Thomas W. Osborn facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas Ward Osborn
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| United States Senator from Florida |
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| In office June 25, 1868 – March 4, 1873 |
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| Preceded by | David L. Yulee |
| Succeeded by | Simon B. Conover |
| Member of the Florida Senate | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | March 9, 1833 Scotch Plains, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Died | December 18, 1898 (aged 65) New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
Thomas Ward Osborn (March 9, 1833 – December 18, 1898) was an important figure in American history. He served as an officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Later, he became a U.S. Senator representing the state of Florida.
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Thomas Osborn's Early Life
Thomas Osborn was born in Scotch Plains, New Jersey. His parents were John and Amelia Osborn. In 1842, when he was nine, his family moved to North Wilna, New York. He worked on the family farm until 1854.
After that, Thomas took special classes to prepare for college. In 1860, he graduated from Madison University. Today, this school is known as Colgate University in Hamilton. After college, Osborn worked in a law office in Watertown. He became a lawyer in New York State in 1861.
Serving in the Civil War
Thomas Osborn did not practice law for very long. The American Civil War was about to begin. After the First Battle of Bull Run in 1861, he joined the Union Army as a lieutenant. From his home in Jefferson County, New York, Osborn gathered a group of soldiers. This group became known as Battery D, First Regiment, New York Light Artillery.
Osborn's company served with the Army of the Potomac. They performed very well. He was promoted several times, becoming a captain, then a major, and finally a colonel. As a major, Osborn worked under Major General Oliver Otis Howard. He led his troops bravely, even when his corps faced tough battles.
Key Battles and Leadership
Osborn commanded the artillery (big guns) for his corps at the Battle of Gettysburg. This was a very important battle. On July 2, 1863, he helped defend Cemetery Hill. This position was attacked by enemy troops, but Osborn's leadership helped hold the line.
Later, Osborn moved to the Western part of the war. He became an inspector general under General Howard. He also wrote detailed notes about General William T. Sherman's famous Sherman's March to the Sea. This was a long march across the South that helped end the war.
Helping Rebuild America
After the war, Thomas Osborn continued to serve his country. In 1865, he was appointed assistant commissioner for the Freedmen's Bureau. This bureau was created during Reconstruction. Its job was to help formerly enslaved people and others affected by the war in Florida.
While living in Tallahassee, Florida, Osborn also practiced law. He was a member of the group that wrote the 1868 Florida Constitution. This new constitution helped Florida rejoin the United States.
A Senator for Florida
After the new constitution, Osborn moved to Pensacola, Florida. He was elected to the Florida Senate. Soon after, Florida was allowed to send representatives to the U.S. Congress again.
Even though he was still young, Osborn was elected to the United States Senate. He served as a Republican senator from 1868 to 1873. He is remembered for helping pass a law to finish building the Washington Monument. Construction on this monument had stopped before the Civil War.
Later Life and Retirement
Thomas Osborn decided not to run for reelection in 1872. In 1876, he served as a U.S. commissioner at the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This was the first official world's fair held in the United States.
In his later years, Osborn continued to work in law and write. He lived in New York City, where he passed away in 1898. Thomas Osborn is buried at Hillside Cemetery in North Adams, Massachusetts.
