RICHARD N. OSBORN
Page 638
RICHARD N. OSBORN
Page 638
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RICHARD N. OSBORN. One would not live in Mason City long without becoming acquainted with the part that has been performed by Mr. Osborn in the progress of this thriving municipality. As the proprietor of a large and successful business, as an honored veteran of the late war, as the owner and improver of real estate, and as a public official, he has deserved and won the esteem of his fellow-men for his uprightness, ability and success. The Osborn family originated in England and some of its members settled in Connecticut during Colonial days. In the same state the father of our subject, Gideon by name, was born, and thence he removed to New York, later to Ohio, and finally coming to Illinois died in Mason County in 1865. His wife bore the maiden name of Harriet Porter, and was the daughter of Richard Porter, who died in Steuben County, N. Y. Our subject was a mere child when the family removed from Steuben County, N. Y., where he was born April 1, 1838, to Geauga County, Ohio, where he remained until sixteen years of age. Thence he accompanied his parents to Mason County, Ill., where he has since made his home. In 1862, when the dark clouds of the Rebellion overshadowed the country and valiant men were called for to fight for the Stars and Strpes, our subject was one of the boys in blue who marched to the front. He enlisted in Company C, Eighty-fifth Illinois Infantry, commanded by Colonel Moore, of Havana. His regiment was assigned to the Army of the Cumberland, with which Mr. Osborn did service until his health became so poor as to incapacitate him for the hardships of forced marches and the exposure incident to life in camp and on the field. In 1863 he was honorably discharged at Nashville, Tenn., and returned to his home in Mason County. Here Mr. Osborn entered upon the career of a farmer, and engaged in raising grain and stock until 1884, when he removed to Mason City and embarked in his present business. He carries a large and complete assortment of lumber, lath, sash, doors, blinds, shingles, posts, lime, cement, stone, paints and oils, hard and soft coal, carpet paper and sewer pipe. In addition to his interests in the city, he owns eighty acres of valuable land, all under cultivation and will improved. With the enterprises of a public nature, he has been closely identified, and was a prime factor in the organization of the Water Works Company. In political views he favors the Prohibition party. Socially he is identified with Duval Lodge No. 123, G. A. R. The marriage of Mr. Osborn occurred in 1864, uniting him with Mary F. White, a native of New York, who accompanied her parents to Ohio, and later came to Mason County, where she grew to womanhood. Mr. and Mrs. Osborn are the parents of five daughters, namely: Dora, the wife of Charles Ritter, residing in Chicago; Carrie E., Edna Esther and Elma Irene, who are at home. Mrs. Osborn is a lady possessing rare modesty and sweetness of dispostion, yet is strong in her convictions and steadfast in her purpose. She is a devoted member of the Presbyterian Church, with which Mr. Osborn is also identified. |