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Author: Zelekis
Surnames: Owens, Casterline, Richards, Watts, Neubauer
Classification: obituary
Message Board URL:
http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.indiana.counties...
Message Board Post:
Hartford City News, 14 January 1924 Front page of evening edition
AGED WOMAN IS BECKONED
Mrs. Rebecca Owens, 94, probably the oldest woman in Blackford county, died about 9:30
Monday morning, following a very brief illness with pleurisy and pneumonia.
Mrs. Owen's death was very sudden, and was a sad shock to her many friends here.
Up to Sunday evening she had been in remarkably good health for one of her age. As she
was preparing for bed, about 11:00 Sunday evening, she complained of a pain in her left
lung. Her daughter, Mrs. C.L. Casterline, with whom she lived, in north High street,
immediately applied medicine. A physician was called, and Mrs. Owens seemed to be better.
She was able to enjoy a hearty breakfast Moneday morning.
Death came very quietly about 9:30. Her last words were to the effect that she was
feeling better, and believed she would recover.
Surviving are one son, H.G. Owens, superintendent of the gas company at Cambridge City
IN and three daughters - Mrs. H. R. Richards of Chicago IL; Mrs C. L. Casterline with whom
she resided; an Mrs. Joseph Watts of Winchester IN. Mrs. Watts is at present in FL because
of poor health, and it is doutful whether she will be able to return here for the funeral.
Mrs George Neubauer, a granddaughter, and Mrs. Frank Daugherty, a niece, reside in this
city.
Mrs. Owens was preceded in death by her husband, Alvin M. Owens about three years ago.
The couple came to Hartford City to live with their daughter, Mrs. C.L. Casterline in
1883. At that time Mr. Owens had retired from active business, and while living here he
too no active part in the affairs of the community.
They came to this city from Randolph county,(Note: In 1875, they appear in the
Hiatville, Bourbon County, KS census, where Alvin is listed as a farmer; and in 1880 they
appear in the Kansas City MO census where Alvin is listed as a coal dealer) where Mr.
Owens was a large dealer in farm lands. He served as county treasurer of Randolph county
for several years, and was one of the most prominent and respected members of this
community.
Mr. Owens was 92 at the time he passed away. He and Mrs. Owens had resided together for
72 years. For 8 years prior to his death, Mr. Owens was totally blind.
Mrs. Owens retained all of he faculties up to the time of her death. She was remarkably
well preserved for a person of her age and she was loved by a host of friends because of
her sweet and gentle disposition and her kindness and generosity at all times.
Mrs. Owens was born December 17, 1829 in Wayne county IN, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
John(should be Samuel) Jackson. She was united in marriage to Mr. Owens in 1848 in Carlos
City IN. Following their marriage the young couple went directly to Randolph county, where
Mr. Owens engaged in the business of buying and selling farms.
The land on which is now located Funk's Lake and the motordome in Randolph county,
was the home of Mr. and Mrs. Owens for a number of years. Mr. Owens himdelf set out many
of the trees on this piece of land, and was the first to stock the pond which is now known
as Funk's Lake with fish. Two children of Mr. and Mrs. Owens passed away several years
ago. They were John M. Owens of Chicago (should be Pulaski county IN)who died in a
hospital in Chicago in 1900 following an operation, and Mrs. George Laidlaw, of Hamilton,
Canada (should be Joliet IL) who passed away several years ago after a brief illness with
pneumonia.
Mrs. Owens was an active member of the WRC and of the WCTU. Both she and Mr. Owens were
members of the Quaker church all of their lives.
Mr. Owens was a Civil War veteran and Mrs. Owens had some trying experiences during the
time he husband was in the army. She remained at home to care for their children and keep
the home going. At their wedding anniversaries, when friends and relatives called to
congratulate, Mrs. Owens would recall some of her experinces a that time, and would tell
of them in vivid fashion.
The funeral arrangements had not been made up to a late hour Monday afternoon.
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