He began his journalistic career with the Dursley Gazette of Gloucester, then worked with other newspapers and the publishing firm of John Bellows.
The transition from lush green England to the harsh climate of the mid-north of South Australia, which was then in drought, came as a rude shock to the young lady.
Around 1925 Robert Osborne left for Launceston and divested himself of his South Australian assets, and the Port Pirie Advertiser ceased publication.
He married Miss Emily Cullimore at Gloucester in April 1892, and their first daughter was born before they left for Australia.
Emily Osborne and two daughters survived him: Doris (Mrs. J. Hoar of Port Pirie) and Ivey (Mrs. H. C. Vianello, of Semaphore).