Thomas Owens
Thomas Owens, a well known prosperous farmer and a survivor of the Civil War, resides on a valuable, well improved farm of 100 acres in Radnor Township. Delaware County, Ohio. Mr. Owens was born October 1, 1845. in South Wales, and is a son of David and Elizabeth (Griffiths) Owens, who were natives of North Wales.
Thomas Owens lived in his native country until reaching his eighteenth year, at which time he emigrated to America, leaving Wales May 1, 1863, and taking passage at Liverpool on the ship City of New York, of the Inman line, which arrived at New York City in about eleven days. He came immediately to Ohio, locating for a short time at Marion, whence he came to Delaware County, and engaged in the lime business at Radnor, where he remained for several years. He then returned to Marion, near which place he carried on the same business for a number of years, but subsequently came again to Radnor Township, where he has since made his home. For a short time he was engaged in the manufacture of lime, but he has mainly followed agriculture, and his present farm is, through fertilty of the soil and advantageous location, admirably suited for general farming and stockraising. He has been very successful in his operations and is classed with the substantial men of the township. He enlisted in May, 1864, in Company A, One Hundred and Forty-fifth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, for service in the Civil War, and much of his time in the service was spent in guard duty at Arlington Heights. He received an honorable discharge at Camp Chase. August 24, 1864.
Mr. Owens was married (first) to Ann Williams, who was born in Wales, and of this union there was born one son: Oliver Ivor, who resides in Radnor Township. He marred Rosa Avers, and they have four children—Lloyd, Clyde, Myrtle and Mildred. Mr. Owens was married secondly to Mrs. Rebecca Lewis, who was born in Wales, and she is also deceased. On March 8, 1900 Mr. Owens married for his third wife Mrs. Clara Thomas, who was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, and who is a daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Jester) Johnson, who were natives of Butler County, Ohio. Samuel Johnson was a well-known hotel proprietor in his day, at one time keeping the Burnett House at Cincinnati, where King Edward of England, then the Prince of Wales, stayed during his tour of this country. Mrs. Owens' first husband was Samuel P. Thomas, who was born in Kentucky and died August 2, 1899.
In political matters Mr. Owens is a Republican, and he has always been interested in public affairs, although he is no officeseeker. With his wife he attends the Congregational Church in the southern part of Radnor Township.
From 20th Century History of Delaware County, Ohio, and Representative Citizens by James R. Lytle