Item

Henry Osburn, General Manager New Brunswick Railway

Standard
Nov 7, 1860
It is with surprise and much regret we learn, that by letters received from England yesterday, the services of Mr. Thompson, the Manager, the Mr. Buck, the chief Engineer of the railroad company, will be dispensed with by the board of directors, and that the two offices are to be combined into one, in the person of Mr. Osburn, on the pleas of economy. we feel sure that the whole community will join with us in expressing very sincere regret at the loss of these gentlemen, who have, during a period of near ten years, proved themselves not only faithful and zealous servants to their employers, but have gained universal respect and esteem both in the public and private capacities.

Standard
Jan 9/1861
Henry Osburn manager of NB and C RR. Frye Wharf foot King Street.

Standard
May 29, 1861
The Railway
Amidst the turmoil of an Election, and the exciting reports from the neighboring Republic of the civil, war which is at present distracting, and injuring trade of that great country, it is pleasing to turn to a great public work such as the New Brunswick and Canada Railway, which is rapidly opening up and developing the resources of this port of the province, as well as being a safe and rapid means of transit to and from the upper Country, in addition to which it will become at no distant day the great highway connecting the Upper and Lower provinces. We are happy to announce that there is every prospect of the work on the line being resumed in a short time. The English shareholders have advanced a large sum, and the debts of the Company are paid off. Mr. Osburn, the company’s manager, has devoted his whole energies to put the work on a firm basis, by having the liabilities paid off, keeping the trains running, economizing the funds, and forwarding the interests of the Company, and also arranging for an early completion of the work to within a few miles of Woodstock this season.

Standard
June 22/1864
Railway traffic continues to increase. Low freight rates by H. Osburn.

Standard
July 6/1864
H. Osburn has arranged to run trains in connection with Saint John steamer. "We are happy to notice so many of our Carleton friends have taken advantage of the cheap excursion trips in visit our town, and enjoy ones of the finest sea views in NB." Excursion trips at artificially low rates.

Standard
Aug 17/1864
Railway Excursion and Picnic.
One of the most pleasant of those social gatherings termed “Picnics” took place on Thursday last. Mr. Osburn, Manager of the Railway, with considerations and good feelings, having under his direction a large number of men, who toil from early morn till old Sol departs behind his curtain, the horizon—offered the men on the railway a holiday and excursion up the Line to Dumbarton, with a limited number of tickets for their families and friends. The generous offer was gratefully accepted; and on Thursday morning at 9:15 an engine with three passenger cars attached, left the Station with their men, their families, and friends—together with several invited guests, numbering in all upwards of two hundred. . . .

Standard
Nov 6/1867
Description of consecration of All Saints Church, and of Church itself. Plans furnished and construction superintended by Henry Osburn of NB&C Railway. Made of native NB spruce and pine.

Standard
May 26/1869
Mr. Osburn returns from England. “The work of building the Branch Railway from
Richmond to Houlton will be pushed forward with the least possible delay.”

Standard
July 7/1869
The Railway Tax
March 1 Henry Osburn stated seventeen miles of track between St. Andrews and St. Stephen required new rails and $10,000 to acquire them; but even then track conditions were such that he couldn’t guarantee to continue service.

Standard
Oct 13/1869
The Houlton Branch—It appears from the following paragraphs taken from the St. Croix Courier that some of the leading men of SS, unfairly called the “Railway and Land Ring,” have nobly extended aid to this undertaking, being satisfied of the great aid it will be to the town of St. Stephen. “We hope that those who are opposing town aid to the branch will stop their opposition and unite in carrying out a scheme which cannot but be fraught with benefits to the highest importance to St. Stephen.” Contractors Messrs. Osburn and Todd. Plans to have trains running into Houlton by next October.

Standard
Dec 8/1869
Trains Stopped
We sincerely regret that Mr. Osburn, Manager of the NB and C Railway has issued a notice which appears in another column that the trains will stop running to St. Andrews for this winter after the 31st December. The reason assigned is—“in consequence of the failure of business and bad state of the track.” This will interfere with the proposed connection of the Western Extension and Fredericton Company who have advertised connections with St. Andrews and very materially affect the interests of this town. Can no means be devised to keep the trains running to SA; are we so completely helpless that we can do nothing to avert so untoward a consequence? Will no action be taken or efforts used to secure the running of the trains? Had it not been for the exertions of St. Andrews people and their indomitable perseverance and luck, Charlotte County would today be without a main line or branches.

