John Osborne
(1690–1748) Church of Scotland minister
About John Osborne
Lived 1690 – 1748 (aged 57–58).
John Osborne, also written Osborn (1690–19 August 1748) was a Church of Scotland minister who served as principal of Marischal College in Aberdeen from 1728 to 1748.
Life
He was born in 1690 in or near Aberdeen and educated at Marischal College graduating MA in 1708.
He trained as a Church of Scotland minister and was licensed to preach by the Presbytery of Aberdeen in February 1713 but had to wait three years for his first charge, as third charge in Aberdeen in April 1716.
On 8 June 1728 he took on the additional role as principal of Marischal College succeeding Thomas Blackwell.
He died in Aberdeen on 19 August 1748. He is buried in the churchyard of the Kirk of St Nicholas in the city centre. His position as principal was filled by Thomas Blackwell, son of his predecessor.
Artistic recognition His portrait (artist unknown) is held by the Seven Incorporated Trades of Aberdeen.
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Important facts
People in John Osborne's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Contemporaries
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Frequently asked questions
Who was John Osborne?
(1690–1748) Church of Scotland minister
When was John Osborne born?
John Osborne was born in 1690.
When did John Osborne die?
John Osborne died on 19 August 1748.
Sources & further reading
· DBpedia: John Osborne (principal)
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). John Osborne. https://biography.guide/john-osborne-1690/
MLA: "John Osborne." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/john-osborne-1690/.
Chicago: "John Osborne." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/john-osborne-1690/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
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