Oliver Webster Osborn (1823-1895) is very fondly remembered by Lenox historians because he compiled “The East Street Book.” Oliver hand wrote this wonderful description of East Street families as of the late 19th century.
We will learn more about Oliver’s family in subsequent entries. But, to begin, here’s a snapshot of his situation in 1861 when he started the diary donated to the Lenox Library.
O.W. Osborn’s Situation in 1861
He owned a small farm at the corner of Housatonic and East St. (across from what is now Lenox Memorial High School). According to the 1860 census, his real estate was valued at $1,000 and his personal estate at $300. He had lost his infant son in 1858 and his wife (more on this in subsequent posts) in 1859 and lived with his two daughters Mary (age 12) and Thalia (age 11). His father, mother and brother lived just down the road.