Thomas Andrew Osborn

biography

OSBORN, Thomas Andrew, governor of Kansas, was born in Meadville, Pa., Oct. 26, 1836. He attended the public school and Allegheny college, and learned the printer's trade. He studied law under Judge Derrickson of Meadville in 1856, removed to Pontiac, Mich., in 1857, where he was admitted to the bar, and in November of that year removed to Lawrence, Kansas Territory, being employed as a compositor on the Herald of Freedom. In 1858 he engaged in the practice of law in Elwood, Kansas; was elected attorney of Doniphan county, and was a member of the state senate, 1859-62, serving as president pro tempore of that body in 1862. He was lieutenant-governor of Kansas in 1863; U.S. marshal by appointment from President Lincoln, 1864-67, and Republican governor of Kansas, 1872-76. He was U.S. minister to Chile, by appointment from President Hayes, 1877-81, and conducted important negotiations between various South American governments, and in 1881 was transferred to the Brazilian mission, where he served until 1886. He located in Topeka, Kan., on his return, and in 1888 was state senator from Shawnee county. He was decorated with the Grand Cross of the Order of the Rose by the Emperor of Brazil for special services. He died at Meadville, Pa., Feb. 4, 1898.

The Twentieth Century Biographical Dictionary of Notable Americans: Volume III