Orleans

OWEN, Joseph

Men of Vermont: Illustrated Biographical History of Vermonters & Sons of 
Vermont. Ullery. Brattleboro: Transcript Publishing Company, 1894, p 291 
(portrait p 291)

Joseph OWEN, of Barton [Orleans County, Vermont], was born 18 February 1818 
in Glover [Orleans County, Vermont], son of Joseph and Esther (COLWELL) OWEN. 
He is the grandson of Hon. Daniel OWEN, Governor of Rhode Island, to whom 
part of the towns of Barton and Westfield [Orleans County] were granted in 
1781. The youngest son of the Governor, and father of the subject of this 
sketch [Joseph OWEN], in company with other settlers, came to Barton in 1798, 
thence floated down the river to Newport [Orleans County], made an excursion 
through the woods to Westfield, where they built camps on their own lots, 
subsequently settling in Barton.

The present Joseph OWEN obtained his education in the schools of Barton and 
Glover, and afterwards at Browington Academy. He commenced the active 
business of life as an instructor at Westfield, Barton, and Sutton, and after 
employment as a clerk in the latter place removed to Barton and settled upon 
a farm, the greater part of which is now occupied by the village. He was a 
farmer, and tilled the soil for the love of it, and consequently made it a 
success; and he stoutly affirms that a young man now, with pluck and courage 
for capital stock, can acquire wealth on a Vermont farm. Mr. OWEN has been 
one of the most prominent business men in Orleans County and was much 
respected by all for his personal integrity and financial ability.

He has taken small share in political or town matters, nevertheless he has 
served as collector and selectman in Barton. He has always voted with the 
Republicans since the dissolution of the Whig party. For fifty-seven years 
he has been a member of the Methodist church of which he has been one of the 
stewards since his early manhood. He has been a faithful instructor in the 
Sunday school besides being a liberal and generous benefactor to the church. 
On 14 December 1848 he [Joseph OWEN] married Diana, daughter of Daniel and 
Sally (GILMAN) SHAW, of Sutton [Caledonia County, Vermont], who died 23 
August 1884, leaving two children: (1) Ella F., Mrs. Waldo MOSSMAN, of 
Barton [Orleans County, Vermont]; and (2) George W. On 22 July 1886 he 
[Joseph OWEN] was married to Mrs. Abbie B. BICKFORD, of Montpelier 
[Washington County, Vermont], daughter of Reuben and Elizabeth (SAWYER) 
GIFFIN. He has now retired from business, enjoying the fruits of his labors.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly