Samuel J. Owen, 1874-1940

Daily Iowegian - 4 May 1940

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Sam J. Owen is Called By Death; Prominent Man

Deceased Had Lived Entire Life in Jerome Vicinity

Community Leader There

  Following a year's illness Sam J. Owen, lifelong and prominent farmer of Jerome vicinity, died at St. Joseph hospital at 9:00 a.m. today, at the age of 65.

  Born and raised in Jerome vicinity, and united in marriage to a native township young lady, Mr. and Mrs. Owen were prominent for a long period of time in the life and activity in the west part of Appanoose county.

Ill For Year

  In failing health for many months Mr. Owen had become critically ill with the past two weeks and had been in the hospital here where every effort was made in his behalf. Mr. Owen was born in Lincoln township, Sept. 30, 1874. He united in marriage with Vera Sedgwick, Oct. 29, 1905. This well liked couple reared a family of six children and became capable and prosperous farmers of the county. Mr. Owen was active in religious work, in the Farm Bureau, in educational circles, and politically.

School Board Head

  He was a member of the Jerome school board for a period of 21 years, much of the time acting in capacity of chairman of the board. He was active in urging better farm to market roads and was a believer in the efforts of the Farm Bureau. As a member of the Gospel Hall Mr. Owen was active in his religious belief and lived a good Christian life. He had a great hose of friends and relatives to whom his death comes as a severe sorrow. He was a kindly man, a loving father and good neighbor.

Leaves Six Children

  In death he leaves six children as follows: Dorothy, of Iowa Wesleyan college at Mt. Pleasant; Tom of Meridan, Miss.; Hobart of Gary, Indiana; Richard of Des Moines; Kenneth and Donald at home. He also leaves two grandchildren, Stanley and Judith, son and daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Hobart Owen. One sister and two brothers survive and are Mrs. Wm. Hickman and Will and Elvin, all of Seymour.

  Funeral arrangements are pending and will be announced. Tentatively it is expected that they will be held Monday.