County, Ky., May 4, 1842, and
is a son of Miles and Margaret (Sanders) Osburn, the former a native of
Mississippi, the latter a native of Kentucky, of English descent,
respectively. Miles Osburn came to Kentucky when quite young; was reared
by his half-brother, and remained with him till [sic] he was married; he
then settled in Rock Castle Precinct, and followed farming; he remained
there till [sic] the fall of 1883, when he sold out and moved to Illinois,
where he now resides; he is a member of the church, and one of the leading
citizens of Trigg County. Ephraim D. Osburn remained with his parents
until January 16, 1864, when he was married to Sarah E. Luttrell, a native
of Kentucky. Nine children blessed their union, of whom five sons and one
daughter are living. At about the age of eighteen Mr. Osburn learned the
carpenter trade, and follows it in connection with farming, his principal
occupation. In 1862 he enlisted in the Eighth Kentucky Regiment, Company
B, and served three years. Mr. Osburn is a firm believer in the doctrine
of the Baptist Church; he owns a farm in Rock Castle Precinct, and is one
of the representative men in the county. Politically he is a Democrat.
Bio. of Thomas Osborn
Portrait and Biographical Record of Guernsey County, Ohio,
C.O. Owen & Co., Chicago, 1895. Page 439. (transcript)
Also on page 439 of Portrait and Biographical
Record of Tuscarawas County, Ohio, C.O. Owen &
Co., Chicago, 1895.
THOMAS OSBORN. It is a pleasure to the biographer to head this sketch with
the name of the man who is Mayor of Mineral Point, and who is in every
sense worthy of the distinction afforded him by honorable mention among the
distinguished citizens of the county. He is a native of England, having
been born in Cornwall, March 2, 1846, to William and Susan (Smale) Osborn.
Grandfather Thomas Osborn was also a native of England, and was born in
Cornwall. He was a miner by occupation, and passed his entire life in his
native isle, dying when in the seventy-sixth year of his age. His wife bore
him sixteen children, three sons and thirteen daughters, all of whom lived
to mature years and became heads of families. Richard, who was the only
member of the household to come to the United States, was killed in a mine
in California in 1868. He left a wife and six children in England.
William Osborn followed the occupation in which his father was engaged,
and in 1867, when sixty-two years of age, departed this life. He was twice
married. His first wire bore him a son and daughter, and his second union,
which was celebrated, with Susan Smale, resulted in the birth of three
children: Richard, Thomas and Eliza J. The elder son came to the United
States in 1869, and died in March, 1890. He became the father of five
children by two marriages. Eliza J. died in England. Mrs. Osborn crossed
the Atlantic for the New World in 1872. She was a daughter of Thomas Smale,
a farmer by occupation in England, and departed this life in February, 1888,
in Mineral Point.
He whose name heads this sketch received but limited opportunity for
gaining an education, for when a lad of ten years he was compelled to make
his own living, and began working in the copper mines. He was very
industrious and economical, and when nineteen years of age had his time
given him, and added to his savings the money earned by working in the
mines. In November, 1865, desirous of seeing something of America, and
thinking it the place to better his financial condition, young Osborn
embarked on a vessel which landed him in New York Harbor thirteen days
later. He made his way from the metropolis to Northumberland County, Pa.,
where he obtained work, and the following spring worked his way West. In
the winter of 1866-67 he located in Canton, this state, where he followed
mining for about two years, when he sent a pass for his brother Richard to
come to America. His next move brought him to Sandyville, where he married,
and whence he went to New Philadelphia. Remaining in that city only a short
time, we find him in April, 1870, living in Mineral Point, which has been
his abiding-place since, during which time he has been engaged in mining, in
the employ of Charles Edwards Holden, with the exception of twenty months,
when he was engaged in the hotel business in Mineral Point. In the year
1872 he sent for his mother and niece, who was two years old, and adopted
her. In 1876 he sold his home and went to California, but came back in
eight weeks "broke," and started anew. In 1885 he again left home, this
time going to Missouri to embark in a coal speculation, which also failed.
Always active in all measures for the good of the community, Mr. Osborn
has rendered his fellow-citizens great assistance in municipal affairs. For
thirteen years lie has been Superintendent and mine boss for C. E. Holden,
and for two terms was Councilman. In April, 1898, be was brought
prominently forward as a candidate for the position of Mayor, and was
elected by a handsome majority. The same year he was chosen Justice of the
Peace, the duties of which office he discharges with characteristic
fidelity, and to the satisfaction of all. Formerly a Democrat, be is now
identified with the People's party. His principles are those of a true
American, and he believes that every man should vote according to his own
convictions. He is a man of genial and kindly disposition, one whose
friendship is sought, and with whom an acquaintance always develops into a
kindlier feeling. Socially he is a prominent Odd Fellow, and belongs to
the Knights of Pythias.
Mr. Osborn was married, September 29, 1869, to Miss Lucinda Stoody, a
native of this county, and the daughter of George and Mary (Walters) Stoody,
natives, respectively, of Pennsylvania and Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. Osborn
have had no children of their own, but have reared an adopted daughter of
Mr. Osborn's sister, and four of his brother Richard's children, since his
death, have made their home with them. His wife is a member in excellent
standing in the Lutheran Church. He landed in this country with but fifty
cents in his pocket, and the position which he has attained among his
fellows is worthy of emulation, and we therefore are pleased to present to
our readers this record of his well spent life.
