- James Osborn, a retired farmer at Evansville, Rock county, is one of the most venerable characters to be found in that city. His great age commands the respect of the public, and his personal habits and kindly disposition have won him a warm place in the hearts of his community. Mr. Osborn was born in Prince Edward County, Canada, Oct. 23, 1815, a son of James and Catherine (Trumpo) Osborn, both natives of New York. They were the parents of four sons and seven daughters, and three of their sons are now living: James of Evansville; John, of Picton, Canada; and Paul Austin, of Prince Edward county, Canada. The father, who was a farmer, emigrated to Canada with his parents when he was twelve years old, grew to manhood in that country, and was a lifelong agriculturist. He died when almost eighty-five years old. His wife died in 1848, when she was fifty-two. They were Methodists. He was drafted in the war of 1812, but being lame did not serve long. His father bore the name of James Osborn, and was born in the Mohawk River Valley, of Welsh stock. After the Revolution he moved into Canada, and settled on Prince Edward Island, where he died at the age of eighty-five. He had five sons and four daughters. John Trumpo, the father of Catherine, mentioned above, was born in New York, of Dutch descent, and followed farming.
James Osborn was reared in Canada, on the farm, "at the butt end of an ox-handle." When he was two years old his father moved into the dense woods, two miles from the nearest neighbor, and when James was older grown he helped to clear the farm. After attaining maturity he worked on shares for many years. In 1864 Mr. Osborn made his way to Wisconsin, and made a settlement in Porter township, Rock county, where he bought forty acres, which is still in his possession.
Mr. Osborn and Miss Louisa Ballard were married Sept. 25, 1838, and this union has proved a singularly fortunate and happy one. They are the parents of seven children, two sons and five daughters. Catherine died in infancy. Jane is the wife of E.D. Barnard, of Evansville. Martha became the wife of Thomas Hutson, and both she and her husband are now dead. William died in infancy. James is now living in Minneapolis, and travels for the A.S. Baker Co.; he married Miss Clara West, and is the father of three children, Iva, May and Byrle. Elizabeth is the wife of Oscar Mabie, of Janesville. Louisa died when sixteen years of age. Mrs. and Mrs. Osborn are members of the Methodist Church, of which he was steward and class-leader for many years. He is a Republican, but never aspired to office. This was written before 1904 both died shortly after
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- James Osborne was born Oct. 23, 1812 in Prince Edward county, Ontario, and died in Evansville Jan. 10, 1904, at the ripe age of 88 years. He came to the United States in 1864 and settled in this vicinity.
He was married to Louisa Ballard, Sept. 25, 1838 at Picton, Canada. Seven children were born to this union, five boys and two girls, three of whom with Mrs. Osborne are called to mourn, viz: Mrs. J. N. Barnard of this city, James N., of Minneapolis, and Mrs. Elizabeth Mabee of Janesville, these with their families, friends, and neighbors sorrow, but not for those without hope.
Mr. Osborne was converted in 1840 and joined the Methodist church. At a later date he transferred his membership to Evansville, thus for over sixty years he was identified with the church of God. For many years, he held the office of class leader, and steward and was highly esteemed for his works sake. In his later years on account of the infirmities of age he was not as active, but his heart was in the work for in the most serious hours of his illness he frequently referred to the good old days of his active christian life. The way brightened as death approached and he was ready to go.
Funeral services were held from the late residence Tuesday afternoon, Rev. James Churm officiating. Miss Fanny Powles sang two beautiful solos.
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1815 - 1904 (88 years)
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