JOE OSBORN PASSES AWAY
Death at Meadow Grove Home Follows Long Illness
Joseph C. Osborn, one of Madison most prominent pioneer farmers and stockman, died at his home east of Meadow Grove Monday morning following an illness which had kept him in bed since the holidays. Funeral services which were largely attended by friends and acquaintances from all parts of the country, were conducted by Rev. Caldwell at the M.E. church in Meadow Grove and burial was made at the Osborn cemetery in Schoolcraft precinct.
Mr. Osborn was a native of Grayson County, Virginia, where he was born December 26, 1858, being in his sixty-eighth when the summoms came. He came to Madison County, Nebraska about forty two years ago and acquired a farm southwest of Battle Creek which was his home until he retired from active farming eight years ago and built a residence on a small farm joining the townsite of Meadow Grove.
While managing the old home place and before his health began to fail, Mr. Osborn became recognized as one of Nebraska's leading stockmen, as he raised and dealt extensively in purebred cattle. Unfortunately, reverses came, though through no fault of his own, and he was compelled to sacrifice his prize herd at a great financial loss. He met adversity bravely, however, and made every possible effort to protect those who had placed their trust in him. His friends were legion and his last days were made happy by the knowledge that he had lost none of them. Mr. Osborn was married three times. His first wife died within a few months after their marriage. His second wife, Mollie Dufphey, the mother of his children, died about nine years ago. A few years later he married Mrs. Rhoda Cornett, the wife who survives him.
Surviving also are two sons and two daughters: Tom Osborn and Mrs. Belle McCarrol of Chambers, Nebraska, and Bryan Osborn and Miss Hazel Osborn of Meadow Grove. A number of brothers and sisters are residents of Madison County.