Bio. of John R. Osborn
Centennial History of Columbus and Franklin County, Ohio,
Chicago-Columbus, The S.J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1909.
Vol. II, page 339. (transcript)
JOHN R. OSBORN.
John R. Osborn is serving for the third term as trustee of Blendon
township and enjoys in large measure the confidence and good will of those
who know him. His birth occurred in this township January 24, 1869, and he
has always resided upon the old homestead farm, which was the property of
his father, Ralph Osborn. The family was founded in Franklin county at a
very early period in its settlement. The grandfather, George Osborn, is a
native of Connecticut and was one of the first to locate in this part of the
state. He conducted a tavern here in pioneer times in the days when travel
was done by stage and his home was a place of entertainment for those who
journeyed over the road. At that time there was only one house between his
home and Columbus. In addition to conducting the tavern he also had a small
farm but continued to carry on the hotel business throughout his active
life. His children were Charles, Carlisle, Hiram, Ralph and Mary.
Of this family Ralph Osborn, father of our subject, was born in Blendon
township, February 4, 1818. His entire life was spent here on a farm and
he successfully carried on the work of tilling the soil and also engaged
in buying and selling stock. He owned about two hundred acres of land,
which he brought under a high state of cultivation, the fields responding
annually with golden harvests to the care and labor which he bestowed upon
them. His entire life was spent in two dwellings, which were only a quarter
of a mile apart. He was a life long democrat and also for many years
a consistent and faithful member of the Presbyterian church. He married
Susan T. Vincent, and they were well known as worthy pioneer people who
enjoyed to the fullest extent the good will and confidence of those who knew
them. The death of Ralph Osborn occurred when he had reached the age of
eighty-eight years and nine months. He was at that time one of the oldest
native residents of the county, haying witnessed almost its entire
development from the time when the white settlers invaded the hunting
grounds of the Indians and claimed the country for the purpose of civiliza-
tion. His wife was born in Delaware county and still survives at the age of
seventy-three years, making her home with her son John. Mr. Osborn had
been married twice, the children of his first marriage being: Carl, of
Emporia, Kansas; Hiram, a stock buyer living in Westerville; Henrietta, who
makes her home in Columbus; Clarence, also of that city. By the second
union there were also four children, as follows: Louise, the wife of
McClellan Tyler, a resident of Parks Mills; John R. of this review; Abbie,
the wife of William Taggert of Linden, and Nellie, the wife of Otto
Neiswander, a resident of Columbus.
No event of special importance served to break the monotony of farm
life for John R. Osborn in his boyhood. Later regarding this work as one
which he believed would prove a congenial life occupation, he began farming
on his own account, remaining on the old homestead, where he now owns
and cultivates one hundred acres of land, situated in Blendon township,
about two and a half miles south of Westerville. It is on the old plank
road which was once the traveled highway of this part of the state. As the
years have gone by he has placed his fields under a high state of
cultivation, introducing modern methods of farming in the achievement of
results which have brought him gratifying prosperity.
In 1891 Mr. Osborn was united in marriage to Miss Nellie Stump, a native
of Delaware county, and a daughter of Roy and Martha (Budd) Stump. They
have one child, Pearl. In politics Mr. Osborn has been a life-long democrat
and has been called to several local offices, serving now for the third term
as township trustee, in which position he has discharged his duties with
promptness and fidelity as indicated in his reelection. He is always on
the side of improvement and progress and in citizenship does effective work
for general advancement.
Bio. of James Denny Osborn-4665
A Centennial Biographical History of the City of Columbus and Franklin
County, Ohio, Chicago, The Lewis Publishing Co., 1901.
Page 911. (transcript)
[See the bios. of Samuel Galloway Osborn-5857]
JAMES DENNY OSBORN.
Among the prominent families of Columbus, one of its foremost, is that
which was established by Hon. Ralph Osborn, and of which James Denny Osborn
is a worthy representative. James Denny Osborn, Sr., son of Hon. Ralph
Osborn and father of our subject, was born near Circleville, Pickaway
county, Ohio, in 1814, the second in order of birth of the 15 children of
his parents.
Hon. Ralph Osborn was a member of the state senate of Ohio, and was for
eighteen years auditor of the state. He broke down under stress of hard
work, and died in 1835, after an all too brief career of usefulness and
honor, which made him well known throughout the country. He was an
unswerving Whig. He married Catherine Renick, of Pickaway county, Ohio.
In 1816, when his son, James Denny Osborn, was two years old, he took up
his residence in Columbus. About 1827, at the age of about thirteen years,
the son became a clerk in the dry-goods and general store of Francis
Stewart, and after 1840 the firm was known as Stewart & Osborn. Mr. Osborn
was an active businessman until he died, May 5, 1865, aged fifty-two years.
