Date of Internment 21 April 1913
Died: 19 April 1913
Born: Mar 1862 (England)

Block: 215, Section 3, Space 3

Spouse's Name: Olivia E Osborne
Marriage Year: 1895


LEAPS TO DEATH FROM ROOF OF HOTEL --- John Osborne, Contractor,Suicides by Jump fromFive-Story Building.---Temporary Insanity Caused by DrinkBlamed for Rash Act--FuneralServices To Be HeldMonday---

John Osborne, a contractor, age 45 years, living in Medford; for many years, committed suicide Saturday at noon, by leaping from the roof of the Medford Hotel. Temporary insanity, caused by an unsatisfied craving for liquor, prompted the mad act. Death was instantaneous, and scores of people hurrying homeward at the noon hour saw the body hurl through the air and strike the Main Avenue pavement with a sound like the muffled report of a revolver. Recently an order of the county court was issued upon the request of relatives and friends of the dead man, asking he be forbidden the sale of liquor. This preyed upon his mind and coupled with other worries, brought him to an irresponsible condition. Just before his leap, Osborne walked into Olmstead's grocery store, and immediately left without a word. He went to the Medford Hotel and asked Henry Wolf, the elevator boy, to take him to the roof, stating that he wished to see the scenery. This was done, and was the last living act of the man before he leaped to his death five stories below. The flying body was seen in the air by Dr. Porter, who rushed to his aid after he struck. Osborne struck upon his back, and every bone in his body was broken by the force of the impact. The only outward mark was a slight abrasion on the chin, probably caused by some other accident. After reaching the top of the building Osborne evidently feared that he would be stopped, for he rushed to the edge, halted for a moment, and then plunged downward. Mr. Garrison and other eyewitnesses saw the man standing on the edge, wondered what he was doing, and turned away in horror after the leap. After the suicide Coroner Kellogg of Gold Hill was called, and an inquest decided unnecessary, the facts in the case being strong. Osborne is survived by a wife, daughter and son, the latter living in California. The funeral will be held Monday at two o'clock from the late residence, 512 South Oakdale, the Rev. E. O. Eldridge officiating. The services will be under the auspices of the Woodmen of the World. Interment in Odd Fellows cemetery. Medford Sun, April 20, 1913, page 1
OBITUARY
The funeral of John Osborne, who died in this city on Saturday last, was held yesterday from his late residence, 512 South Oakdale Avenue. The services at the house were in charge of Rev. E. O. Eldridge, pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Osborne was born in Maidstone, England, and was 51 years of age at the time of his death. He was a man of many sterling qualities and noble traits of character, a devoted husband and father. He leaves to mourn him his widow Mrs. Olivia Osborne, a daughter, Eva, and two sons living in California. His father and two brothers also survive him in England. The services at the grave were in charge of the Woodmen, a lodge of which Mr. Osborne had been a member for years.Medford Mail Tribune, April 23, 1913, page 4
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John Osborne Obituary