OSBORN (Col) John - Mex War - Putnam

John Osborn died at the residence of his son-in-law, Virgil Peck, near the city, on Saturday, aged 77 years. The funeral occurred Monday afternoon from Mr. Peck’s residence and was conducted by his pastor. Rev. G. W. Bainum. On the way to the cemetery this afternoon Post GAR joined the funeral cortege, and assisted in paying the last rites to this veteran of two wars. Six of his comrades of the Mexican war. Judge Eckels, W. H. Munson, Dr Rogers. Col. Morrison. Capt. Smiley and J. W McGrew. acted as pall-bearers.  After the last prayer was said, a salute was fired as the closing scene, and Col. Osborn had been buried, as he had always wished. with the honors of war.

Col. John Osborn was a native of Maysville, Kentucky. He joined the Presbyterian church when quiet a young man, and maintained his relation with it until his death, often holding the office c f cider. He came to Indiana in 1832, and not long afterward became a citizen of this county. Subsequently, about 1840, he removed to Clay county, where lie resided until i860. During much of that time he took an active part in politics as a Whig, being once sent to the Legislature and serving several terms as Auditor of the county. During the Mexican war he served as a captain in the Second Indiana Regiment, and was wounded at Buena Vista.

After his removal to Greencastle in I860, he allied himself with the friends of the Union and assisted in raising the first company of soldiers recruited here. In his speech on that occasion he said, “They have laid traitorous hands on the flag I have fought under and which I will ever support. Young men, stand by your country!”  The next day a rebel-sympathizing Democrat said in his presence that the boys in the company just raised would not fight. This taunt greatly aroused Col. Osborn and in great indignation he exclaimed: “I helped to recruit that company, sir and I am here to prove to you that it will fight.” The rebel-sympathizer had nothing more to say.  He afterward recruited a company for the 31st Regiment and was elected, Lieutenant Colonel of that organization. Col. Cruft being promoted Brigadier General, July 16, 1862 Lt. Col. Osborn was made Colonel of the Regiment.  He went with it to the field and participated in the most of its engagements, particularly at Shiloh until his resignation July 14, 1863 when he was succeeded by Col. John T. Smith of Bloomfield. After returning home he was a candidate for Clerk of the county and in 1864 was made chairman of the Republican County Central Committee holding the place until 1866.  He was appointed Postmaster by Pres Lincoln and served until 1874, to the satisfaction of the public as he did in every position in which he was called. Col. Osborn was married in 1833 to Miss Emily McCorkle, who died two years since.  Five children were born to them – one son and four daughters, The son, Milton A. Osborn died in 1875.  The daughters survive. They are Mrs. Virgil Peck, of this vicinity; Mrs. Col. Dole of Paris, Illinois; Mrs. Mills of Denver, Colorado and Mrs. Laughlin of Paris, Ill.  Col. Osborn had the heroic instinct well developed and was ever ready to patriotically respond to any call of his country.  He was also a man of kindly disposition and integrity of character. Since his retirement from the Post Office he spent his time, alternately with his daughters at Paris, Illinois and with his daughter here. - kbz

Source: Greencastle Banner 16 June 1887 p 5

“Deaths” – At the residence of Virgil Peck in this vicinity, June 11, 1887, Col. John Osborn aged 77 years.