He was not only a prominent merchant, but was in a sense a banker to most
of the farmers in Franklin county, and he was faithful to every trust
reposed in him. His life was a busy and a successful one, and he left an
ample estate. His wife was Emeline Lathrop, daughter of Dr. Horace Lathrop,
who came to Columbus from Waynesville, Warren county, and practiced medicine
there for many years. Not only was he a prominent private practitioner, but
he long held the office of physician to the state penitentiary, and the fact
that when cholera broke out in that institution he remained at his post of
duty and did everything that he could for these criminal but unfortunate
patients, is a fact in local medical history. Born in the year 1800, he was
educated in the state of New York, and died in 1848. Mrs. Osborn is still
living in Columbus, in good health and in the possession of all her
faculties, and takes a deep interest in everything pertaining to the
advancement of the city and of Franklin county.
James Denny Osborn and Emeline (Lathrop) Osborn had children as follows:
Charles Lathrop Osborn is a retired businessman of Columbus. He married
Miss Mary Galloway, a daughter of the Hon. Samuel Galloway and a sister of
Hon. Tod B. Galloway. Frank Stewart Osborn, of New York city, married
Margaret Andrews, they daughter of the late Dr. A.L. Andrews, who was
president of the Ohio State Bank. Jennie L. Osborn married the late William
Faxon, who was graduated from Yale College, was a major of artillery in the
Union service of the Civil war, and rose to prominence as a banker in
Columbus. Mary Osborn married Edwin A. Dawson, of Chicago, who is connected
with the Pennsylvania Railway. James Denny Osborn, Jr., is the immediate
subject of this sketch. Susan Osborn married professor Nathan Lord, of
Cincinnati, now of the Ohio State University, at Columbus.
James Denny Osborn, Jr., was born at Columbus in 1862, and was educated
in the high school of that city. He has for many years been connected with
coal interests. He is a Republican, and a Knight Templar and a
thirty-second-degree Mason, and is well known as a prominent and influential
citizen of much enterprise and public spirit.
John Osborn, lawyer of Toledo, Ohio, who died about ten years ago, was
the eldest son of Hon. Ralph Osborn, and left a large family. William
Osborn, a well-known lawyer of Ashland, Ohio, is also a son of Hon. Ralph
Osborn. Charles Lathrop Osborn has two sons: Frank, who is court-house
reporter at Columbus for the Ohio State Journal; and Samuel Galloway, who
was graduated from the law department of the Ohio State University and
admitted to the bar in 1897, and has since practiced his profession
successfully, and is prominent as an Elk, a Mason, and a member of the
Olentangy Club. Josiah Smith is a grandson of Hon. Ralph Osborn. Frank
Stewart Osborn has three sons, Ralph, who is second officer on the American
liner St. Paul and he was educated at Philadelphia; Abner, a graduate of
the Ohio State University, who is now taking a post-graduate course in
civil engineering and mining; and Eliphalet, who is a student at Ohio State
University.
Bio. of Samuel Galloway Osborn-5857
Centennial History of Columbus and Franklin County, Ohio,
Chicago-Columbus, The S.J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1909.
Vol. II, page 399. (transcript)
[See the 2nd bio. of Samuel Galloway Osborn]
[See the bio. of James Denny Osborn-5851]
SAMUEL GALLOWAY OSBORN.
Samuel Galloway Osborn, who has already demonstrated his capability in
the office of police judge, to which he was elected in November, 1908, was
born in Columbus, February 27, 1871. His father, Charles L. Osborn, a
native of this city, was well known as a merchant of the firm of Osborn &
Company, who were pioneers in the dry-goods trade in the capital city. For
a long period he remained a prominent and respected representative of
commercial interests here and died April 11, 1907, at the age of sixty-two
years. He wedded Mary Galloway, a daughter of the Hon. Samuel Galloway,
who was a well known statesman and politician of Columbus. The death of
Mrs. Osborn occurred in 1884.
In the public schools Samuel G. Osborn pursued his early education
and afterward entered the law department of the Ohio State University,
from which he was graduated with the class of 1897. The same year he was
admitted to the bar and was associated in general practice with Congressman
Taylor until elected to the office of police judge. While an active member
of the bar, he was regarded as a strong advocate and safe counselor.
His ability at the bar was based upon thorough preparation and careful
study of each specific case. His analytical mind enabled him to readily
determine the factors which entered into the litigation and to give to each
its due relative preparation. He enjoyed a good clientage until elected to
the bench and is now bending his efforts toward the administration of the
law in prompt and capable manner.
On the 18th of June, 1908, in Columbus, Mr. Osborn was married to Miss
Marietta Cole, a daughter of Wendell Cole of this city. He belongs to
the Masonic fraternity and the Elks lodge and is also a member of the
Olentangy and Buck-eye Clubs, the Republican Club and the Phi Delta Phi,
a legal fraternity. He is also connected with the Franklin Bar Association.
In his political views Mr. Osborn is a republican and has always been active
in the work of the party, keeping at all times well informed on the questions
and issues of the day, so that he supports his position by intelligent
argument and effective party work. He attends St. Paul's Episcopal church
and resides at No. 99 North Champion avenue. A life long resident of
Columbus, he is widely known, with a large circle of friends almost equally
numbered with the circle of his acquaintance.
