Walter F. Osborne was an American journalist, hotel owner, and government official from Gloucester, Massachusetts.
[1] In 1893, Osborne acquired an interest in East Gloucester's Harbor View Hotel.
The incumbent collector William H. Jordan and Gloucester Republican City Committee Chairman Ralph W. Dennen both ran for the position.
Jordan won the race handedly, however, there was ample evidence that many of the ballots turned in were filled out fraudulently.
However, he chose to appoint Osborne based on the recommendation of Treasury Secretary Franklin MacVeagh.
[6] As Collector, Osborne oversaw a Customs district that included Gloucester, Rockport, Manachester, and Essex.