BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES, BELMONT COUNTY, OHIO

"History of the Upper Ohio Valley" Vol. II, 1890.

Presented by Linda Fluharty from hard copies provided
by Mary Staley & Phyllis Slater.

Page 751.

One of Belmont county's most favored sons is JOHN G. OWENS, of York township. Mr.
Owens was born in Richland township, Belmont Co., Ohio, September 12, 1815. His
parents were Henry and Elizabeth (Clark) Owens. The father was a native of Ireland,
from which country he emigrated when but twelve years of age. He remained near
Philadelphia, Penn., until after his marriage, when he came to Ohio and settled
in Richland township. Mr. Owens lived on congress land for a few years, then
entered the farm on which John Owens was born. John obtained his schooling in
the old pioneer log schoolhouses, not having the advantages of the children who
live in this day, still by perseverance and a love for knowledge, he acquired a
good education. Growing to manhood he went to farming in Richland township, where
he remained until about 1840. In 1838 Miss Elizabeth Louelen, of Mead township,
became his wife, and two years later Mr. Owens purchased a farm in Monroe county.
Here he lived for twenty-one years, during which time his wife died. He then
married Mrs. DeLong, daughter of William Philips. Soon after this they removed to
York township, and on the 5th of November, 1884, his second wife died. September
13, 1888, he was united in marriage to Miss Lydia R. Duvall, a daughter of Brice
H., and Priscilla (Simpson) Duvall. Mrs. Owens was born June 21, 1839. Mr. Owens
has figured quite prominently in politics, having served as an assessor of Monroe
county, was justice of the peace for nine years of the same county, and directly
after his coming to York township he was elected land appraiser. He has served a
number of terms as a trustee, and was elected a justice of the peace of York
township, but on account of pressing private business resigned the honor, but in
a short time was re-elected, and is now filling this important position. He is a
member of the Masonic fraternity, and himself and wife are earnest communicants
of the Methodist Episcopal church. A man ready at all times to give to the best
of his energies to any public good, and one whose sterling integrity and
uprightness are fully appreciated by all with whom he comes in contact.