Ransom Osborn - Early Settler of Hicksville - Part 1

 

Ransom Osborn was missing his legs from six inches below the knee, amputated because of a life-threatening experience.

"Ransom Osborn was born in Oxford, New Haven Co., Connecticut, April 4, 1795, and married Miss Sarah Hurd of Humphreyville, Connecticut on January 15, 1815.  Sixteen years after, he removed to Geauga County, Ohio, remaining there eight years; from there, he went to Litchfield, Medina Co., Ohio, and in the fall of 1836, he removed with his family to Hicksville Township.

When he arrived, he found but two cabins, built by Hicks & Co, and occupied by Daniel Comstock and Robert Bowles. Mr. Osborn build the third cabin, near where the homestead of A. P. Edgerton now stands.

As soon as he had his family domiciled, he started for Fort Wayne with a load of wheat and corn, and two yokes of oxen, the former he converted into flour for the use of the family.  The distance was twenty-five miles through a dense forest, and the only road was a winding path from which a few bushes had been cut.

He reached his destination in safety, got his grain ground, and started for home about 3 o'clock in the afternoon. After traveling some miles, it commenced to rain and snow, and the weather which had been mild, turned bitterly cold. The path lay through a level country, and the heavy fall rains had covered the lower portion of the trail with water, which commenced freezing, and the oxen soon grew weary, as, at every step, the ice would break, cutting their legs; but he urged them on with the skill of an experienced driver.

The cold increased, and he began to be alarmed for his safety, as the night was rapidly approaching. He tried to kindle a fire, but everything being covered with sleet, it was impossible. He moved slowly along and as the darkness deepened, he had to feel his way and guide his team. The weather grew colder and colder - ice forming on his clothing, and his body became chilled and benumbed. For a long time, he urged his team forward, but at length, they halted and refused to go.

He then unyoked them and let them loose in the forest, hoping to reach some habitation where he could obtain shelter and relief. His feet became so wet and frozen that he could not walk without the support of the limbs of the trees, with which he swung himself from tree to tree, often stopping to rest against some oak or beech while he called loudly for help.

But no help came until he had remained in the woods all night, when a Mr. Brant, at whose house he had stopped on his way up to Fort Wayne, thinking he was probably lost in the woods started out to look for him. As Mr. Osborn cried again and again for help, and he heard no sound save the dismal howling of the wolves and the echoes of his own voice, he gave up in despair.

But hark! What was that? A shout! The barking of a dog. Mr. Brant assisted him to his cabin where everything was done to alleviate his sufferings that could be done.

All this time, his wife and children were anxiously waiting his return. The cold wind whistled among the trees, and after waiting in great suspense until after midnight, they barred the door and retired, but could not sleep. As quickly as possible, word was sent to Mrs. Osborn of her husband's misfortune, and she went to him, staying a week, and then he was taken to his home in Hicksville.

Medical assistance was called from Defiance. Dr. Colby and Dr. Kibby examined the case and found that nothing but amputation of the limbs would save his life The same evening of their arrival, they amputated them just six inches below the knees. This fearful ordeal was passed through by Mr.  Osborn without a murmur, but he was crippled for the rest of his life.  

He had a pair of cushions or sort of knee shoes constructed, and as he recovered, with the help of a cane, he was able to walk about and taught the first school in Hicksville..."

Next - Part 2