Bio. of Samuel Galloway Osborn-5857
History of the City of Columbus, Ohio, Columbus-Cleveland,
The Memorial Publishing Co., nd. Page 401. (transcript)
[See the 1st bio. of Samuel Galloway Osborn-5857]
[See the bio. of James Denny Osborn-5851]
SAMUEL GALLOWAY OSBORN. A well-known and successful lawyer of Columbus
is Samuel Galloway Osborn, Judge of the Municipal Court. As an advocate he
enjoys rare, peculiar and praise worthy gifts, and is thoroughly intrenched
in the underlying basic principles of jurisprudence. In argument he is
clear, concise, analytical and convincing. "Persuasion hangs upon his lips
insinuation's softer arts, in ambush lie about his flowing tongue."
Judge Osborn is a native of the city or he still resides, and he is
descended from two excellent pioneer families, members of which have figured
prominently in the affairs of Central Ohio for three generations. His
paternal great-great grandfather, Ralph Osborn, came to Columbus in 1807 and
in 1812 was Auditor of State. James D. Osborn, the grandfather, was born in
Columbus and became prominent in business circles. He founded the old dry
goods house that long bore his name -- Osborn & Co. Charles F. Osborn,
father of the subject of this sketch, was also born in the Capital City,
and here he was educated and succeeded his father in the firm of Osborn &
Co., dry goods merchants. Samuel Galloway, the judge's maternal
grandfather, was a native of Pennsylvania, from which state he came to Ohio
in 1828, settling first in Highland County. He was a graduate of Miami
University, studied theology at Princeton College, and in 1836 was professor
of Greek at Miami University. He subsequently taught classical languages at
Wittenburg College, Springfield, Ohio, and at South Hanover college, Urbana.
He read law and was admitted to the Ohio Bar in 1842 and began practice at
Chillicothe, this state. In 1844 the Legislature elected him Secretary of
State, and he came to Columbus to reside. He was a delegate to the
Presidential Convention of 1848, and in 1854 he was elected to Congress. He
was one of the prominent and influential public men of his day and
generation in his section of the State. His daughter, Mary Galloway, was
the mother of the subject of this sketch.
Judge Osborn was born Feb. 27, 1871. He attended the public schools and
was graduated from the law department of Ohio State University in 1897 with
a degree of Bachelor of Laws. He was admitted to the Bar in 1897, and in
that year began practice in Columbus. The soon attained a high rank at the
local Bar and enjoyed a good practice. He was elected judge of Police Court
in 1907 and in 1911 was again elected to this position. He was elected
Judge of the Municipal Court in 1915, and is still on that bench. In both
these positions of trust with which the public has honored him, Judge Osborn
has acquitted himself in an able, faithful and conscientious manner,
eminently satisfactory to his constituents. His decisions are marked by a
clear interpretation of the law and by fairness and sound common sense.
Judge Osborn is a member of the Franklin County Bar Association, the
Columbus Country Club, Columbus Athletic Club and St. Paul Episcopal Church.
Fraternally, he is a thirty-second degree Mason, and holds membership with
the Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of Mystic Shrine; also belongs to the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Benevolent and Protective Order
of Elks.
Judge Osborn married Merielta<sic> C. Cole, a daughter of J. Wendell Cole
of Columbus.
Judge Osborn is deeply concerned about the welfare of his home city and
is an advocate of clean politics and good government.
Bio. of Don Marquis Osborne
Centennial History of Columbus and Franklin County, Ohio,
Chicago-Columbus, The S.J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1909.
Vol. II, page 399. (transcript)
DON MARQUIS OSBORNE.
Although one of the more recent arrivals in Columbus, the record of Don
Marquis Osborne, president of the Osborne & Sexton Machinery Company, is
considered a valuable asset in the business circles of the city. From each
experience which he has undergone in his life he has gained knowledge that
is proving of present value. Many fail because of an inability to grasp,
understand and utilize the lessons which are to be learned day by day in
the actual affairs of life, but Mr. Osborne has made good use of his
opportunities and has ever builded for the future upon his past experiences.
A native of Circleville, Pickaway county, Ohio, he was born May 15, 1868,
and traces his ancestry back to Corporal John Osborne, of the English army,
who came to America to serve the mother country in the Revolutionary war.
As he began to understand the conditions which here existed, however, he
deserted and joined the colonists, participating in the long struggle which
brought independence to the nation. He was gradually promoted through
successive ranks until he became a general in the American army. Remaining
as a resident of this country, he was the founder of the family to which
D.M. Osborne belongs.
Josiah Osborne, the father, was born in Delaware county, Ohio, and
removed to Pickaway county after the Civil war, in which he had participated,
serving as a private in the regular artillery. Later he was made commissary
sergeant and went with Sherman on the celebrated march to the sea.
Following the close of hostilities he engaged in the retail grocery business
at Circleville, Ohio, for a number of years and in 1905 removed to Columbus,
where he conducts the same line of business. He has now reached the age of
seventy-two years and his life of intense and well directed activity should
put to shame many a man of younger years, who, grown weary of the struggles
and responsibilities of a business career, would relegate to others the
burdens that he should bear. Josiah Osborne was married in early manhood to
Miss Margaret Custis, a lady of German and English lineage, who was born
near Balitmore<sic>, Maryland. Her father belonged to a German family of
excellent connections. During her early girlhood Mrs. Osborne came to Ohio
with her mother and died in this state in 1876.
