PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM

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H. W. OWENS, A. M. This gentleman is a contractor and builder in Xenia, and also the owner and manager of a wood working shop at No. 333 South Detroit Street, where he has fine power and the requisite machinery for doing excellent work. He does the largest business in contracting in the county, and having been so engaged for over a decade, has become thoroughly well-known as one whose contracts are carried out in the most honorable manner, those who employ him being insured reliable work in whatever be has undertaken. In his intercourse with his fellow-men, Mr. Owens is pleasing and honest, while his private character is irreproachable, and he is highly spoken of by all who know him.

The subject of this sketch is a grandson of Thomas C. Owens, who bore a very prominent part in the pioneer work of this county, both as a private worker and as a public servant. He came to this State from the Old Dominion, and located near Union Church. For many years he filled the office of County Surveyor, and for a long time was County Recorder and County Auditor. He belonged to the Methodist Episcopal Church, and was engaged in local ministerial labors. He was thoroughly known throughout the county, with whose early history he was so closely identified. His son, Alfred H., was born and grew to maturity in this county, and engaged in farming for a few years. He then began contracting and building, making his headquarters in Xenia, and for about twenty years continued his connection with mechanical work. He belonged to the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Xenia, and his character and ability were appreciated by his fellow-men to such a degree that they bestowed upon him various township offices. He married Miss Mary J. Eiehelberger, of Germantown, near Dayton, who bore him seven children.

In Xenia Township, on what is known as the Wilmington Pike, March 1, 1858, the subject of this sketch was born. His education was completed in Xenia College, from which be received the degree of Master of Arts, in 1876. After leaving the school room he engaged with his father in contracting, and at his death, in 1879, continued the business, which he has enlarged, and to which, in 1886, he added that of wood-working, buying the mill before mentioned. He belongs to the Republican party and is a firm believer in its principles; his religious faith coincides with that expressed by the creed of the Methodist Episcopal denomination, and he holds membership in Trinity Church.

The marriage of Mr. Owens took place at the home of the bride in Xenia, June 16, l880, the lady with whom he was united being Miss Anna L., daughter of John S. and Isabelle Saylor. She was quite young when her parents came to this place, in which she grew to maturity, obtained an excellent education and has made many friends by her graces and virtues. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Owens comprises four daughters: Lorena May, Lula Jane, Ida Mabel and Hazel Kirk.

Sept 21, 1999

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