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Below is a family biography included in Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Calhoun County, Arkansas published by Goodspeed Publishing Company in 1890.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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Samuel L. Owens. Among those who deservedly rank with the progressive and leading citizens of Calhoun County, stands the name of the above-mentioned gentleman. He was born in Dallas County, Ark., January 11, 1854, the third child born to William A. and Elizabeth S. Owens, natives of Tennessee, who moved to Dallas County, Ark., about 1847. Our subject was principally raised in Ouachita and Calhoun Counties, and received a fair education at home, and at the ordinary country schools. His principal occupation has been farming. He owns a fine farm of 160 acres, with fifty acres under cultivation. He was married to Miss Martha James, in October, 1874. She was the sixth child of William and Mariah James, natives of Missouri. They were among the earliest settlers of Saline County, from which county they moved to Calhoun County. Mrs. James died in Calhoun County, Ark., in 1880, and Mr. James still lives in Calhoun County. Mr. and Mrs. Owens have nine children, viz.: Annie L., Berthel R., Marcus L., Edgar and Oscar (twins), Sarah E., Alice M., Rupert P. and Lydia R. Marcus L. died in 1880; the rest of the children live with their parents. Mr. Owens is an ardent Democrat and takes a deep interest in the politics of his county. He was elected constable of his township, in 1876, and served one term in that capacity. In 1882 he was elected justice of the peace, and served for four years. He was then (in 1886) elected to represent Calhoun County in the General Assembly, and served two years in that capacity. He is also a member of the Farmers’ and Laborers’ Union, which he joined in 1886, and is a zealous worker for all that pertains to the public welfare.

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This family biography is one of 67 biographies included in Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Calhoun County, Arkansas published in 1890.  For the complete description, click here: Calhoun County, Arkansas History, Genealogy, and Maps

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