Standard
Dec 13/1869
Courier feels a conflict of interest in Osburn’s being a contractor for the Houlton branch.

Standard
Jan 12/1870
Henry Osburn asks Standard not to publish railway timetables henceforth and not to supply any more newspapers. Editor reacts.

Standard
Feb 2/1870
The railway, or rather that portion of the main line between the junction at the St. Stephen branch and the terminus at St. Andrews has been closed for the winter. . . . Is it not surprising then, that after the amount of money expended in its construction—their influence with the govt to take stock—the large expenditure of capital in this erection of buildings and wharves, among the latter a steamboat landing expressly to the Railway, and doing business over the line-- that they are resolved to maintain their rights by legal means?
            Notice of discontinuance by Osburn.

Standard
June 4/1873
New Masonic Building--Our brethren of St. Mark’s Lodge have purchased that excellent site on the corner of Water and Frederick Streets, and are having a foundation laid to place the large building upon, recently purchased by them from Henry Osburn, Esq. The lower flat is to be fitted up for a store, and the upper flat is to be finished for a large Lodge Room, with ante rooms. The site is a central one, and will fill a gap for many years vacant. (Ads for Stevenson’s Hall are still running. Where was it?)

Pilot
Sept 5, 1878
Jottings on the Street, No. 12
The Railway Machine Works.
It would swell our jotting description to inconvenience to enter into a minute detail of the etceteras in connection with those works; while a mere passing remark would savour of culpable indifference.
            The main building where the big wheels and the little wheels are industriously spinning around in easy and speedy revolutions high over your upward gaze; carried on in their whirling velocity by strong leather belts impelled by steam power, to perform their whirr of work, is about 100 feet wide, and 250 feet long.
            The Engine, Earl No. 1, stands on its track in the building at present; and from Mr. Thomas Armstrong, the Master Mechanic of the works, we learn that, this engine has been cut down to suit the “narrow gauge” of the road.
            This difficult and important work can only be fully understood by those who have practical experience with Railway Engine building.
            Mr. Armstrong informed the writer that previously, all such work had to be sent to Portland, Maine, for alteration but the work was attempted here, and successfully accomplished.
            The “Earl” has been some 20 miles out over the road on a trial trip, and ran as smoothly as Harmon, the St. Stephen racer; and, were the “Earl” to jump at all, the probability is that, the noble Earl would beat the St. Croix runner at jumping!
            There are ten men in constant employment, keeping Engines in repair, and other railway operations. There is a certain amount of neatness and systematic order apparent inside, and outside. Scores of wheels on their “broad gauge” axles are standing on “tracks” in single file, almost with military precision, as if waiting for the work of command—“Forward! Double Quick!”
            Leaving the Machine Shop and Works, and returning up townwards, the Railway Office and Store rooms are seen on the left; with the Depot on the right. Neat and convenient waiting rooms are here; the “Ticket Office” and all such kind of things generally looked for at the terminus of a Railway.
            Henry Osburn, Esq., the Manager, and young Claude Lamb, the clerk, are “up to the mark” each in his respective sphere; and, the aspect of things at the present time, sparkles with bright hopes for the future.
            The darkest days for SA, it is to be hoped, are fast passing away, like the late eclipse from the sun; to be succeeded by the shining of “better times,” and business prosperity increasing under the wise administration of a new Parliament and viceroy Lorne.

