Orleans

OWEN, Oscar Daniel

Men of Vermont: Illustrated Biographical History of Vermonters & Sons of 
Vermont. Ullery. Brattleboro: Transcript Publishing Company, 1894, pp 291-292 
(portrait p 291)

Oscar Daniel OWEN, of Barton, was born 01 October 1842 in Barton [Orleans 
County, Vermont], son of Daniel and Sarah (BARNARD) OWEN. His ancestors came 
to this country from Wales in 1685 for the better enjoyment of civil and 
religious liberty and to seek a wider field for agricultural labor than they 
could find in their native land. They settled in Rhode Island and from 
thence the grandfather of Mr. OWEN removed to the Hampshire Grants and was 
one of the earliest settlers of the town of Barton. The subject received his 
education at the common schools and academy, and at the age of nineteen was 
employed as clerk in the local store. He removed to Rockford [Winnebago 
County], Illinois, and worked in the same capacity for two years, after which 
he located in Boston [Suffolk County], Massachusetts, where he held a similar 
position. Having acquired a wide and varied knowledge of business affairs, 
in 1869 he returned to Barton, where he commenced as a merchant on his own 
account. By his energy, thrift and industry, he has built up a most 
flourishing trade and deservedly acquired a handsome fortune by honorable and 
straightforward dealing. In 1875 he lost his entire stock and store by fire, 
but with characteristic pluck, immediately commenced the erection of his 
present business block, at that time the finest in the vicinity. He is 
largely engaged in buying and shipping Vermont butter and dairy produce in 
general. On 05 November 1874 Mr. [Oscar Daniel] OWEN married Mary A., 
daughter of Judge Fordyce S. and Martha H. FRENCH, of Barton [Orleans County, 
Vermont]. One daughter, Julia, is issue of their union.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly