Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1918-12-06
Death Of MIR. and Mrs. T. j. Owen.

AAuuy' NONcnOcI 20, anu Sne al D CLOCK
Saturday, November 80. 1918.
Their funeral was held together at the
Methodist Church. at Gaithersburg, on
Sunday afternoon, conducted by the pastor.
Rev. j. J. Ringer. assisted by this writer
The text used by the pastor was from 2
Samuel. 1:2S-"They were lovely and pleas
ant in their lives and in death they were
not divided" He paid an eloquent and
loving tribute to this devoted and useful
christian couple. This writer also spoke
in testimony Of his high regard in which
he has held Mr.. and Mrs Owen, who have
been known to him since childhood. The
church was crowded with their friends
from various parts Of the county and Wash
ineton City. and these showed by their
presence the high regard in which they
were held. They were laid to rest in the
cemetery at Gaithersburg. there to await
the coming of their Lord, and the resur-
rection Of the just
Mr.. Thomas J. Owen was born in Balti-
more, Md. March goth. 1S48, the son of
Thomas and Matilda Owen, nee Goldsbo-
rough. When child he moved to farm
near Olney. Montgomery county. and there
grew to young manhood. Upon leaving
the farm. he became clerk in the store
of William Mobley at Laytonsville. and
later went into general merchandising
business at Goshen, and later at Gathers
burg. On the 18th Of November. 1859, he
married Miss Valdelia Maeruder. When
they passed away they were within few
days Of the golden anniversary Of their
marriage.
In 1890 Mr., Owen associated himself in
business with Mr.. Thomas Bowling. of
Washington. and in 1895 he began the
well-known firm Of Thos. j. Owen & Son.
in the real estate auction business in Wash
ington. This business he conducted for
over twenty years with such intelligence
and honest dealing that he was looked
upon not only as an authority in the valu-
alton of real estate in the National Capital.
but as worthy Of universal respect and
confidence in the business world. He was
a member Of the Washington Board Of
Trade and Of the Real Estate Brokers'
Association.
During all of his career he did not lose
his identity with the affairs of Mont
gomery county. He was elected to the
State Legislature in 1880 and served
there with ability and fidelity He has
been known as the father Of the Local
Option Law for Montgomery county, hav-
ing introduced that bill in the Leeisla-
ture. II he could be honored by his fellow
citizens for nothing else. that would be
enough to have won for him their ever
lasting gratitude. 1t may be doubted IL
any other single piece Of legislation ever
added so much to the land value or to the
moral wealth of the county. He also served
many years as the President Of the Mont
gomery County Anti-Saloon League.
His highest and most devoted service
was rendered through his relation to his
church. In this sphere he was conspicu-
Gus, both as the Chairman of the Official
Board of the Church and as the leader Of
the young people. He was several times
elected to represent the church as dele
gate to the Annual Conference, and was
for years member of the Baltimore Con-
ference Epworth League Board
may be excused for attempting word
of appreciation of this worthy man and his
noble wife.
There has always been a sort OF close
brotherhood of those born and raised In
Montgomery county The success Of each is
the success Of all, and when one achieves
name of high honor, 1t is the joy of ALL
Mr.. Owen has been an honor to the county
He has lived high life. he has been true
to every trust. he has won the confidence
of men of affairs. and was respected by
all who knew him.
Among the inner circle of his friends he
was loved. He held his place in their
hearts by the consistency Of his character
and the warmth of his personal interest in
others. He was always the same, with
genial smile, hearty and-grasp,a cheer
ing word. Above all. he was singularly
blessed and happy in his home life. For
near fifty years he and his loving COM
panion walked in holy fellowship. Together
they created home, which is the largest
contribution that any man ever makes to
the happiness and prosperity of neigh
borhood. To the last day of his life he
showed the same courteous regard and
tender affection for his wife as when they
pliehted their VOWS at the marriage altar.
would have been impossible for her hus-
band to have rounded out so worthy a
career If he had not received her untiring
devotion, her constant sympathy and the
inspiration of her christian character Her
disposition was quiet and modest. but the
power of her consecrated womanhood was
manifested in the life of her husband and
their sons. She maintained the womanly
instincts Of the past generation of Mary
land ladies'. and has left to them who knew
her only the memory Of gentleness and
purity and peace. Her sons have a rich
inheritance. They are Clarence E.. Of Bal
timore, Md, Thomas M. of Norfolk. Va.
Vernon G. and Claude Worthington. Of
Washington. D. C. The best they can have
will be the ideals born Of their sweet home
in blessed old Montgomery.
F. J. PRETTYMAN.
Reer Brewing SfODS.