Standard
Oct 15/1879
Notice of memorandum of Association from Royal Gazette, Fredericton, for Argyll Hotel Company. See photocopy.
The Royal Gazette, of Oct. 8, published a Memorandum of Association, which has been filed by Order of Council, under Chapter 98 of the Consolidated Statutes, certifying that Benjamin R. Stevenson, Henry O’Neil, H. H. Hatch, Henry Osburn, F. A. Pike, James Murchie, F. H. Todd, Z. Chipman, Charles F. Todd, and Robert Robinson, have filed in my Office a Memorandum of Association for the incorporation of a Company to be styled the “Argyll Hotel Company.” The Object of the Company is the building, acquiring and completing an Hotel building and appurtenances at Saint Andrews, in the County of Charlotte, with such other things as are incident to the attaining of that object, and the maintaining the same, for the accommodation of the travelling public, with a capital of Twenty Thousand Dollars, to be divided into two thousand share of ten dollars each; and stating that the Office or principal place of business is to be at SA, in the said County of Charlotte. Dated at Fredericton this eighth day of October, A. D. 1879

Pilot
Nov 23/1882
Henry Osburn, Esq., Railway Manager, has during the past few months been making extensive alterations, additions and improvements to his premises at the Point, which are now nearly completed, and when finished will make Mr. Osburn’s house one of the most comfortable and conveniently arranged residences in the county. (Detailed description of layout and plumbing)
John S. Magee now offering St. Croix Cotton Mill cotton for sale in his store.

Pilot
Aug 7, 1886
We publish today the speeches made by Councillor G.D. Grimmer, and Henry Osburn, at the public meeting of the rate payers of this town, held in the Court House on the evening of Thursday the 28th ult., together with a synoptical statement by Mr. Osburn of he Alms House accounts, for the first eight months of the current year. . . . The statements made by Mr. Osburn, chairman of the Alms House commissioners, was most gratifying, showing as it did, a great entailment in the expenses connected with the maintenance of the Alms House and of the poor. A statement that fully justified, if justification were necessary, the councillors in making the radical change they did in the personnel of the commission. Councillor Grimmer was in error in the statement made by him in reference to the Moses Stewart property. The rent of the 18 acre lot leased by Stewart is twelve dollars and two cents per annum, in addition to this lot, several years ago, Stewart acquired the lot held by one O’Brien, the rent of which is four dollars, and the lot held by Thomas Algar, at a rental of three dollars per annum. The rent of the three lots, therefore amounting to nineteen dollars and two cents per annum, and instead of the town owing Moses Stewart, the reverse is the case.

[March 1/1888--Robert Gardiner to B. R. Stevenson MS3-Y-117: “Telegram from Mr. Osburn informs me that you now consider yourself retained by our syndicate. Therefore I enclose you draft of act desired to be passed by present legislature, and it is sent to you that as attorney for the Co you may proceed immediately to secure its passage. Sir Leonard Tilley informs us that the law requires 4 weeks previous publication in the “Royal Gazette” before presenting to the legislature, compliance with that rule would throw it over into next session, but it is suggested that a “suspension of the rules” is not an uncommon thing or difficult to bring about, and such seems to be our only course now.
            It is suggested that any names of residents can be ? as corporators that you select, and who will resign when we wish, and you can also if desired include any of the following names: J. Emory Hoar, Brookline Mass; Eugene F. Fay, ibid; Rosco A. Cobb, ibid; Albert D. S. Bell, Newton, Mass; Robert Gardiner, ibid; Chas. V. Lord, Bangor, Maine; Abraham Avery, Boston, Mass; Daniel B. Claflin, Newton, Mass.
            There are other members of the syndicate but it is for certain reason not desirable to use these names. And it is for your decision whether the names of many Americans will interfere with the chance of its going through under a “suspension of the rules.”
            The enclosed has been gone over very carefully by an attorney and others here and is pronounced satisfactory. If in your judgment any alterations and additions are necessary I will thank you to first inform me, that such changes may be considered here.
            Please acknowledge receipt, and give me your opinion of the practicability of putting it thro’.
            I will add that we consider it of the utmost importance to act promptly, else a similar move may be made by outside parties. Please use enclosed cipher for correspondence with Mr. McGraw, Mr. Fay (The Treasurer) or myself.]

