OSBORNE, Henry, a Delegate from Georgia; born August 21, 1751, in Newton County, Lemardy, Ireland; emigrated to Pennsylvania in 1779 and admitted to the Philadelphia bar; judge advocate of the Pennsylvania militia, October 1780; state notary public, July 1781; removed from all state offices in June 1783 following supreme executive council’s determination that he was a bigamist; settled near St. Mary’s, Camden County, Ga., in December 1784; held various state offices; member of the Georgia Assembly, 1786-1788; elected as a Delegate to the Continental Congress in 1786 but did not attend; chief justice of Georgia March 1787-January 1789; judge of the superior court in the western district 1789-1791; was removed from office and convicted by the Georgia senate in December 1791 of election fraud in the election of Anthony Wayne to the U.S. House of Representatives; his citizenship was restored under the Georgia constitution of 1798; died on St. Simons Island, Ga., November 9, 1800.

• {#1} Correspondence


• May 4, 1785 {#2} – Commission and appointment of Henry Osborne as Collector for the port of Saint Mary’s


• August 23, 1786 {#3} – Order for Joseph Habersham and Robert Forsyth to provide a sum to enable Henry Osborne to travel to Congress as a delegate of Georgia


• August 23, 1786 {#4} – Correspondence to Henry Osborne concerning the enclosed letter ordering sums to be furnished to him for his travel to Congress


• January 1787 {#5} – “State of Georgia to Governors and Speakers Warrants”. A finance spreadsheet


• May 19, 1787 {#6} – Correspondence from Major Nibb to Henry Osborne


• [ Sept?] 1787 {#7} – Correspondence


• April 20, 1789 {#9} – Correspondence to Governor Pinckney from Osborne


• Transcript of an original document located “in an oversize folder”. Has the label: Folder 2, and {#8} along the top of the page.


• June 20, 1789 {#10} – Correspondence to Henry Osborne from a friend from New York


• September 19, 1789 {#11} – Letter from Rock Landing concerning the rations given to the Creek Indians according to a treaty


• February 27, 1790 {#12} – Letter to Henry Osborne concerning a South Carolina gentleman seeking to have a “matter” completed without delay


• February 2, 1791 {#13} – Letter to Osborne from M. Watson? concerning errors last year within the “Return of Writs”?


• January 21, 1794 {#14} – Letter concerning the land warrants of one hundred and fifty one thousand acres of land from Henry Osborne


• August 30, 1794 {#15} – Correspondence to Osborne from Clayton (A.P.?)


• Undated – Letter bringing charges upon William Stiles for injury to William Rosbrough as well as damages to his land amounting to one thousand pounds sterling and calling for an appearance in court


• October 2, 1788 – Correspondence from William Stiles to John Perrie (of the posession of claims titles?) advising Perrie to appear in superior court on the court date of said William Stiles. On the back of this paper is a letter from the clerk of Richmond County with information about the trial to occur between William Rosbrough and William Stiles on the fourth Tuesday in October.

• A photocopy of the letter of “ejectment” for William Stiles (original letter was dated October 5, 1788)


• A transcript of the petition of William Rosbrough against William Stiles (original letter was dated November 2, 1777)


• A transcript of William Stiles’ letter to John Perrie advising Perrie to appear in Superior Court (original letter was dated October 2, 1788)


• A transcript of the letter of “ejectment” for the trial of William Rosbrough v. William Stiles written by Nathan Harry, Esquire, Clerk of Richmond County (original letter was dated October 5, 1788)


• A handwritten note for Mr. Bruner of the University of Georgia Library to repair and microfilm an unnamed item. Second note is addressed to “Ruth”, stating that the item belongs to Dr. De Baillou and is in very bad condition. No additional items are attached to these notes.

• Empty folder, no contents

• November 26, 1804 {#16} – A memorandum concerning a tract of land that Henry Osborne sold to the town of St. Mary’s


• May 5, 1810 {#17} – A handwritten copy of an original letter to the sheriff of Camden County, GA. Makes reference to farm acre land and the town of St. Mary. Also mentions eight men by name.


• February 2, 1815 {#19} – Correspondence to Mrs. C. Fitzgerald from Jos. Bivan concerning tracts of land that he purchased from the late Judge Osborne’s property but are now being put up for sale by the sheriff of Chatham Co.


• February 1824 {#22} – Correspondence to Robert W. Poolin from the wife of the late Henry Osborne. She asks for Poolin to respect the lands of her late husband’s estate that were illegally purchased by a Joseph Bivan and subsequently sold to a Mr. Wood.


• August 27, 1819 {#21} – Correspondence to Mrs. C. Fitzgerald, wife of late Henry Osborne from Nathl: Pendleton (Nathaniel). In the letter, Pendleton explains to Mrs. Fitzgerald in detail the sequence of events concerning the estate of the late Henry Osborne. He explains that she nor Osborne’s heirs have any claim to the lands of the estate. He warns her to cease any further interference with the sale of the lands or he will bring a suit against her.


