Owen, Evan - Biography

EVAN OWEN

(1833-1906)

                Evan Owen was born 15 August 1833 at Merion Towin, Wales, the son of John and Elizabeth Richards Owen. His parents died when he was two years of age, and he was taken care of by Catherine Hughes. He left his homeland for a home in the New World, ultimately settling in Wellsville, Utah, in 1860. Evan married Elizabeth Leigh Walters on 26 December, 1864. Elizabeth was born 6 April 1846 in Llanelly, South Wales, the daughter of Walter and Sarah Reese Leigh Walters.  They became the parents of eight children: Sarah Elizabeth, Evan Richard and Ann (twins), John, Mary Etty, Lydia, William, and Oliver.

                Evan was a farmer and helped pioneer the dairy industry in the valley. He served on the Wellsville City Council from 1872 to 1888 and was a justice of the peace for a time. Evan was sustained as the first counselor to Bishop William H. Maughan on 5 June 1877 and served until 25 April 1900.

                Evan died on 4 December 1906 and was buried in the Wellsville cemetery. His wife Elizabeth died on 13 February 1929 and was buried beside her husband.