The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1896-08-27
A GOOD OLD AGE.
Sidney Osborn, a Former Kenosha Resident,
Celebrates His Goth Birthday.


The subject of this sketch was widely
known throughout Kenosha county,
and Familiarity called Uncle Sidney
Osborn" He attained his Goth birth
| day the 9th of July last and still re-
tains all his faculties, being able to
read without glasses and seldom using
cane. In honor Of the event a boun-
ltiful dinner was served at the home of
his daughter, Mrs. A. J. Mac Collum,
Salinas, CAL, where. he received the
congratulations of his many friends,
and also substantial remembrances in
the way of gifts and flowers.
Mr.. Osborn came from a long lived
family, his grandfather Osborn having
attained the age of 100 years, and the
grandmother on the mothers side l04
years.
His father, Amos Osborn, was born
in the year 1771 and died in 1852. His
mother was born in 1856 and lived
until 1853. Sidney was born July q,
1906, in Monroe, Saratoga county,
N. z, who're he lived until 6 years of
age, and then removed with his parents
to Cayuga county, n. Y. Here he
grew to manhood, and on Nov. 16,
1884, was married to Elvira Moore, of
Pembroke, N. Y. In June 16, 1914, be
with his wife and two friends, Mr.. and
Mrs. Slocum, started with horses and
wagon and a few household goods, for
the then almost unknown west.
After travelling six weeks they ar
rived at Waukegan, ILL.,, then but a
small settlement, and were met by
Mrs. Osborn's brother, Alfred Moore,
who is now almost the only surviving
member of those early pioneers of Lake
county.
Locating on the State line, seven
miles from Kenosha, then called South
port, Mr.. Osborn at once set about
making for himself and wife a home in
the wilderness. The first few years
were full of incidents peculiar to all
early settlers. Neighbors were long
distances apart, Indians were all
about, and deer roamed unmolested
over the prairies, while the virgin soil
was to be reclaimed only at the ex-
.pense ofmany hardships.
In this, assisted by his faithful wife,
Mr.. Osborn displayed heroic energy.
The farm soon became famous for the
variety of its fruit trees, and in the
early ftties an extensive peach orchard
bore so abundantly that supports were
necessary to save the trees.
Wishing to extend his holdings, he
disposed Of this farm and purchased
larger tract just adjoining, where he
lived a number of years contented and
happy Feeling the weight of years,
he decided to retire from active life,
and in 1874 removed to Kenosha, Wis,
and built himself home. Having Sc
cured as an investment a large farm in
Lake county, ILL.,, he thought best to
move on to it for time, and did so,
remaining from 1877 to 1880, when he
again returned to Kenosha. Here Mr..
and Mrs. Osborn celebrated their gold
en- wedding, and in a quiet, but hos
pitable manner, entertained their many
old friends and relatives and the years
passed happily.
Having no children living, they had
taken into their home young girl, to
whom they became greatly attached,
and in time adopted. In 1867 she was
married to Alfred Mac Collum, and
some years afterWard moved with her
husband and three children to Califor-
MIA. The home ties were strong with
both, but yielding to their daughters
wishes they decided finally to remove
to California and spend their declining
years with her. Mrs. OsborH's health
had began to decline and it was hoped
a change of climate would benefit her;
but in this they were disappointed, and
in six months after reaching California
she passed peacefully away, leaving
Mr. Osborn inconsolable, for their life
had been from first to last an ideal one.
In his 85th year he was able to re-
visit the old home in Wisconsin, and
was at that time remarkably active,
going about among his friends and en-
joying everything with all the zest of a
young man.
Having been ali his life absolutely
temperate in his habits, judicious and
careful in his methods of living, he bids
fair to reach and pass the century mark
in full possession of all bis faculties.
At present he passes his time hap
PLY with his daughter in looking after
his interests and surrounded by many
kind friends, to whom he is always, as
heretofore in his eastern home, !" Uncle
Sidney Osborn