MRS. MARY OWEN, RACINE, WISCONSIN.
A double birthday anniversary is being celebrated at the home of Mrs. Mary Owen, 724 Villa street today. The principals of the co-incident were Mrs. Mary Owen and one of her sons, William A. Owen of Racine, the former having reached the 89th milestone of her journey through life. The celebration consisted of the serving of a sumptuous dinner and the exchanging of congratulations. A pleasant afternoon of social intercourse being spent in this manner. The affair was of an informal nature and only relatives were present.All the sons and daughters of the aged lady were present, except one, Mrs. R. H. Davies, of Omaha, who was prevented from joining the happy reunion on account of unforeseen circumstances. Their names are Evan Owen, Franksville; William A. Owen, Owen W. Owen, Racine; Mrs. Louis J. Williams and Robert L. Owen, Mount Pleasant.
Mrs. Mary Owen is the widow of the late Evan Owen, who died at the age of 82 years in January 1899. Both were born in Merioneth, North Wales, and emigrated to this country in 1844, with four children, settling on a farm in Mount Pleasant, six miles west of the city, where they made their home in a log cabin erected immediately after their arrival there. The cabin is still intact and undoubtedly is the oldest, or among the oldest landmarks of Racine county. The farm on which it stands is now owned by George Baker.
Their union was blessed with nine children, three of whom are deceased, two daughters and one son, all of the others having reached and passed the age of maturity.
Mrs. Owen is one of the oldest of Racine women. Some believe she is entitled to the distinction of being the oldest. Although physically somewhat enfeebled, intellectually she is still bright and active and takes special interest in national and historical affairs, for which a good deal of time is devoted to literature. Mrs. Owen is a devout Christian being a member of the Welsh Presbyterian church, where she regularly attends services every Sunday unless the weather is too inclement. She was the recipient of many beautiful floral gifts and a variety of handsome presents.
Racine Journal March 31st 1903.
MRS. MARY OWEN, RACINE, WISCONSIN.
Mrs. Mary Owen, one of the oldest and most remarkable Welsh women in Racine county, died shortly after eleven o'clock this morning at her home, 724 Racine street at the advanced age of 91 years. Deceased was one of the pioneers of this county and was the widow of the late Evan Owen, who died in 1899 at the age of 84 years.Mrs. Owen, previous to her marriage was Miss Mary Williams, daughter of William and Mary Williams, prominent people in their country, and was born in Bwlch Coch, Merioneth, North Wales, on March 28th 1814. In the summer of 1837 she united in marriage to Evan Owen and with two sons, William and Evan emigrated to this country in 1844. They crossed the ocean in an old fashioned sialing vessel as the ocean greyhounds of the present time were then unknown and were fourteen weeks in making the voyage.
Coming directly to Racine county they settled on a farm six miles west of the city in that part of Mount Pleasant known as Barnes Prairie, and there built a log cabin, the excavation of which can be seen today in the old Warner woods. Being a hard working couple and coming of a thrifty race they were very successful farmers and amassed a comfortable fortune. Nine children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Owen and six of them are now living. The three deceased are Mary Ann who was the wife of the late Rev. Griffith Evans, Ellen and Lewis. Those who are living today are Mrs. R. H. Davies, Mrs. Lewis J. Williams of Mount Pleasant, William A. Oswen, Owen W. Owen, Evan Owen of Franksville and Robert L. Owen of Mount Pleasant.
Mrs Owen was a member of the Welsh Presbyterian church on Villa street and an unusually devout and diligent Christian, seldom missing a Sunday morning service. Although well along in years, she was active until she was stricken with pneumonia which eventually resulted in her death. She was a great reader all her life and was very much interested in national as well as local affairs. Twenty one years ago, she with her husband retired from the farm and moved to this city, rfesiding at 724 Racine street where she resided up to the time of her death.
In 1887, Mr and Mrs Owen celebrated their golden wedding and ten years later their sixtieth year of married life. At their last celebration which also marked the birthday of their eldest son, William A. Owen of West Sixth street, four generations of the family were present to join the festivities. Surviving Mrs. Owen besides her children are nine grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.
The funeral will take place at 2 o'clock Monday afternoon from the Welsh Presbyterian church.