Stephen's Smith Family - Ancestors, Descendants and Cousins

Notes

Martin Osburn

SOURCES - Bible Records; 1840 Census [252-251] Daviess Co., Missouri; 1850 and 1860 Census - Andrew Co., Missouri; probate #196.

Moved to Missouri prior to 1833. Farmed on Dillon Creek 5/6 miles SW of Fillmore, Missouri. He was a "Hard Shell Baptist Minister" and participated in the California Gold Rush, according to family tradition he wrote home that he was returning home with enough money to keep the family in wealth for generations, but he died of Cholera while crossing the Isthmus to reach a boat to complete his journey home. He was buried and the grave run over by wagons and was covered by camp fire to keep the Indians from digging him up. Since so little gold was returned to his widow, Ann Best Osburn it was thought that there might have been foul play for the gold. Ann had the gold made into jewelry and gave it to her daughters and daughter-in-laws. [above information from Col. Earl L. Edwards, 2733 Fennel Road, Edgewater, Maryland 21037]

Letter written by Martin Osborn to his wife about 1849.
Dear wife and family,
  I feel thankful that I have the opportunity of informing you that I am well at present. I hope that when you recieve this you may be enjoying the same like blessings we have been nine days on the road getting to the fort. We was the first men on the ground. We have got along fine. We are waiting for the company. The colery is here. Terr has died. I would be glad if I could hear from you. I want you to have all our children vaccinated. I can't describe my feelings at this time when I think of you all it puts my heart all in the flame. If I could know that you would not suffer for any thing I would feel much better.
 Your friend - Martin Osburn.

Ann Best

Letter written by Ann Osborn, July 10, 1880, to Mrs. Humphrey Osborn.

Dear Daughter, it is a grate pleasure that I am at last able to write to you all and to read your ever welcome letters. It was my anxiety to hear from you all that caused me to learn to write. I was reminding the boys about writing that concluded to learn me how and you may rest assured ile never regret the day I began to learn to write. Although it seem like a hard undertaking for a woman sixty eight years old. We are all well as common are having nice weather.
My health is good here. Corn looks very well. The wheat crop was injured some by hail storms. The boys has bought then a header and has cut all of ther wheat. The wheat was to short to bind. They are cutting oats now. I must write about sister and brother Boon Best. elelne Trasper came with them and we all went to William Osburns and staid all nite, the next day we went to my farm thar home. We have a good many young chickens. I must bring my letter to a close by asking yo to write me soon. Give me all the news tell the children I would be so glad to see them once more. Try to come and look once more. We would like to have you har.
  Ann Osborn