Photos
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Aaron Miller Osborn, Painted by Micah Williams
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Harriet Manning Osborn
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Fanwood Historical Society Conserves Paintings
Wednesday, September 26, 2012 • 2:51pm
SCOTCH PLAIN/FANWOOD On Tuesday evening the Historical Society of Scotch Plains and Fanwood displayed the newly conserved/restored portrait of Aaron M. Osborn. Connie Klock shared the story of his ownership, and some history about the remarkable artist Micah Williams. Williams’ portrait of Harriet Manning Osborn was also displayed, but not yet restored.
The two paintings had been presented to the Historical Society in June, by their direct descendants Passing from generation to generation, Professor Bradner W. Coursen obtained them 25 years ago. He wondered who they were. In researching his family tree he discovered he was a direct descendent of Aaron Osborn. What is known is that Aaron and Harriet’s youngest daughter Margaretta (Margaret) who was born in 1824 ended up with the portraits. In 1843 she married William Drake, whose family resided at the Drake house in Plainfield. The portraits then traveled through the Drake, Bunnell, Meyer and Coursen family until Bradner Coursen generously donated them and they have returned to Scotch Plains.
The decision to conserve Aaron set the Society on a course to apply for a grant to have his wife Harriet Manning Osborn also conserved.
For more information about Aaron and Harriet please go to the Historical Society's website:http://www.historicalsocietyspfnj.org/.
