Sedgwick County KSGenWeb

Portrait And Biographical Album of Sedgwick County, Kan.

Chapman Brothers 1888

Pages 564 - 565 

DR. HENRY OWENS came to Wichita in November, 1870, being the third physician to settle here. He commenced in May, 1871, to practice, and during a period of eighteen years has become one of the most trusted and valuable men in his profession. He has traveled all over this section of country by night and day, frequently going 110 miles to see a patient, and sometimes not being able to reach home has laid under his carriage and slept at night. The country then had not been cleared of its wild animals, and the Doctor one night shot a black wolf which was following him in order to appease its hunger. One animal alone would seldom attack a person, and this one had probably scented the provisions which the Doctor carried with him, which he was in the habit of doing, as he never knew when he would reach home. He was often away from his family several days at a time, and knows all about the hardships and privations incident to life in a new country.

            Dr. Owens is a native of Belmont County, Ohio, where he was born May 27, 1823. His parents were Henry and Elizabeth Owens, who spent many years before their death on a farm in Ohio. Henry Owens, Sr., was of Irish descent, and was born on the ocean while his parents were coming to America. He was a man of very good business capacities and one who had always made the most of his opportunities. He became prominent in the affairs of Belmont County, Ohio, where he served as magistrate several years. The parental household included seven children, of whom three only are living: Isabel, of Knox County, Ohio; John, of Belmont County, Ohio, and Henry, our subject.

            Dr. Owens spent his early years in his native county, where he acquired his early education and took up the study of medicine under the instruction of Drs. Todd and McLean, of Wheeling, Va. He was graduated from the college there and also at Cincinnati, Ohio, receiving his diplomas in 1873. He commenced practice near his native town, but in the fall of 1856 crossed the Mississippi into Iowa, locating at Saylorsville, Polk County. He also engaged in farming in connection with his practice, and remained there until 1870. Finding that he could buy to good advantage in Waco Township, this State, he came to this section and took up 160 acres of land, which now lies four miles from the city limits. This is now quite valuable, owing both to its location and its improvements. He makes his residence, however, in the city. In 1872 he put up one of its finest dwellings, which occupies No. 209 Emporia avenue, south, where with his family he is now enabled to take life comparatively easy, and enjoy the society of his many friends. One of the most attractive features of his farm is a fine orchard which he set out soon after coming into possession of it, and he also gives considerable attention to the breeding of live stock, making a specialty of the best grades of swine.

            Dr. Owens was married in his native State, in March, 1845, to Miss Ella, daughter of Patrick Gregory. Mrs. Owens was born in October, 1823, and received her education in the district school and under the careful training of her excellent parents. She remained under the home roof until her marriage, and is the mother of eight children, two of whom are deceased. Those surviving are: Thomas J.; Elizabeth J., now Mrs. Hizer; Harriet A., Mrs. Bales; John W., Alice, and Mary J., Mrs. George Thompson.

            Dr. Owens, during the late war, enlisted in the 28d Iowa Infantry, Company C, and participated in seventeen battles, receiving his only wound at Black River. He was Hospital Steward and detailed Surgeon, and saw the smoke of battle at Port Gibson, Raymond, Champion Hills, Jackson, Black River, Vicksburg, Milliken's Bend and Black River Bayou. He was in the service two years and eight months, and received his honorable discharge in March, 1865, at Ft. Spanish, Ala. He is now one of the most valued members of the G. A. R., and in politics an uncompromising Republican.

            Dr. Owens, since becoming a resident of this county, has taken a lively interest in its progress and development, giving his encouragement and his more substantial support to the various institutions calculated to build up the city of Wichita, and for the best good of the people.

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