Osburn - Othel L. - Montgomery InGenWeb Project

Othel L. OSBURN Although young in years Othel L. Osburn, of Wayne Township, Montgomery County, well known contractor and at this writing trustee of his township has succeeded admirably at his life work and at the same time his record and reputation are first class for integrity and reliability in all matters entrusted to him. His success thus far has been achieved by improved opporuntities, by untiring diligence and by close study and correct judgment of men and motives. In every walk of life his career has been upright and honorable, and he is well liked by all who know him; but this is not to be wondered at, rather to be expected, when one learns that he is a representative of one of the best and most honorable old families in this county, the reputation of which he has ever sought to keep untarnished. Othel L. Osburn was born Feb 29, 1872 in Wayne Township, this county. He is a son of R. S. and Mary GRENARD Osburn. The father was born Feb 21, 1849 and the mother was born Feb 19, 1852. The father is still living, making his home in Rogersville, Missouri where he is engaged in thenewspaper business. The death of the mother occurred in 1877 (sic -- see birth of sister Bertha). The father of our subject became a well educated man, principally through his own efforts. He taught school for some time in his earlier years, becoming a newspaper editor later in life and was very successful in both lines of endeavor; he published a paper in the town of Rogersville and it became a very influential factor in that country. RS Osborn (sic) has also farmed some. His family consisted of but two children: Othel L and Bertha, who was born Aug 15, 1878 is living in Montogmery County, Indiana. Othel L. Osburn received a good common school education and attended high school in Waynetown. He began life by working on the farm which he followed until six years ago when he turned his attention to bridge and road contracting in this county which he has continued to follow with pronounced success to the present time. He constructs his bridges for the most part of concrete, and his work is most satisfactory in every respect for it is both well and honestly done and he is kept busy all the time, being one of the best known contractors in his line in this part of the country. He has been very successful in a financial way and was the owner of a good farm which he operated on a large scale until the Sprin gof 1912 when he sold it, and has since devoted his attention exclusively to contracting. Mr. Osburn has never married. Fraternally, he is a member of the Masonic Order and Knights of Pythias, both at Waynetown. He is a member of the Baptist Church, and politically votes the Democratic ticket. He has always taken much interest in the affairs of his party and is regarded as one of the local leaders in the same. He has filled most acceptably the offices of supervisor; assessor and trustee; honestly and faithfully discharging the duties entrusted to him for the past 14 years. At the present time Mr. Osburn is in charge of the construction of a consolidated school at Waynetown, which will be the largest building in the county outside of Crawfordsville. -- typed by kbz