Farmers Weekly Review

By Sandy Vasko

We use the phrase “hardy pioneer” often without really thinking about exactly how “hardy” they really were. Today, we will look at an early settler of Florence Township that fits my definition of hardy, Nial Nye Osburn.

N.N. Osburn was born in Athens, Ohio, on November 19, 1819, to a farming family of Irish and Scottish descent. At the age of 22, he got the wander lust. At first, he only went as far as Iowa, but in the spring of 1843, he traveled in a wagon pulled by ox teams in the first caravan of settlers on their way to Oregon. But when they got as far as Fort Hall, Mr. Osburn went out on his own toward Oregon, traveling on horseback. The way was winding and treacherous, involving swimming the South Platte River 31 times.

Osburn stayed in Oregon for four years, trying his hand at mining. He returned to Pittsburgh in 1847, spending the winter there. However, he still felt the need to travel, and in the spring of 1848, he traveled by boat to St. Louis, Missouri, where he again made the overland trip, this time to the gold fields of California. There he was lucky; he hit pay dirt. He got in on the early rich strikes. In less than a year, had enough gold to satisfy his needs.

The return trip east was made by boat to the Isthmus of Panama, which he crossed on foot. From there, he took a steamer to New Orleans, and then on to Havana, Illinois. He then made his way to Philadelphia, where he had his gold converted into coin at the United States Mint, after which he went to New York to take in the sights.

He stayed in New York only a short time, the big city was not for him. He went on to Chicago in 1850 and looked around to see what his money could buy. His eyes lit on Florence Township. He started out with a purchase of 432 acres of land, later purchasing 720 acres near Star Grove. In 1853, Nial married Miss Sarah E. Steadman, who at the time was teaching school. They would eventually become the parents of eight children.

Osburn did everything on a grand scale, even farming. We read in the May 7, 1862, Wilmington Independent about a partnership with another early settler, R. W. Waterman: “A very choice wine is now made from the rhubarb plant, and we learn that N. N. Osburn, Esq., is preparing to manufacture it on an extensive scale, having set out 3,100 rhubarb plants, covering over two acres of land. R. W. Waterman, Esq., also has a hand in the business, having set out on his farm a large number of plants. All who have tasted the wine unite in pronouncing it a very superior article and we hope those engaged in its culture may find it a profitable business.”

In addition, he erected some 40 buildings in all, including 14 homes and a large number of barns. He also sank 12 artesian wells. In 1860, he raised over 15,000 bushels of wheat on his farms, becoming one of the highest producers of wheat in the state.

In 1870, the family moved to Lawrence, Kansas, but five years later, they returned to Wilmington, though he continued to farm his land in Florence. Ever vigilant for a “good deal” on land, Osburn next turned his eye on Grundy County, specifically Goose Lake.

We read on November 12, 1886, in the Wilmington Advocate: “A number of flocks of geese flew over Morris on Sunday. They were headed for Goose Lake, Will County. Of course they found not their old ‘Stamping’ ground, as the bottom of what was once a large lake is now as dry as a powder mill. Mr. N. N. Osburn, of Wilmington, who owned the lands surrounding the lake, has had an army of men engaged in draining the lake, which has been successfully accomplished. Miles upon miles of drain tile has been laid, and by next season this spot, about 1,500 acres, which has always been under water, will be one of the best corn-growing strips in this section.

“Already Mr. Osburn has rented lots of this land for next year at $3 ($105) an acre. If Mr. Osburn had all the lead which has been fired into the bottom of his new-made land, and could sell it at a penny a pound, he would realize many hundreds of dollars. This lake was famous for many miles around as the rendezvous for sporting men from various sections of the state in the spring and fall months, being noted for the large number of water-fowl going there to feed.”

Unfortunately, Osburn did not make money on this scheme. The land was very fertile because of the huge layer of peat which had developed at the bottom of the lake. A few years after Osburn purchased the land some hunters, who were mad at him for destroying their hunting grounds, set fire to the grass there. The peat which was then dried out burned to a considerable depth. Osburn then sold most of the land off, leaving only one 150-acre stock farm in his possession.

All in all, N. N. Osburn crossed the continent nine times. His children became prosperous in their own right, one of them Charles, becoming one of the most prominent business men in Wilmington.

But that is a story for another day.

Sandy Vasko is Director of the Will County Historical Museum & Reseach Center and President of the Will County Historical Society.