• April 13, 1819 {#20} – Slip of paper containing the judgement of the Superior Court of [?] County, of M Maher & Co. vs. Henry Osborne. Judgement is for 145.4.2 pounds plus interest.


• January 24, 1813 {#18} – A piece of paper with the sketch/map of a portion of “Mrs. Fitzgerald’s land” as well as the corresponding roads outlining the area. At the bottom there are directions as to locations of the boundaries of the land.

• July 22, 1834 {#23} – Official document of the Inferior Court of Chatham County, Georgia stating the appointment of [Elisa?] Osborne to be guardian over James and William Osborne, children of the deceased James Osborne.


• November 7, 1839 {#24} – Correspondence to Mrs. E. M. Dunning from her son H.J. Osborne. H.J. Osborne initially requests money from his mother to cover money that he owes. The bulk of the letter discusses his desire to devote himself to ministry and receive instruction in it with some Brothers he has met. He requests the opinions and advice of his mother and father as to what course of action to take.

• December 1, 1846 {#25} – A letter to W. H. J. Osborne from John Sheffield stating that he will consider buying the land that is for sale. He conditions this sale on a low price as well as some other requests such as removing some men off of the land.


• December 7, 1846 {#26} – A letter to W. H. J. Osborne from John Sheffield urging Osborne to deal with matter concerning the land immediately. Sheffield is willing to buy the land but a Mr. Seales is attempting to hold the land. Sheffield warns that Osborne will lose his land if he does not act.


• October 4, 1846 {#27} – A letter to James Osborne from Jno. [?] talking about John Sheffield’s offer to buy the land.


• March 21, 1849 {#28} – A letter to Mrs. E. M. Dunning from her mother, Mrs. C. Fitzgerald, the wife of the late Henry Osborne. Mrs. Fitzgerald discusses the ongoing conflict over ownership of Osborne’s estate. She is willing to relinquish the claim of the lands to her daughter but is still waiting on the progression of her suit against the land partners.


• April 28th, 1854 {#29} – A letter from Thos. D. Hawkins to Henry J. Osborne stating that he is desirous of purchasing land from him. Hawkins offers $250 or $150 for the land depending on whether “lives” or “persons” will or will not be provided, respectively.

• July 28, 1862 {#30} – Personal correspondence between two Osborne brothers (first names are indiscernible). The younger brother has just started at a college in which the elder also obtained his education. The elder brother gives the younger advice on being a good soldier at the school. He advises him to obey his officers, to study hard, and act like a gentleman with the other men. He gives him a stern warning to come out of the school as an officer or he will be a disgrace to their fair name of “Osborne”. He also reminds him of the honor of having their family name.


• March 24, 1863 {#31} – Letter from “Henry” (no last name given) to his brother. In the letter, Henry gives many lengthy reasons to his brother as to the disadvantages of joining the army.


• July 19, 1869 {#32} – Letter from Henry Jos. [Joseph?] Osborne to Mr. Henry Williams concerning some business agreements that they are working through. Second half of the letter talks about Henry Osborne’s decision to move to Augusta in order to carry their business there.


• January 18, 1869 {#33} – Letter to Henry J. Osborne from Henry Williams concerning some business arrangements. Mentions fees to be paid of the amounts of $300, $500, and ten percent on all property.


• January 21, 1869 {#34} – Letter from Henry Williams to Henry J. Osborne stating that a $300 check has been received and briefly discussing business matters.


• January 21, 1869 {#35} – Letter or receipt stating that a check for three hundred dollars was received from Henry J. Osborne on January 21, 1868. Mentions that the check has something to do with the will of Henry Osborne’s father.


• March [11th or 17th], 1869 {#36} – Letter to “Hartridge, Williams & Lloyd” from Henry J. Osborne mentioning a letter that Henry’s uncle Osborne explaining the recent history of the Osborne lands. In uncle Osborne’s papers he explained that the lands were put of for sale but that the trustees forbid its sale and thus were never sold. Then, Col. Paris, while he was the second husband, died and had his estate sold to pay his debts. A brief history of the estate’s activities continues and ends with Henry J. Osborne compelling all interested parties to “give us up the extent of our rights”.


• June 10, 1869 {#37} – Letter signed by Henry Williams but also containing the signature of Henry J. Osborne at the bottom of the page. Mentions a lawyer who understands the art of examining records and titles. Also mentions a problem with there not being any residents on the land.


• September [1st or 7th] {#38}, 1869 – Letter from Henry Williams to Henry J. Osborne. Mentions Mr. Owens, Mr. Dunwoody, and Mr. Hartridge. Williams begins saying that Mr. Owens was unfortunate in not being able to find some item.


• September 29, 1869 {#39} – Letter from John [H.?] Newton to Henry J. Osborne explaining the current situation concerning the land that Osborne is making claim to. Newton spells out the steps that need to be taken to begin sorting out the interest in the pieces of land. Newton offers to assist Osborne if he decides to move forward.


