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OSBURN, JAMES R., now living retired from active life at the home of his son-in-law, George W. Meredith, at 1172 North Third Street, Springfield, was born at Cadiz, Harrison County, Ohio, January 6, 1842, and served in the Eleventh Ohio Cavalry during the Civil War. He is a son of William B. and Rebecca (Rankins) Osburn, the former born in Westmoreland County, Pa., and the latter in Fayette County, Pa. The father was a carpenter and contractor in Ohio, and he and his wife had eleven children. The father of Mrs. Rebecca Osburn, Robert Rankin, was wounded in a battle in the War of 1812, and after being carried off the field lived to reach his home, but died a few hours later.
James R. Osburn spent his boyhood at Cadiz, Ohio, receiving his education in the public schools of that place, and upon leaving school began working with his father in a blacksmith and machine shop. At the time of the Civil War he enlisted in Company E, Eleventh Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, and served creditably and bravely for three years. At the close of the war he entered the employ of C. Aultman & Company, of Canton, Ohio, and continued this occupation until 1900, when he moved to Springfield and retired from active life. He had the requisite qualifications for a successful salesman and had the confidence and respect of his customers and employers alike.
Mr. Osburn was married, at Cadiz, Ohio, December 25, 1873, to Miss Editha Dickerson, who was born in New Athens, Ohio, daughter of Joshua and Mary A. (Harris) Dickerson, both of whom were born in New Athens. Children as follows were born to this union: John W., a machinist, married and residing in Springfield; Margaret, Mrs. George W. Meredith, lives in Springfield; Frank A., a machinist, is married and lives in Canton, Ohio; James E., chief musician in the First United States Artillery, stationed at Fort Sill, Okla., he is also married. Mr. Osburn is an honored member of the Grand Army of the Republic of Springfield, and has been a life long Republican. He takes an active interest in public affairs, although he has never cared to hold office himself. He is a member of the Baptist church. The family is well and favorably known in Springfield, where they have many friends.