Yolo-Nevada-Sacramento County CA Archives Biographies.....Osborn, William E. 1855 - 
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Joy Fisher sdgenweb@gmail.com January 18, 2006, 4:00 pm

Author: Tom Gregory

WILLIAM E. OSBORN

    The manager of the Pacific Gas and Electric Company, William E. Osborn is a
resident of Woodland and has charge of the company's business in that territory,
besides managing the districts of Knights Landing and Yolo. As early as 1897 he
entered the employ of the Nevada County Electric Power Company and when the
interests of the concern were merged into those of its successor, the Pacific
Gas and Electric Company, he continued with the newer organization, whose
affairs he has superintended with characteristic sagacity and keen intelligence.
After having filled various subordinate positions he was made manager for Nevada
City in 1901, but the following year he was transferred to Woodland, where he
has since remained as manager for the company. Meanwhile the business has
reached a size three times larger than that of 1902 and this gratifying increase
is due in no small measure to his capable management and tactful control of the
entire situation.

   A study of the history of the Osborn family reveals their connection with
California ever since the era of mining activity. Hosmer Prosper Osborn, who was
born at Cooperstown, N. Y., and engaged in the clothing business in New York
City, on hearing of the discovery of gold joined with a company of other
Argonauts in the purchase of the sailing vessel Morning Star, which came to
California via the Horn during the year 1849. Like all newcomers of that era, he
hastened to the mines. His experience was principally in Auburn ravine and did
not bring any special good fortune, so he settled in Sacramento, where he
engaged in the hardware and stove business. One of the destructive fires of the
pioneer era wiped out all of his former profits and forced him to begin anew
without capital. At first he operated a bakery, but later he removed to the line
of Placer and Sacramento counties and embarked in the sheep business. Selling
out the flock in 1873 he returned to Sacramento and there opened a wood and coal
yard, which he managed until his death in 1884. Honored among the early
settlers, he was chosen president of the Sacramento Pioneer Association and
filled the position for some time. During the early days he also was a member of
the Sacramento Volunteer fire department.

    The marriage of this California pioneer had occurred some time before he
left New York City for the western coast of the continent. He had chosen as his
wife Marietta Folger, who was born at Hudson, N. Y., and who in 1852 came via
the Horn on a sailing vessel to San Francisco, accompanied by her five
daughters. Her death occurred in Sacramento. Of the eight children forming the
family all but two attained maturity and three are now living. The youngest
child and only son, William E., was born in Sacramento, Cal., December 8, 1855,
and graduated from the high school of the capital city in 1875. During 1876 he
matriculated in the University of California, which institution in 1880
conferred upon him the degree of Ph. B. Upon his return to Sacramento he aided
his father in the coal and wood business. Upon the death of the proprietor he
became manager in 1884 and continued as such until he had closed out the
business in 1891. Later he went to Guatemala, Central America, where for four
years he engaged in raising coffee. Returning to California he spent a short
time in Sacramento and in 1897 entered into the business relations which have
developed to their present importance. 

    The first marriage of Mr. Osborn united him with Miss Caroline Korb, who was
born at Marysville, Cal, and died at San Francisco during the year 1901. Later
he was married in Woodland to Mrs. Fannie E. Foley, a native of Shasta county,
this state, and the mother, by this union, of a daughter, Marietta C. Osborn.
The family are identified with the Unitarian Church of Woodland and Mr. Osborn
officiates as a member of the board of trustees, besides aiding liberally in the
maintenance of the church and the support of its charities. In national politics
he votes with the Republican party. The Chamber of Commerce has had the benefit
of his intelligent co-operation and business experience, while other movements
for local advancement also have not lacked his cordial helpfulness. As past
president he is connected with the Native Sons of the Golden West and his
fraternal relations are further enlarged through his association with Nevada
City Lodge No. 518, Benevolent Protective Order of Elks.


Additional Comments:
Extracted from

HISTORY OF YOLO COUNTY CALIFORNIA
WITH
Biographical Sketches
OF
The Leading Men and Women of the County Who Have Been Identified With Its Growth
and Development From the Early Days to the Present

HISTORY BY
TOM GREGORY
AND OTHER WELL KNOWN WRITERS
ILLUSTRATED COMPLETE IN ONE VOLUME

HISTORIC RECORD COMPANY
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA [1913]


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