• October [?], 1869 {#40} – Letter from Henry J. Osborne to Henry Williams, informing him of how Col. Watkins had tried to buy him out from the land back in 1959-60 and Watkins current attempts to sell the land. He also tells Williams that Newton is now willing to cooperate with them and how Osborne referred him to one of their “allies”.

• January 23, 1870 {#41} – A letter from Henry Williams. Uncertain as to the recipient or content of the letter.


• December 21, 1870 {#42} – Notes from a Comptroller General named Madison Bell concerning the received payment of taxes on land lots from John H. Osborne and E. M. Dunning.


• December 28, 1870 {#43} – Letter from Henry Williams to H. J. Osborne. Uncertain as to the content of the letter. Mentions something about juried in the last term of the U.S. Court.


• June 13, 1874 {#44} – Letter from W. W. Montgomery to H. J. Osborne. There is mention of an arrangement or conflict between H. J. Osborne and a Dr. Harker over the proceeds of land recovered.


• December 31, 187[5?] {#45} – Letter from W. W. Montgomery to H. J. Osborne. There is mention of a judge declining to hear “such cases”. H. J. seems to have indicated that he wants to have other counsel handle his case.


• April 6, 1877{#46} – An official document of membership into the Kappa Alpha Order. Thos. Screven is declared a member of the Beta chapter at Virginia Military Inst. In Lexington, VA.

• January 16, 1880 {#47} – Letter from J. M. Monroe to H. J. Osborne mentioning a lot of land for sale and that he believes there is something wrong about it. He states he would like to purchase a lot of land from Osborne.


• October 31, 1893 {#48} – Document of indenture of land between William F. Osborne and J. Howell H. Osborne. William Osborne had given and sold Lot Number 346 in Chicago, Illinois to his brother J. H. Osborne.


• August 25, 1899 {#49} – Letter to Col. Screven from an uncertain author. The author mentions an unsuccessful attempt to meet [Com. Stevens?] and states they will make another effort to get something of interest from him. Also mentions some advertising.

• January 8, 1909 {#50/#50b} – A transcript (on microfilm) of a letter from Kate O. Lamprey, niece of Mrs. Catherine Osborne Paris Fitzgerald (wife of the late Judge Henry Osborne. The letter is a response to Mrs. Parker’s request of information about the Howell Family.


• January 8, 1909 {#50a} – Another transcript of aforementioned letter in typed print.

• {#51} – A statement explaining the turn of events for Lot No. 4 of Henry Osborne’s land after he died. A dispute arose between [Ethan?] Clark and the Executrix of the Osborne estate over the possession of a wharf in Lot No. 4


• {#52} – A statement of ownership of the Osborne lands by Catherine Fitzgerald after a divorce from John G. Fitzgerald. States which sections of the land and the acreage of these lands that will be in Catherine Fitzgerald’s possession.


• {#53} – Invitation for Col. John Screven to attend the District of Columbia Society of the Sons of the Revolution. Envelope also included.


• {#54} – Envelope addressed to “Maria[Mariah?] Osborne daughtetr of Mrs. [Judas?] Osborne afterwards Mrs. Fitzgerald”. Also contains a note below this stating that enclosed in the envelope is what is left of some gum-[Arabic?] that [Howard] used to take when he was a sick boy.


• {#55} – An anonymous poem.


• {#56} – A poem either addressed to or written by Miss Osborne


• {#57} – A list of various official documents ranging from “Affidavit”, “Deed”, and “Certificate” among others.


• {#58} – A typed ordianance with details (unsure as to whether it is a transcript or original). Ordinance to prevent the disturbance of exercuses held at the Parade Ground on Memorial, or Decoration, Day.


• {#59} – A Memoranda for William Wilson Osborne giving details of his birth, education, positions and accomplishments.


• {#60} – Typed notes on the origin and hsitory of the Osborne name. Includes a pamphlet advertising the purchase of a family coat of arms.


• {#61} – A small torn note containing two numbers with names. Perhaps phone numbers?

• {#62} – Obituary for Mrs. Louisa D. Glover, wife of the late Hon. Thomas W. Glover, one of the former Circuit Judges of South Carolina.


• {#63} – Poem titled “Christmas Regrets” by Susie M. Best


• {#64} – Article of President Wilson’s opposition to changes in the treaty covenant of the League of Nations proposed by Senator Lodge.


• {#65} – A portion of an article titled “Honor Crosses For Veterans”. Also includes a short article titled “Veterans Hold Memorial Day Parade”.


• {#66} – April 15, 1865 issue of the New York Herald, containing headlines of President Lincoln’s assassination.


• {No item #} – A folder from Buccaneer Motor Lodge in Jekyll Island, GA. Inside of envelope contains advertisements for various local businesses and restaurants. On the front of the folder there is a handwritten note across the folder design saying, “Henry Osborne’s Commission as Chief Justice of Georgia!”