Hon. John E. Osborne, who was governor of Wyoming and was appointed assistant secretary of state of the United States by President Wilson, is now concentrating his efforts and attention upon important business interests in Rawlins.
    He was born in Essex county. New York. He attended the public schools of New York and afterward became a student in the University of Vermont, from which he was graduated on the completion of a medical course. Attracted by the opportunities of the growing west, he made his way to Rawlins in the early '80s and entered upon practice as a surgeon for the Union Pacific Railroad Company. He also became interested in sheep raising and banking and now owns much valuable real estate in Wyoming, including buildings and lands. He organized and is president of the Osborne Block Realty Company, which owns the Osborne building and the Miller block, two of the largest business and office buildings in Rawlins.
    Gifted by nature for leadership. Mr. Osborne had been a resident of Wyoming for only a brief period before he became a prominent factor in the public life of the community, and three years after his arrival in Rawlins was elected as the second mayor of the city and occupied that position for two terms. In 1892 he was chosen governor of Wyoming and in 1896 further political honors were accorded him in his election to congress. He was appointed by Governor Moonlight chairman of the penitentiary building commission at the time of the erection of the present penal institution at Rawlins. In 1913 he was appointed the first assistant secretary of state of the United States and served during President Wilson's first administration, after which he found it necessary to tender his resignation on account of failing health. Before his removal to Washington to assume the duties of the office he assisted in organizing and became president of the Rawlins National Bank, which position he resigned to take up his abode in the national capital. After his return to Rawlins he became the first vice president of the bank and is thus connected with the institution at the present time. He aided in organizing the Stockman's State Bank of Medicine Bow, of which he is a director, and he was also recently elected a director of the Citizens National Bank of Cheyenne. Largely interested in sheep raising, he is president of the Osborne Live Stock Company, operating most extensively in connection with that industry in Wyoming. He is heavily interested in real estate and his judicious investments have placed him among the capitalists of Wyoming.
    In 1907 Governor Osborne was united in marriage to Miss Selina Smith a native of Kentucky and a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John P. Smith, who were also born in that state. Governor and Mrs. Osborne have one child, a daughter, Jean Curtis, who was born in Kentucky, December 6, 1908. Their home is one of the most beautiful and substantial residences in Rawlins.
    In Masonic circles Mr. Osborne is well known, having taken the degrees of lodge, chapter, council and commandery, and he is also a member of Korein Temple. A. A. O. N. M. S. He likewise has membership with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. He has traveled extensively, making trips to foreign lands, and in all sections of the globe he has collected rare curios and works of art. He has been especially interested in ancient Egyptian relics and in addition to his fine collection of that character he has many curios obtained in his own state.