D.M. Osborne was a student in the public and high schools of Circleville,
Ohio, and for a period of four years, between the ages of nineteen and
twenty-three, he was employed as a carriage woodworker. Thinking then to
enter upon a professional career, he matriculated in the Normal school at
Ada, Ohio, where he pursued a legal course and was then admitted to the bar.
In 1888 he became a resident of Cleveland, Ohio, where he continued in the
practice of law for three years in the office of his cousin, J. A. Osborne,
a prominent attorney, who was making a specialty of general civil and patent
law. Mr. Osborne of this review, however, abandoned the active work of the
profession in 1902 to enter the employ of Strong, Carlisle & Hammond,
dealers in machinery. He represented that firm as a salesman with the
object of fully mastering the business and remained in their employ until
January, 1907. During the five years in which he was connected with the
house he gradually increased in efficiency and ability until he became
recognized as the best salesman representing that company. He thoroughly
acquainted himself with the trade and the methods followed in business life,
and on the expiration of that period he organized a partnership known as
the Osborne & Sexton Machinery Company. In January, 1908, the business was
incorporated with Mr. Osborne as president. The headquarters of the company
are at Columbus, Ohio, and from this point they have controlled an extensive
business which is growing rapidly along substantial lines. They carry a
complete stock of machinery of all kinds, such as iron working, brass
working and wood working tools and machinery. They also handle complete
power plants with either steam or gas engines and deal in electrical
equipments. They take contracts for machinery such as concrete mixers,
graders, hoists, etc., and carry a full line of transmission supplies used in
connection with heavy machinery equipments. They are sales agents in state
of Ohio for the American Woodworking Machinery Company of Rochester, New
York, the largest house of the kind in the world, and they also represent
many other concerns handling power and electrical equipments. The position
of such a house is gauged by the character of the concerns which it
represents and the Osborne & Sexton Machinery Company handle only the output
of the best known and most prominent machinery houses in the country. Since
its inception the business has shown a remarkable growth and deals largely
with Columbus buyers in their line. The business has met a long-felt want in
this city, where a machinery supply house was needed, for previously it was
necessary to trade with Cleveland or Cincinnati houses if the purchaser
wished to secure tools and machinery of any description. They employ
several salesmen at this point and also conduct a Cincinnati sales office.
Mr. Osborne is also president of the Century Manufacturing Company of
Columbus, engaged in the manufacturing of drawing materials.
In 1893 Mr. Osborne was married to Miss Agnes G. Long, of Sandusky, Ohio,
and unto them have been born the following named: Margaret Irene, James
Thurman, Bryan Long, Kathryn Evelyn, Don M., Jr., and Agnes Gertrude.
Mr. Osborne is fond of fishing and outdoor sports, being a devotee of
nature in many of her forms. In politics he is a democrat with a citizen's
interest in the political conditions of the country. He is always genial and
approachable and at the same time is an alert, enterprising man, who has the
ability to concentrate his attention and interests upon the one subject at
issue. He has made each step in his life count for the utmost and has found
that his mechanical knowledge and legal training and his experience as a
salesman have all been essential and beneficial factors in the success
which he is now enjoying. He possesses the determination that overcomes
obstacles and seeks out new methods in securing a desired result, and his
initiative spirit and his undaunted energy have made him one of the
representative business men of Columbus.
Bio. of John M. Osborne-15204
Genealogical and Family History of Eastern Ohio, The Lewis Publishing
Co., NY and Chicago, 1903. Page 108. (transcript)
JOHN M. OSBORNE.
In 1724 there was born in England Nicholas Osborne, who on growing to
manhood emigrated to America and took up his abode in Virginia, but
subsequently, in 1804, was one of the tide of emigrants who set out for the
new country west of the mountains, and he settled in what is now Canfield
township, Mahoning county, Ohio. He brought his children with him and
purchased eight hundred acres of land, sufficient to give each one a farm.
He was a progressive man, and notwithstanding his advanced age when he
arrived in Ohio, entered heartily into every scheme for the advancement of
the public welfare. His death occurred in 1814, when ninety years of age.
One of his sons was named John, who was born in Loudoun county, Virginia,
and came to Ohio with his father. He inherited the energy of his father
and soon increased the property which his father gave him to four hundred
acres. His family consisted of six sons and two daughters, all of whom are
deceased. One of the number, Andrew, was born in Canfield township,
September 11, 1808. He was a prosperous farmer of one hundred acres of land,
enjoyed a high standing in the community, and served in the office of trustee
for twelve years. He married Miss Annie McClick, and they had eight
children, five of whom are now living: Elmira, John M., Hiram M., Emmory and
Otis. The father of these children died in 1871, but his wife lived to be
ninety years old and passed away in September, 1898.
In this last list of children we find the name of John M. Osborne, who
was born on September 26, 1832, on his father's farm, which he now possesses.
