Osborn, James W.

OSBORN

Posted By: Joyce Hickman (email)
Date: 2/10/2008 at 18:21:16

James W. Osborn

(From the 1883 History of Pottawattamie County, Iowa, by J. H. Keatley, p.116, Hazel Dell Twp.)
James W. Osborn, farmer, P. O. Council Bluffs, was born in Virginia February 2, 1827, son of George and Millanda (Goodwin) Osborn, natives of Virginia; he, born April 13, 1780, was a farmer by occupation, and died at his home near Winchester, Va., during the latter part of the late war, and whilst a battle was being fought near his house. Our subject's mother was born December 3, 1789, and died October 11, 1845, near Winchester, Va., The parents had seven children, five of whom are living. Mr. Osborn received his early education in the subscription schools of his native place. He is a man well posted in the general affairs of the day. He first rented the old homestead, which he farmed for five year. The farm then being sold for the benefit of the heirs, our subject removed to Missouri, and settled near St. Joe, where he remained till the spring of 1865, when he came to Pottawattamie County. He first saw his present farm the morning after the assassination of President Lincoln. At that time the farm was unimproved, and but one small house upon it. Mr. Osborn now owns 500 acres in this county. He was married, in Virginia May 21, 1857, to Margaret Ester, born in Baltimore, Md., February 23, 1834, daughter of John and Susan Byard (Perkins) Ester, he born in Ireland about 1802, died in 1864; she, born in 1802, died in 1853. Mr. and Mrs. Osborn have nine children - Olin (married), James H., Charles E., William A., Susan M., Lillian, Margetta M., George H. and Hunter. The family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Osborn is a Democrat.