Pilot
March 22/1888
“A public meeting of the ratepayers of the town and parish of St. Andrews having been called for the purpose of considering and discussing the terms and provisions of certain bills now before the Legislature of this province, for Acts to incorporate “The Saint Andrews Land Company” and “The Chamcook Water Company.” About forty of the resident ratepayers of said town and parish met at the office of M. N. Cockburn on the afternoon of Tuesday the 20th inst.
Geo. F. Stickney, Esq., being called to the chair announced the object for which the meeting was called and requested a full and careful examination and discussion of the Bills. F. H. Grimmer, Esq., was requested to act as secretary.
            The Land Company Bill was read and criticized by Henry Osburn, Esq., and was further criticized by Messrs. R. Glenn and M. N. Cockburn.
            Moved by M. N. Cockburn sec’d by r. Glenn, and unanimously resolved, That in the opinion of this meeting the clause of the first section on Land Co.’s Incorporation Bill, exempting their lands from taxation is decidedly objectionable and unfair to the ratepayer of this parish and ought in fairness to be struck out. Section two and three were approved of.
            It was moved by J. S. Magee sec’d by D. F. Campbell, and carried by a unanimous vote, That this meeting recommends as an addition to section 4 of the Bill the following: Provided that this section shall not be construed or interpreted as in any way conferring an exclusive right upon said company.
            The Chamcook Water Company Bill was read in part by Mr. Osburn and in part by Mr. H. Grimmer.

Pilot
April 12/1888
Gardiner’s speech in Stevenson Hall. B. R. Stevenson the Company’s Counsel. See photocopy and below.
            “In compliance with public notice given by R. S. Gardiner, Esq., chairman of the American syndicate operating in lands in St. Andrews and vicinity, the citizens of St. Andrews assembled in Stevenson hall on Thursday evening last, for the purpose of hearing a statement of the aims and objects of the syndicate. The door of the hall was opened at 7:30 o’clock, in a few minutes thereafter every seat was occupied as well as the standing room in the gangways. At eight o’clock the proceedings were commenced by the election of Geo f. Stickney, Esq., chairman, and F. Howard Grimmer, sec’y. Mr. Gardiner then took the floor and was listened to with the closest attention. He said amongst other things, I feel I hardly need an introduction to a St. Andrews audience. Nine years ago I heard of your town as a restful place, came here with my family every summer since. I am familiar with your wharves, your fish, know where the largest and most fish are to be caught, particularly when one fails to catch them I propose to outline the plans and purposes of the association of Americans who propose to do something for your town, amongst whom are Daniel A. Claflin, Mr. Cram, Mr. Lord, Mr. Fay and others. They all thought St. Andrews was an extremely pleasant place. Mr. Cram had but very little passenger traffic over the railway to SA, road was in bad condition, he was afraid to go to his directors and ask them to expend money upon it unless he could show them reasonable prospect of increased traffic. People of your town did not know our objects. Mr. Whitlock, Mr. Geo. Mowatt, Dr. Parker and others said, if your object is to benefit the town and not a land speculation, we are willing to help you. Sir Leonard Tilley have us free and full advice, as also did Mr. J. Emery Hoar. There is not one copper invested in this undertaking based upon the selection of St. Andrews as a railway terminus. I don’t know if such a thing is projected. We are not by any means philanthropic in our notions, we hope to make some money out of our venture. No man, woman or child at present residing in St. Andrews has any pecuniary interest in the association unless it may be Judge Stevenson as our counsel. There is no probability or possibility of Mr. Osburn making anything out of it, he has done all he could to assist us without the hope of a reward. Having obtained lands we propose to erect thereon, cottages of modern American style, and supply them with water and light.
. . . The taxpayers of the town insisted in placing in the Act incorporating “The Chamcook Water Company,” a clause binding us to commence the work within three years, and complete it in five years. Now we hope to have the water from Chamcook Lake into St. Andrews by September of this year (Applause). Now as to the question of lighting, we hope to run in connection with the water works, the electric light. (Applause)
One thing I may frankly state, we are not going to build hotels, other people will come and do it. We are extending our numbers, and have got in with us Mr. Flanders, passenger agent Boston and Maine railroad; Mr. J. B. Coyle, president of the International Steamship Co.; Mr. Connors, of the Boston and Fall River, and Old Colony road; so you see we will have an unbroken line by rail or water from St. Andrews to New York. The transportation companies disseminate advertising matter, reaching a large number, fully 1,000,000 circulars, etc., put in the hands of people who patronize summer resorts. Up to the present time it takes from twenty-four to thirty hours by rail between Boston and SA; this is prohibitory. If our plans are carried out you will at no distant day see standing at your railway depot every evening, a Pullman car that left Boston same morning. We ask the cooperation of the people of SA, having that our success will be assured. We asked Mr. Osburn if it was possible to get Indian Point, some 55 acres of land, 10 of which were between the race course and tide water. We would make in it a park say of ten acres, which would be a breathing place and resort, such a place as you much have before you ask people to your town, people who will come to spend their money with you. No man in the syndicate is known as a speculator. We don’t want to hold the land for a railway terminus, we will guarantee as expenditure of say $5,000 during the year, and should the Canada Pacific Railway company require it for a terminus within the next three years, we will come under bonds to surrender it to them, upon payment to us of the amount of cash we have actually expended thereon. Mr. Gardiner then resumed his seat amid loud applause.”

