Almost a quarter of a century has come and gone since Thomas P. Owens departed this life but he is yet remembered as a substantial and valued citizen of Racine County, where for many years he actively and successfully engaged in farming. He was born in Wales, September 20, 1820, a son of Thomas Owens, Sr. In the common schools of Wales he pursued his education and was a man of thirty-one years when in 1851 he crossed the Atlantic to the United States. He immediately made his way into the interior of the country, settling in Racine County, where he remained for four years. On the expiration of that period he returned to Wales, where he spent four years and then in 1859 again came to the United States, once more establishing his home in Racine County. Here he purchased seventy-five acres of land which he continued to cultivate for a decade. He next purchased one hundred and eight acres and removed to that farm, upon which he continued to reside until his demise, his attention throughout the entire period of his residence in Racine County being given to general agricultural pursuits.
In 1858 Mr. Owens was united in marriage to Miss Anna Lewis and they became the parents of five children: Thomas, who is engaged in cultivation of the old home place: Annie, who was born in 1866 and is the wife of William Jones, of Chicago, by whom she has five living children: Elizabeth, born in 1868: Lewis: and Hugh, who is deceased. The eldest son, Thomas, was born in Mount Pleasant Township, June 10, 1860, and acquired his education through attendance at the common schools until he reached the age of sixteen years. He then concentrated his energies upon the farm work on the old homestead and has since carried on general farming. In this work he is associated with his brother Lewis, who was born on the old home place April 29. 1870, and also attended the common schools. Both brothers are supporters of the Republican Party.
The father also gave his political allegiance to the Republican Party but was never an aspirant for office. His life was ever upright and honorable, winning for him the respect, confidence and good will of all with whom he was associated.