ROBERT O. OWENS, a soldier of the late Rebellion, was born in Preble County, Ohio, Aug. 20, 1846, and is a son of Fogay and Jennie (Lyman) Owens, the father a native of Pennsylvania and the mother of Ohio. In 1851 Fogay Owens came with his family to Louisa County, and for several years rented a farm two and a half miles from Morning Sun. He subsequently purchased a tract of land, on which he lived until 1884, when he became a resident of Morning Sun, where his death occurred in January, 1886. Mr. and Mrs. Owens were the parents of eleven children, seven of whom arc now living: William, residing in Washington County, Kan., enlisted in the 16th Iowa Infantry, but after serving one year was discharged on account of physical disability; James was a member of the same regiment, and died near Jackson, Tenn.; John is a resident of this county; Robert, our subject, is the next in order of birth; Daniel also makes his home in Louisa County; Julia is the wife of Hadley Sproull, of Creston. Iowa; Sarah wedded Frank Kerr, of this county; Nancy and George are both deceased, and Joseph is a resident of Morning Sun Township. Mr. and Mrs. Owens were lifelong members of the Presbyterian Church, and the latter is still living. In politics Mr. Owens was a Democrat, and held several local offices. He was a man of integrity, honorable in his dealings, and was highly respected in the community where he resided.
The subject of this sketch was seven years old when his parents came to Louisa County, and be remained at home assisting in the labors of the farm until attaining his majority, when he began learning the trade of carpentering. In 1864 he enlisted in the 2d Iowa Cavalry, was mustered into service at Davenport, Iowa, and engaged in several hard fought battles, among which were Nashville, Hurricane Creek, Mt. Carmel, Shoal's Creek, Campbellville, Linnville, Louisburg Pike, Franklin, Little Harper and Anthony Hills. He was mustered out of service at Selma, Ala., Sept. 19,1865, and on the 5th of October was paid off and received his discharge at Davenport. He was always found at his post of duty, gallantly defending the old flag.
In February, 1872, Mr. Owens wedded Miss Jemima Bozman, daughter of B. Bozman, one of the early settlers of this county. They are the parents of five living children: Louie, born Jan. 25, 1874; Victor, June 1, 1879; John. July 11, 1881; Nellie, Jan. 11, 1883,and Burr, Dec. 5, 1884. Politically, Mr. Owens is one of the stanch Democrats of the country. Mrs. Owens is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
SOURCE: Portrait And Biographical Album Of Louisa County, Iowa, Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, IL, 1889, p. 378
