Samuel M. Owens
Amid the numerous changes which fall to the lot of mankind, it is the happy fortune of but few to pass nearly three-quarters of a century upon the same homestead, endeared to them through its associations With the events of their youth, manhood and old age. Such, however, is the history of Mr. Owens, who resided upon his farm in Wayne Township, Pickaway County, for a period of almost seventy years. As may be imagined, he was known alike to old and young for miles around his home, and wherever known was highly esteemed. He died at his home. May 13, 1892.
At one time the owner of about one thousand acres, Mr. Owens was still a large land-owner at the time of his demise, having in his possession between eight hundred and nine hundred acres, all of which are located in Wayne Township, with the exception of a farm in Jackson Township, this county. In connection with general farming, he was always greatly interested in stock-raising and had a large number of cattle, hogs and horses on his place. He was always a great lover of fine horses and for nearly twenty years engaged as a breeder of draft horses, making a specialty of Normans. He also raised cattle for thirty years, and was a successful and judicious stock-raiser.
About the year 1815, William Owens brought his family from Montgomery County, Md., to Ohio, the journey being made in an old-fashioned two-wheel cart drawn by two horses. Locating in Jackson Township, he rented a tract of land and built a log cabin which remained his home for some time. Subsequently, he removed to Wayne Township, where he purchased land when the surrounding country was new and wild game was plentiful, especially deer and turkeys. His family consisted, of his wife and two children: Samuel M., who was born in Montgomery County Md., August 21, 1808, and Mary, widow of Samuel Campbell, who died about 1884 in Circleville, this State.
The removal from Maryland to Ohio was made when our subject was a lad of seven years, and his education was gained in the schools of Jackson Township, which were of a primitive character, both as to mode of instruction and furnishings. When about twenty-two years old, he was united in marriage with Miss Eliza, daughter of Aaron Sullivan, who settled in Ross County, Ohio, at an early day. The worthy couple lived together in happiness, sharing the trials and hardships of pioneer life and industriously working their way to independence and prosperity, until April 6, 1875, when Mrs. Owens was called from time to eternity. She was a faithful Christian, and for many years identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Eleven children were born of the union of our subject and his wife: Massie Ann is the wife of Frank Brown, a farmer of Jackson Township; William (deceased) married Martha Rector, and they became the parents of seven children; Sallie became the wife of Henry Caldwell and died at Ashville some years ago; Ellen married Daniel R. Knowles, a farmner of Wayne Township; Mary was united with Samuel Reigle and is now deceased; Ann M. is the wife of Daniel L. Knowles, a resident of Washington; Nancy is single and lives at home; Samuel married Mary Stevens and makes his home in Wayne Township; Marcus B. married Nina Jones and resides in Burlington Junction, Mo. Two died in infancy.
Reared an old-line Whig, Mr. Owens cast his first Presidential ballot for Henry Clay in 1832, and was a firm Republican after the organization of that party, although he did not take an active part in political affairs. As the years passed by, he placed additional improvements on his place and in 1852 replaced the old log cabin which had been his home with an attractive and commodious residence in which his closing years were passed. Hardworking and persevering, he gained success and was numbered among the most prominent citizens of the county. His friends will therefore be pleased to read this sketch of his life, and will also notice with interest the accompanying portrait.
From PORTRAIT & BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD OF FAYETTE, PICKAWAY AND MADISON COUNTIES, OHIO - Chapman Bros. [Chicago, 1892]