Joseph Osbon is a native of Hancock county having been born on a farm adjoining the one he now owns in Green township, in 1855, and is the son of C. G. and Sarah Prater (Martin) Osbon, the father being a native of Kentucky and the mother having been born in Ohio.

Jackson Osbon, the father of C. G. Osbon, was one of the pearly pioneers of the county, having settled in Center township, where he was engaged in farming. He was at one time of the county officials. John and Elizabeth Martin, the maternal grandparents of Joseph Osbon, were also early settlers in the county and they too, settled in Center township. They came to the country when it was one vast wilderness. Here they entered one hundred and sixty acres of land. There was no house for the family, so they lived in the wagon until the log cabin was erected and ready to occupy.

C. G. Osbon received his education in the rural schools of the township and later learned the blacksmith trade. He followed his trade for many years and was also engaged in farming. He owned eighty acres on which he had his shop. Much of the land was cleared by himself as well as the erection of the buildings. He was considered the best smith in the county, in that day. He was perhaps the only man in the county who ever welded, successfully, a sickle bar to a reaping machine.

To C. G. Osbon and wife were born the following children: Jasper, who served in the Fifty-third Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, during the Civil War; Amanda, Roena, Joseph, Clara and Martha.

Joseph Osbon received his education in the schools of Green township. After leaving school he removed to an adjoining farm, in 1875, where he has since made his home. He owns one hundred and twenty-three acres of well improved land. The buildings, which were all erected by him, are substantial and modern.

On December 20, 1874, Joseph Osbon was united in marriage to Rebecca Hunt, the daughter of John and Mary Hunt. To this union two children were born: Sarah Lucinda, the wife of A. W. Keller, a farmer of Green township, and Marie, at home. Mr. and Mrs. Keller are the parents of one child, Ada Margaret.

Transcribed from History of Hancock County, Indiana, Its People, Industries and Institutions by George J. Richman, B. L., Federal Publishing Co., Indianapolis, Indiana, 1916. Page 941-943.

Submitted by Sylvia (Rose) Duda, Laingsburg, MI October 9, 2001.

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