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Author: Zelekis
Surnames: Owens, Casterline, Jackson, Watts, Laidlaw, Richards, Dunbar
Classification: obituary
Message Board URL:
http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.indiana.counties...
Message Board Post:
Hartford City News, Thursday, October 7, 1920, front page
DEATH'S CALL CAME SUDDENLY TO A.M. OWENS
Alvin Marion Owens, 91, a resident of Blackford County since 1883 and for the past
several years residing in this city, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. C.L.
Casterline, 315 north High street, at 5:30 Wednesday evening. Although on account of his
great age Mr. Owens had been in feeble health for several years and totally blind for the
past eight years, the end came suddenly. He was taken ill last Thursday and was bedfast
for a few days, but was improved and was able to be up and about the house Wednesday. He
was seated at the supper table when stricken. Mrs. Casterline saw him slip from his chair,
and he expired within a few seconds. Death was caused by rupture of the heart.
Mr. Owens was a native of North Carolina, born at Hobson's Cross Roads in that
state, on February 13, 1829. He was the son of John and Lavina Owens and was the only
child in the family, which has been remarkable for longevity. His mother died nineteen
years ago at the age of 97. He was married October 23, 1849 at Economy, Wayne county IN to
Rebecca Jackson, who survives him and is two years his junior. Had he lived untill the
23rd of this month. the couple would have passed their 72nd wedding anniverasry. To this
union seven children were born as follows: John Owens, deceased; Mrs Martha Jane Watts,
residing at Winchester; Mrs. Evelyn Laidlaw, deceased, and H.G. Owens of Cambridge
city,twins; Lena (should be Liva)J. Richards of West Virginia (should be Chicago); Edgar
Owens, deceased and Mrs. C.L. Casterline of this city.
When he was a very small child the parents of Mr. Owens came through from NC to IN in a
wagon, his mother carrying him all the way on foot, as he refused to ride. The family
(John, Lavina, and Alvin) settled in Randolph (should be Wayne county) county. (After his
marriage to Rebecca, the two moved to Randolph county.) Mr. Owens enlisted for service in
the Civil War with the 57th IN Volunteers at Richmond. After his discharge, he took an
active part in driving Morgan the raider out of IN.
Returning from the army Mr. Owens took up his residence in Randolph county, later moving
(first to Hiatville KS then) to Kansas City MO, where he was engaged in the wholesale coal
business for a time.
In 1883 he came to Blackford County and took up his residence on a small farm west of
the city. Several years later he moved to Hartford City and since that time has been
retired.
In politics Mr. Owens was an ardent republican all his life, and served 2 terms as
treasurer of Randolph county before going to KS. He was formerly a member of the Masonic
order and of the IOOF and was affiliated with the Grand Army of the Republic.
According to present arrangements, the funeral will be held Saturday afternoon at 2:30
from the home on north High street. Rev. E.W. Dunbar M.E. Church will have charge of the
services and interment will be made in the IOOF cemetery (presently called the Hartford
City Cemetery).
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