St. Croix Courier
May 17/1888
The St. Stephen Electric Light Company have taken the initiatory steps to introduce the light in St. Stephen and Calais. Supports for the wires have been placed on the toll bridge and the poles are already on hand. it is thought the system will be in operation early in September.
            Henry Osburn and family intend going to England in July to remain, perhaps, permanently, though the land company will secure Mr. Osburn’s services as manager.

Beacon
May 7/1891
Sanatorium at SA
“Koomoosaba,” the Indian name for the Osburn residence, on the outskirts of Indian Point Park, will be used as a sanatorium this season, as will be seen by the announcement which is published on the first page of the Beacon. Well arranged internally, with an external situation that cannot be excelled, there are few places better adapted for such a purpose. The sanatorium will be under the immediate supervision of Dr. Osburn, who will have associated with him Dr. Forster, of Philadelphia. With such an efficient medical corps, and all the other requisites it possesses, “Koomoosaba” ought be become a favorite resort for invalids.

Beacon
July 2/1891
Mr. and Mrs. Osburn and Miss Osburn sail from England in the S. S. “Germanic” on the 8th.  They will spend a month or more in Sa, and then it is Mr. Osburn’s intention to proceed as far as Vancouver

Beacon
Oct 22/1891
Our Western Heritage
Towns Booming, Farmers busy, Dakota Settlers Seeking Peace and Plenty
Mr. Henry Osburn, who recently returned from a visit to Vancouver, is greatly impressed with the extent and resources of the Canadian North-West.
            He describes Winnipeg as being a large and rowing city, and all the towns large and small, between it and the foothills, are active and booming. Vancouver is moving along with rapid steps. It has grown very fast during the past few years and houses are now going up everywhere. Land which was in woods a few short months ago is now occupied by neat and commodious dwellings. The harbor is deep but wharf facilities are lacking. These will be supplied. Vancouver, he thinks has a great future before it. Victoria is prettily situated, but the harbor entrance being narrow, large steamers do not care to go in. To obviate this, jetties are being erected outside the harbor entrance at tremendous cost.
            The soil of the North-West appears to closely resemble black peat. It is very fertile, and enormous crops of grain have been raised this season. The Canadian North-West he declares could easily provide wheat for the whole of Europe. Harvesting can be carried on so easily there that he cannot see how it is possible for the English farmer, with the rents, and tithes, and taxes, and the many other burdens, such s keeping the hedges in order and allowing this property to be hunted over, which he has to bear) to complete with e grain producers of Canada. The only circumstance in favor of the English farmer is the expensive freights across the Atlantic. But these are being reduced, and the English farmer must find it hard tin the near future to make both ends meet. During Mr. Osburn’s visit, he met an agent of the British Government, Mr. Plunkett, who was sent out to report up the North-West as a field for immigration. Mr. Plunkett was more than pleased with what he saw. Many Dakota settler are drifting into the Canadian North-West, too, the did not find Dakota lands riches they had expected, and hearing of the fertility of Canadian soil they are coming over in large numbers.
            The CPR Mr. Osburn says, is doing a large traffic business, and it is constantly on the increase.

