Osborn, Chase S. (Chase Salmon), 1860-1949

Author and newspaper editor at Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, University of Michigan regent and Republican governor of Michigan, 1911-1912.

From the description of Chase Salmon Osborn papers, 1889-1949. (University of Michigan). WorldCat record id: 34423228

Chase S. Osborn was born in Huntington County, Indiana on January 22, 1860, the son of George A. and Margaret (Fannon) Osborn. He married Lillian G. Jones on May 7, 1881. Osborn was a newspaperman and author before becoming governor of Michigan, 1911-12. He served as regent of the University of Michigan, 1908-11, and was a member of many commissions and clubs. He died in 1949.

From the description of Chase S. Osborn papers, 1877-1949. (Detroit Public Library). WorldCat record id: 417700597

Chase Salmon Osborn was born January 22, 1860, in Huntington County, Indiana, to George A. and Margaret (Fannon) Osborn. Both of Osborn's parents were self-tutored medical doctors. Osborn attended Purdue University, 1874-1877, but left without graduating to become a newspaperman. Starting on the Lafayette (Indiana) Home Journal, Osborn worked successively on the Chicago Tribune and the Milwaukee Journal. In 1883 he moved north, purchasing the Florence (Wisconsin) Mining News. Over the next four years he also began prospecting for iron ore in the Menominee range. In 1887 he sold the newspaper and returned to Milwaukee as city editor of the Sentinel. At the same time, he helped establish and became editor of the Miner and Manufacturer (Milwaukee). Excited by the prospects of making his fortune in mining, Osborn left soon after for Sault Ste. Marie where he could be close to iron mining regions of Michigan and Ontario. To support himself he became part owner of the Sault Ste. Marie (Michigan) News which he published until 1901, approximately the same time as his discovery of a rich iron deposit in Ontario near Sudbury. With this discovery and other investments, Osborn had the money and the time to pursue other areas of interest. He did not immediately give up his newspaper career. In 1902 he bought a half interest in the Saginaw (Michigan) Courier-Herald which he held until 1912.

Long before Osborn left the newspaper business, he expressed an interest in Michigan politics as a Republican. From 1889 to 1893 he served as postmaster of Sault Ste. Marie; he was state fish and game warden, 1895 to 1899; state commissioner of railroads, 1899-1903; regent for The University of Michigan, 1908-1911; and governor, 1911 to 1912. He was unsuccessful congressional candidate in 1896, an unsuccessful aspirant for nomination as the Republican candidate for United States senator in 1918, Michigan's favorite son candidate for the Republican vice-presidential nomination in 1928, and an unsuccessful candidate for the Republican nomination for the United States Senate in 1930. Consistently progressive in his political sentiments, Osborn refused to bolt the Republican party in 1912, although he finally did vote for Roosevelt.

From 1887 on Osborn made his home in Sault Ste. Marie and on nearby Duck Island. In later years he wintered in Possum Poke, Worth County, Georgia. After 1912, Osborn devoted himself to lecturing, travel, writing, and to his investments. He authored thirteen books relating to American history, politics, Indian lore, and travel. Osborn died in Georgia on April 11, 1949.

From the guide to the Chase S. Osborn Papers, ca. 1870-1949, 1889-1949, (Bentley Historical Library University of Michigan)