OSBORN, John Joseph
John Joseph Osborn
John Joseph Osborn was born October 4th, 1828 in Mason Co., Kentucky. In 1829 his father, Anderson Osborn, came to Indiana and entered land near Carpentersville which has been in the possession of the family ever since. The deceased at the time of his death, while not the oldest citizen in years, was probably the oldest resident, coming as he did in his infancy.
In July 1850, in the 22nd year of his age he was received into the Popular Springs Presbyterian Church of Carpentersville.
He was united in marriage to Jane Eleanor Pearcy, daughter of Col. George Pearcy, on May 22nd, 1851. To them were born five children, all of whom survive him, and this is the first time the messenger of death has summoned any of his own family.
Mr. Osborn was elected a Ruling Elder Feb. 16th 1857, and was duly ordained and installed Apr. 19th of the same year, and continued in this office until 1896 when he removed to Roachdale. Shortly after his reception into the Presbyterian Church of Roachdale, he was installed as a Ruling Elder and continued in this office until removed by death. He was a loyal and faithful Presbyterian, and came from a family of Presbyterians. It is worthy of notice that the office of Ruling Elder has been in the Osborn family for over 75 years and does not pass out of the family for his son, Prof. James H Osborn, of Wabash College, is a Ruling Elder in the Center Presbyterian Church of Crawfordsville. It is also worthy of notice that this office, was, or is held by the following members of his family: Father, Father-in-law, brother, son, two sons-in-law, and four brothers-in-law.
Mr. Osborn was clerk of session of the Carpentersville Church for many years. His predecessors in office were his father-in-law, Col. George Pearcy, who served from the organization of the Church in 1839 until 1843, and his father who served from 1843 until 1859.
In politics he was as staunch as he was in religion, having been a life long Republican. His whole life was lived in this community. What he was as a farmer, what he stood for as a Christian, and how he lived as a Christian, are matters well known to all who knew him. He was a man universally well spoken of and highly esteemed. A marked characteristic of him was his faithfulness to his church, never too busy to attend its service.
Death, which he had been expecting, and which had no terror for him, came to him Jan. 22nd, 1908, when he calmly and peacefully passed away. The deceased had reached the age of 79 years, 3 months and 18 days. The funeral services were held in the Presbyterian Church, conducted by his pastor, the Rev. Geo. L. Gutchard, and the interment was in Lebanon Cemetery. ---Submitted by John Hutchins
Source: Beers, J. H. Atlas of Putnam County, Indiana.
Chicago, 1879.
"Franklin Township. "
OSBORN, John J. P. O. Carpentersville, Farmer, Sec 24; is a native of Mason Co KY; born Oct 4, 1828; when he was but an infant, his parents moved to this county and here he grew to manhood; has always followed farming and now owns 190 acres of well cultivated land, most of which he owes to his own industry, seconded by a thrifty wife, Jane E. PEARCY whom he married May 22, 1851; their children are: Mary E.; George C.; James H; Caroline B. and Jennie J. Mr. Osborn's wife was born in Putnam County March 28, 1833; her parents were among the earliest settlers; his father, Anderson Osborn born in Mason Co Ky Oct 4, 1802 was married to Mary MAPLE by whome he had six children, John J being the 3rd. She died March 7, 1835. He married for his second wife, Cynthia A. Allen to whom six were born, all dead except Samuel L. Osborn, now living in MN where she also resides. He was a life long member of the Presbyterian Church and an Elder at the time of his death, which occurred Jan 29, 1859. He had two brothers in the army, Samuel L. and William O., the last mentioned dying near Vicksburg. Politically he is Republican, he and family belong to the Presbyterian Church, believing firmly in its teaching.