Owen was born in Rockland Township, Berks Co., and remained at home until he had learned the trade of a miller, when he removed to Lehigh County, and for seven years conducted a mill. He later became a farmer, and is now engaged in the coal business at Allentown. He was united in marriage to Miss Hannah Wenner, of South Whitehall township, Lehigh Co., whose children are Harrison, Lewis F., William (deceased), and Mary (Mrs. Emerson Schock).