OWEN, THOMAS E.
Ashland Gazette - NE April 24, 1946

Death Of Former Memphis Pioneer - Thomas E. Owen, son of John C. and 
Lydia E. Owen was born near Freeport, Ill. on April 9, 1862 and departed this life, April 12, 1946 at the age of 84 years and three days. When he 
was about six years of age he moved with his parents to Montgomery county, Missouri, where they lived some three years. In 1872 the family 
except some of the older children, moved to Nebraska and settled on a farm one half mile north of Memphis. He and his brother Rosa, made the trip on 
horseback driving the cows along with the wagon and the family of eleven. Rosa is the only surviving member of the original family.

Tom, as he was generally known, lived with and helped his parents until he 
was past 24 years of age, when he was united in marriage to Cora F. Sanders 
on Sept. 29, 1886. To this union three children were born, Howard A. Owen of 
Lincoln, Mrs. Maud Hall of Los Angeles, Calif. and Floyd S. Owen of Roca. Mr. and 
Mrs. Owen built their home and lived on the original farm, part of which is now the 
site of the Memphis Methodist church. He was always kind and devoted to his wife 
and family. Mrs. Owen preceded him in death Feb. 25, 1925. He lived with his 
son, Floyd for a time and later with his son Howard at Lincoln. The last three years 
of his life, he had lived by himself at Lincoln.

He leaves to mourn his passing, three children, six grandchildren, three 
great-grandchildren, his brother Rosa Owen, and the many friends. Funeral services were held at 2:00 o'clock Wednesday afternoon, April 17, at the 
Memphis Methodist church. Rev. Walter E. Neth, church pastor, was in charge. Music was furnished by Mrs. Lester Schulz and Mrs. A. N. Fredrickson, with 
accompaniment played by Mrs. Marian McInerney. The pallbearers were: William 
Grauerholz, Allen Gilkeson, Walter Wilgus, Henry Grauerholz, Ivan Armstrong and 
Joe Mitchell. Burial was made in the Ashland cemetery.