He was reared and educated there and early became a lover of agricultural
pursuits. He has a splendid farm of one hundred and eighty-five acres, which
is richly underlaid with a stratum of soft coal, and he has enjoyed a very
profitable income from his efforts. He has recently erected one of the most
commodious and imposing dwellings in the township and in many other ways has
shown that the hand of prosperity has been upon him. He has been a member of
the school board for twenty years and is now the district clerk, and he also
holds the office of trustee of his township. When his term expires he will
have been trustee for twelve years.
In 1856 Mr. Osborne was married to Miss Mary A. Kyle, a native of
Youngstown township, this county, and a sister of Joshua and William Kyle.
Their son William is now a business man of Youngstown. This biography
would not be complete without mention of one of Mr. Osborne's most
interesting characteristics. He is an inveterate Nimrod, and not only
delights in the hunt of small game, but has more than once engaged in the
exciting chase, and his skill is shown in the many antlers which adorn his
home. During the game season he usually visits northern Michigan, paying a
license fee of twenty-five dollars. He is a dead shot, and this combined
with his staying powers and his eagerness when on the chase, has given him
an enviable reputation as a sportsman.
Bio. of J.J. Erwin
Memorial Record of the County of Cuyahoga and City of Cleveland, Ohio,
Chicago, The Lewis Publishing Co., 1894. Page 111. (transcript)
J.J. ERWIN, physician and surgeon, 1617 Cedar avenue, Cleveland, was born in
Trumbull country, Ohio, January 30, 1850, a son of Henry Erwin and Eliza J.
(Squire) Erwin. His parents were born in Youngstown, Ohio, the father in
1825, and the mother in 1829: after their marriage they removed to Newton
Falls, Trumbull county, Ohio, then one of the most flourishing places on
the Reserve.
Nicholas Osborn, the great-great-grandfather of Dr. Erwin, emigrated
from Loudoun county, Virginia, in the spring of 1798, and purchased 1,000
acres of land in Youngstown township, 800 acres in Canfleld township, and
400 acres in Boardman township. He gave to any of his friends or neighbors
alternate quarter sections of this land if they would settle there and make
that their permanent home.
Christopher Erwin, a lad from the north of Ireland, sailed for America
in the latter part of April, 1756, as a substitute for an Englishman, with
General Abercrombie's troops, and after the close of the French and Indian
war settled in New Jersey. He afterward moved to Loudoun county, Virginia,
from which place he emigrated to Youngstown, Ohio, in 1808.
His son, Jacob Erwin, married Elizabeth Osborn, a daughter of Anthony
Osborn, son of Nicholas Osborn. Jacob Erwin was a soldier in the war of
1812, a Lieutenant in Captain Cotton's company, Colonel Raines' regiment.
While his regiment was stationed at Cleveland he acted as Quartermaster.
Coming from a slave State where he had seen the effects of slavery in
all its phases, he took strong position against it, and one of his first
acts on coming into a free State was to establish an underground railway,
which was successfully operated until slavery was abolished. He voted the
first Free-soil ticket cast in Mahoning county, and died in 1864, after
seeing the hopes of his life accompished in the abolition of slavery. He
was generous in his gifts to all benevolent purposes. He furnished the
timber which his son Henry hauled for the first frame Methodist Episcopal
church in Youngstown. This building is now used by Company H, Fifth
Infantry, Ohio National Guards, as an armory. During the late civil war,
Henry Erwin was out with the "Squirrel Hunters" one week during the famous
Morgan raid. He served five years before the war in an independent cavalry
company, and in 1861 organized a cavalry company, many of whom went to the
front, himself at the time not being eligble on account of physical
disability. He served his township at various times as Trustee and
Assessor, and the town as Street Commissioner and Marshal. He commanded
the respect of all classes of citizens. He and his wife were worthy
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Zopher Squire, great-great-grandfather of Dr. Erwin, was an Englishman
and a soldier in the English and French war of 1756, where he received a
severe wound, in the knee. His son James Squire emigrated to America and
settled at Elizabethtown, New Jersey, whence he moved to New Castle,
Pennsylvania, and he served with the American troops during the War of the
Revolution. His son, John R. Squire, moved in 1826, to Youngstown, Ohio,
where he established a boot and shoe business, which he followed until he
retired from business to live on his competency. During the late Civil war
be enlisted in the Ohio Volunteer Infantry, but being over age was not
allowed to be mustered into service. After spending some time at Camp
Dennison, he returned to his family in Youngstown.
William Morrow, grandfather of Eliza J. Squire and great-grandfather of
Dr. Erwin, was born of Irish parentage in the city of Philadelphia. He
served as Captain in the war of 1812, at the close of his service receiving
as a reward for meritorious duty a sword with a silver scabbard. His family
afterward had the scabbard molded into spoons, which were distributed as
trophies among his children.
Dr. Erwin is the second of a family of three children: Phebe is the wife
of James Kennedy, of Youngstown; and Amanda married L. F. Merrill, of Newton
Falls. The Doctor received his education in the public schools of Newton
Falls, and began the study of medicine under the direction of Dr. George G.
Smith, an old army surgeon. He pursued his studies in this way for two
years. In September, 1868, he secured a position as assistant to a dentist
that he might procure funds for completing his medical course. In obedience
to a law regulating the practice of dentistry in Ohio, he appeared before a
board of examiners appointed under said law, in December, 1871, and having
passed a satisfactory examination received his license. He became very
proficient in the profession, and practiced dentistry until 1883. In 1881
he attended a course of medical letures<sic>, at the old Cleveland Medical
College, and in July, 1883, he established a pharmacy in Youngstown. In
1886 he attended another course of lectures in the Medical Department of
the Western Reserve University, and in 1887 he was graduated in the Medical
Department of the University of Wooster, the president of a class of
eighteen. In 1888 he was graduated at the National Institute of Pharmacy
at Chicago, and in the same year, at Detroit, became a member of the
American Pharmaceutical Association. In 1889 he was elected president of
his College Alumni Association.
Disposing of his pharmacy and practice in Youngstown, he removed to
Cleveland in December, 1891. He was commissioned Captain and assistant
Surgeon of the Fifth Regiment of Infantry, Ohio National Guard, in June,
1893. He is a member of the Cleveland and of the Cuyahoga County Medical
Societies, and also of the Ohio State Medical Association. He has made a
speciality of obstetrics and diseases of women, in which he has met with
gratifying success. Being possessed of a marked inventive genius, while in
the practice of dentistry he patterned a set of extracting instruments known
as the J. J. Erwin forceps, and since his connection with the medical
profession has devised appliances which have become popular in the specialty
of gynaecology. The Doctor is a man of scholarly attainments, has been a
contributor to current dental and medical literature, and has won the
success of which he is worthy.
Dr. Erwin has been a member of the Masonic fraternity twenty years, and
belongs to the Knights of Pythias and the I.O.O.F. He united with St.
John's Episcopal Church, of Youngstown, in 1875.
In 1877, on the 15th day of October, Dr. Erwin was married to Miss Nellie
M. Spencer, a daughter of Nelson and Emily Spencer of of Newton Falls. They
have had three daughters, Nellie, Jessie and Edith: the last named died at
the age of two and a half years.
Bio. of Eli Dillon
Biographical History of Northeastern Ohio, Embracing the Counties of
Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake, Chicago, The Lewis Publishing Co., 1893.
Page 447. (transcript)
Eli Dillon, a well-known resident of Orwell, Ohio, was born in Austintown,
Mahoning County, Ohio, February 20, 1817. He is a son of David and Polly
(Osborn) Dillon. The former died in 1850, at the age of eighty-two years,
and the latter in 1830, aged fifty five. They had a family of nine
children, two of whom died in childhood. Jonathan Dillon, the grandfather
of our subject, was born in Philadelphia, his parents, natives of England,
but descendants of Irish ancestors, having emigrated to that place. Eli
Dillon's maternal grandfather, Nicholas Osborne, traced his ancestry back to
the early settlers of New England, the Osborns being of German<sic> descent.
Eli Dillon was reared to farm life, and for some years was more or less
engaged in agricultural pursuits. By trade he is a carpenter.
November 27, 1836, he married Miss Nancy E. Erwin, daughter of William
and Joanna (Lanterman) Erwin. She was born November 27, 1816. Her
paternal grandparents were Christopher and Mary (Folk) Erwin, natives of
Virginia. Her maternal grandfather was William Lanterman. Eli Dillon and
his wife became the parents of ten children, four of whom died in infancy.
A brief record of the others is as follows: Ann Eliza, born August 30, 1839,
is now the wife of William H. Treat, of Madison, Ohio; Kirtland, born
November 7, 1841, married Florence Bailey, who died October 10, 1881,
leaving him with an infant daughter and one son; Granville W., born June
4, 1843; Erwin, born September 5, 1846, died August 29, 1883, leaving a
widow and three children, Herbert A., Ethel A., and Erwin, his widow, whose
maiden name was Anna Rice, subsequently being married to Ashley M.
Harrington, who is now deceased; Edith the next of one of the Dillon
children, was born May 11, 1857; Warren, born December 3, 1850, married
Miss Eunice Armstrong, and has three children.
Bio. of C. Woodruff Osborne
Bench and Bar of Ohio, The Century Publishing and
Engraving Co., Chicago, 1897. Vol. II, page 178. (transcript)
[See the bio. of C.W. Osborne]
C. WOODRUFF OSBORNE, Painesville. C. W. Osborne was born at Mesopotamia,
Trumbull county, Ohio, on the 31st day of December, 1845. His father, Rev.
Hezekiah W. Osborne, was a Presbyterian minister; came to Ohio in 1836 from
New York State, where he was born, and was for sixteen years pastor of the
church at Mesopotamia. In 1852 be removed to Hambden, Geauga county, where
he died in 1854. He was of English descent. His mother was Evelina L.
Smith, of New Haven county, Connecticut, and was of the Smiths of North
Haven, Connecticut. Mr. Osborne's early education was obtained in the common
and select schools of Hambden. Later he entered the Kingsville Academy,
Ashtabula county, and was graduated therefrom in 1866. He then became a
teacher in the district and high schools of Ashtabula, Lake and Geauga
counties for five years. During this time he commenced the study of law.
He then entered the office of Canfield & Canfield, at Chardon, where he
remained one year preparing himself for the practice of the profession he
had chosen for his life work, and on the 2nd of September, 1872, he was
admitted to practice. He at once opened an office at Chardon, but shortly
afterwards he formed a partnership with T. W. Porter, under the firm name of
Porter & Osborne. This continued about three years, when he became the
partner of Honorable I. N. Hathaway, the firm name being Hathaway & Osborne.
In the spring of 1889, Mr. Osborne withdrew from this firm, removed to
Painesville and soon thereafter formed a partnership with W. A. Breed, the
firm being Osborne & Breed. In the spring of 1897 this firm was dissolved,
and the firm of Osborne & Reynolds was formed, Judge Reynolds having retired
from the Probate Bench of Lake county. Mr. Osborne has for a number of years
been recognized as one of the leading lawyers in north-eastern Ohio, with a
good practice in the State and Federal courts. He was prosecuting-attorney
for Geauga county from 1882 to 1887. He is a member of the American Bar
Association and the Ohio State Bar Association, a prominent Mason, having
attained the 32nd degree, and has been chief officer in all the branches of
the masonic order, including the Commandery. Politically he is a Republican
and has always taken an active interest in county, State and National
politics. He is an effective and ready speaker and from time to time has
delivered many speeches. In the campaign of 1896 he displayed great energy,
enthusiasm and determination in his efforts on the stump. His speeches were
both argumentative and eloquent. Mr. Osborne in 1872 married Flora A.
Maynard, of Hambden. There are five children -- Merton S., Allyn L.,
Carlotta M., Bessie E., and Carrie E.
Bio. of C.W. Osborne
Biographical History of Northeastern Ohio Embracing the Counties of
Ashtabula, Geauga and Lake, Chicago, The Lewis Publishing Co., 1893.
Page 545. (transcript)
[See the bio. of C. Woodruff Osborne]
C. W. OSBORNE, a prominent attorney and esteemed citizen of Painesville,
Ohio, was born in Mesopotamia, this State, December 31, 1845. He comes of
an old and highly respected family, his grandfather having been a
Presbyterian minister of New York State, where he died in middle life. Rev.
Hezekiah W. Osborne, father of the subject of this sketch, was a native of
the Empire State and a graduate of a prominent college of that commonwealth.
After graduation he took a theological course at Yale University. He fitted
himself for a foreign missionary, but on the completion of his studies, the
society, under whose auspices he was to be sent abroad, had exhausted its
financial resources. He therefore came West to Trumbull county, Ohio
preaching in Mesopotamia sixteen years, next removing to Hampden, where he
filled the pulpit in the Congregation Church two years, or until his death
in October, 1854. A man of superior ability and quick sympathies, he found
a large field for philanthropic efforts in the troublous times preceding the
Civil war. He was a strong Abolitionist and was a member of an underground
railway association, assisting many slaves to freedom. His wife, nee
Evelina Smith, was a native of Connecticut, but was mainly reared in New
York State. She attended a lady's seminary for several years and
subsequently devoted her time to teaching until her marriage. She survived
her husband a number of years, dying in 1888, at an advanced age. She was
for many years a Presbyterian, but eventually joined the Congregational
Church. She was the mother of three children: Sarah A., wife of John
Castle; C. W., whose name heads this notice; and William H., a lawyer of
Chardon. The subject of this sketch received his preliminary education in
the common and high schools of Hampden and afterward graduated at Kingsville
Academy. Owing to lack of means, he did not take a course in college, but
taught for two years in the academy, during which time he gave much
attention to the study of languages. Determining upon the practice of law
as his life profession he devoted his spare time while teaching to that
study, later entering the office of Messrs. Canfield & Canfield, both
eminent lawyers of Chardon. If in September, 1872, Mr. Osborne was admitted
to the bar and at once began to practice in Chardon, in partnership with
Tilden W. Porter, with whom he successfully continued until Mr. Porter's
retirement on account of ill health. Mr. Osborne then became associated
with Hon. I.N. Hathaway, an attorney of ability and successful practice,
with whom he remained until 1889, when he removed to Painesville, where he
now has a large and lucrative clientage.
August 21, 1872, Mr. Osborne was married to Miss Flora A. Maynard, and
estimable lady of Hampden, Ohio, who was for several years a successful
teacher of music in that vicinity. Her father, Lewis G. Maynard, was a
prominent pioneer of Geauga county, and belonged to an old and respected
family in the East. Her mother, nee Elvira Blakeslee, born in Hartford,
Connecticut, was also a pioneer. She came early in life in by Claridon,
Geauga county, Ohio, and was a teacher for a number of years before her
marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Osborne have five children: Merton S., Allyn L.,
Carlotta M., the Bessie E. and Carrie E.
In politics Mr. Osborne upholds the principles of the Republican party.
His father having been an ardent Abolitionist, the subject of this sketch
was reared in close sympathy with the doctrines of that party and early
imbibed its strongest anti-slavery sentiments. He has taken an active part
in local politics since 1868, ably advocating on the stump the principles of
his party. He was for five years Prosecuting Attorney of Geauga county, and
was for a number of years a member of the Board of Education and of the
village Council of Chardon, infusing new life into those offices by his
unfaltering energy and business ability. He is fraternally a member of the
Masonic order and has held the highest positions in the local bodies of that
order. In civil life his conduct has been such that he commands the
universal esteem of his fellow men.