OBIT: John OWENS, 1880, Birmingham, Huntingdon County, PA

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AN AGED MAN GONE.
Decease of the Venerable 'Squire Owens of Huntingdon County.

  Probably the oldest Justice of the Peace in the State of 
Pennsylvania, died at his residence in Birmingham, Huntingdon county, 
on Saturday morning.  'Squire John Owens was universally known and 
respected in this region.  For near fifty years he has been the Justice 
of his native place and at the time of his death still held the office.  
Last February he completed ninety-two years of his life, sixty-eight of 
which have been spent in his late home.  For a long time he carried on 
the mercantile business, then was elected 'Squire, and it was in this 
latter office that Mr. Owens was so well known.  A prominent jurist 
once said of him that his opinion on matters of law was as good as that 
of any lawyer.  Deceased was a staunch old Presbyterian, who practiced 
as he preached, and it is said of him that he never drank, chewed nor 
smoked and never uttered a profane oath.  His father raised a family of 
six children, all of whom were strong and hearty save John.  On account 
of physical infirmity he was given a good education that he might 
better fight the battle of life, and yet he has survived the flock, 
being the last one cut down by the reaper death.  In early life the 
venerable justice was married to Jane McCoy, who survives him and still 
enjoys reasonably good health, although probably eighty years of age.  
The marriage was never blessed by any children, but the worthy couple 
have raised a number, all of whom have been a credit to them.  About a 
year since Mr. Owens received a severe fall, from which he never 
recovered, and at times suffered much pain therefrom.  It is supposed 
to have been the cause of his decease.  The funeral will take place 
this morning at 10 o'clock.

Morning Tribune, Altoona, Pa., Monday, July 26, 1880