Phineas Osborn, now living retired in El Dorado, is a Butler county pioneer who came here forty-two years ago. Mr. Osborn was born in Spencer, Tioga county, New York, April 28, 1842, and is a son of Ransom and Eliza (Thompson) Osborn. They were the parents of seven children, all of whom are living except a daughter who died in infancy. The others are as follows: Elisha, Billings, Mo.; Jabez, Chilhowee, Mo.; Phineas, the subject of this sketch; Lucy, married Charles Foster, El Dorado, and both are deceased; Mary, married Lorenzo Ripley, Baldwin, Kans.; Elizabeth A., widow of Henry Paul, who was murdered and robbed in Greenwood county in the early days; Hannah Emelia, married Alvin Goff, Ottumwa, Iowa.

Phineas Osborn was reared and educated in Tioga county, New York, and was engaged in the lumber business, and also interested in farming in his native State when a young man. In 1874 he came to Kansas, with a view of looking the country over, and if possible finding a suitable location. At that time there was no railroad in Butler county and he came from Florence to El Dorado by stage. He stopped at the old El Dorado hotel which was located on the southeast corner of Main street and Central avenue. After looking the country over he bought 320 acres in Chelsea township. At that time he could have homesteaded land in the vicinity of Wichita, but Butler county suited him and he decided to invest here. He later increased his acreage to 560 acres, and engaged in general farming and stock raising and has met with unusual success. However, he had his unprofitable and bad years as well as good ones, and saw many of his neighbors get discouraged and leave the country.

Mr. Osborn was married in 1864 to Miss Rebecca Corchran, of Tioga county, New York, and a native of Connecticut. To Mr. and Mrs. Osborn have been born five children, as follows: Robert, died when thirteen years old; Charles Harvey, died when a child five years old in Butler; Robert Ranson died at thirteen years; John Hughes, operating one of his father's farms in Chelsea township, and Cecil R., also operating one of the father's farms in Chelsea. Mr. Osborn and his wife removed to El Dorado in 1914, where they purchased a fine residence and are spending their time in quiet and comfort. Mr. Osborn's farm property is some of the best improved property in Butler county. The main farm

residence is one of the best modern equipped homes to be found in Butler county.

During his many years of residence in Chelsea township, Mr. Osborn took a commendable interest in public affairs, and served as a member of the school board for over half the time he was a resident of that township. He also held the office of justice of the peace. He and the other members of the family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Previous | Main Page | Biography Index | Next

Pages 451-452,