Beacon
March 16/1893
Purchase of the Osburn property by CPR about completed. Coal business
Mr. H. P. Timmerman, Superintendent of the Atlantic Division of the CPR, and the Beacon had a very pleasant chat for a few moments in the former’s office last week.
            When asked if the negotiations for the purchase of the Osburn place at St. Andrews had been closed, Mr Timmerman remarked that they were about completed. There had been some point s of difference between Mr. Osburn and the road, but these had been adjusted, and the sale would soon be consummated. “What are your plans regarding the property?” asked the Beacon. “we have no particular plans,” replied Mr. Timmerman. “the property, as you know, adjoins the railway, and as we might have some difficulty in future should the property fall into other hands, in carrying out any improvement or extensions that might be necessary we concluded that it would be advisable in the interests of the road, to get possession of it. That is our sole object.”
            “Then, the prevailing idea that your object in purchasing was to procure a summer residence for some of the officials of the road is not correct,?” interjected the Beacon.
            “No,” was the reply, “the property was bought for the railway. It was the land we wanted; not the house. We have not made up our minds yet as to what disposition shall be made of the latter.”

Beacon
Jan 17/1907
Osburn House to be used by C. P. R. as summer School of Science. Hayter Reed in town; began arrangements for school. “The building will be treated as an annex to the Algonquin and will be under the management of Mr. Allerton.”

Beacon
April 11/1907
“The Inn” is the name by which the new C. P. R. hotel (formerly the Osburn property) will be known. Ready for guests in June.

Jan 11/1912
Recent Deaths
Henry Osburn
London, Jan. 4—Henry Osburn, a railway manager, formerly of SA, NB, toed today. [the above, taken from the Montreal Herald, was the first intimation that the people of St. Andrews received of the death of a man who was once a prominent figure in this town, and who is still kindly remembered by many friends. Mrs. Osburn, who was an Englishman by birth, came to NB about the year 1860 to assume the management of the NB and C. Railway, succeeding Mr. Julius Thompson. He remained in control here until the management of the NB Railway was taken over by Mr. F. W. Cram, his place of residence, with the exception of a year or two at SS, being the present Inn, belonging to the CPR. He married a daughter of the late George D. Street, a prominent barrister, and a large family was boron to them. His widow, two sons and two daughters now survive. Mr. Osburn returned to England to make his home about the year 1888. He has paid one visit here since. The deceased was 82 years old. He was a large stockholder of the NB railway and a president and director of the company for many years. He was a great lover of the forest and was a keen sportsman. Only a few weeks ago, he wrote to John Nicholas, who has been his Indian guide on many a hunting excursion, that he had given away his guns and fishing tackle as he felt he would never use them again. He did not forget to send his usual Christmas remembrance to Chief Nicholas and family, a practice which he had been keeping up for 33 years without a break.

Beacon
Jan 25/1912
The Late Henry Osburn
London, England. Times, January 2.
By the death of Mr. Henry Osburn, which occurred on August 10, Sunday at his residence at Clapham, the administration of the Poor Law in the South of London has sustained a serious loss.
            He was born on August 10, 1831, the second son of the late Mr. William Osburn, of Leeds, an Egyptologist and Oriental scholar. He was trained as a civil engineer, in which capacity he did much useful work as assistant to his cousin, Mr. Henry Car, who was associated with the late Mr. William Culputt in many important undertakings, particularly in the construction of Blackfriars Bridges and of several portions of the Great Northern Railway. He went out to Canada in 1860 as engineer to the New Brunswick and Canada Railway, of which he was afterwards for many years the managers.
            Retiring on the absorption of that undertaking into the Canadian pacific Railway, he returned to England, in 1888 and took up his residence at Clapham. His energy prompted him to seek occupation as a member of the Wandsworth Board of Guardians, then, as now, one of the largest and most important of all the administration of the Poor Law in London. His wide knowledge of affairs and experience in dealing with large concerns caused him to be selected almost immediately to the position of Chairman of the Finance Committee, a position which he retained to the day of his death. In this capacity he was largely responsible for the institution of the Tooting House for the aged and deserving among the inmates of the union. He devoted his life to promoting the best interests of the poor of London on to securing the best administration of the funds available for the relief of the poor in the district with which he was connected. In a quiet and unobtrusive way he did his work which can scarcely be over-estimated. He leaves a widow and five children. The funeral services will be at St. Savior’s, Cedarsroad, Clapham Common, and the interment at Putney Vale Cemetery.