Osborn, Stellanova, 1894-1988

Wife of Chase S. Osborn, leader in the Atlantic Union Movement, and officer in the Atlantic Union Conference, the International Movement for Atlantic Union, and Federal Union, Inc.

Stella Brunt Osborn was born on July 31, 1894 in Hamilton, Canada. She finished elementary school in 1908, and subsequently went to work at the age of fifteen as a stenographer. She eventually completed her high school education through night classes in Toledo, Ohio. In 1916 she entered the University of Michigan, graduating summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa in 1922. In 1930 she received a master's degree in Medieval English Literature, and in 1978, an honorary Doctorate of Letters, both from the University of Michigan.

In the years 1923 to 1930 she worked as an editor for various publications. In 1931, she became the adopted daughter of Chase S. Osborn, ex-Governor of Michigan, and collaborated with him on five books: The Conquest of a Continent, 1939; Schoolcraft-Longfellow-Hiawatha, 1942; Hiawatha with its Original Indian Legends, 1944; Errors in the U.S. Official Area Figures, 1945; and Northwood Sketches, 1949. On her own Stella Osborn wrote Eighty and on, 1941; A tale of Possum Poke in Possum Lane, 1946; Balsam Boughs, 1949; Jasmine Springs, 1953; Polly Cadotte, 1955; Beside the cabin, 1957; Iron and Arbutus, 1962; and Summer Songs on the St. Mary's, 1982. On April 9, 1949 her adoption was annulled and she then married Chase Osborn.

Since Chase Osborn's death (April 11, 1949), Stella Osborn's main interest has been in a number of international world peace organizations for which she has worked as a volunteer for nearly thirty years. These include the Atlantic Union Committee (founder and chairman, Michigan branch), the International Movement for Atlantic Union (founder of the North American branch; secretary 1958-1965), Federal Union, Inc. (board member, 1962), International Association for Federal Union (founder, honorary vice-president, 1972). She was also active in the Capitol Club of the Business and Professional Women's Club, and was a Distinquished Professor of Humanities at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tipton, Georgia. She retired in 1972, but maintained an active interest and correspondence with these organization.

Stella Osborn died in Sault St. Marie in March 1988, where she had moved from Poulan, Georgia in 1980. In the last years of her life, she continued a lively interest in world affairs, actively corresponding with friends and with colleagues from the various peace organizations with which she had been involved.