Abijah Chauncey Owen facts for kids
Abijah Chauncey Owen (1824–1853) was an American man from Massachusetts. He traveled west to join the exciting California Gold Rush. This was a time when many people rushed to California hoping to find gold.
Meet Abijah Chauncey Owen's Family
Abijah Chauncey Owen was the son of Abijah Owen (1789-1866) and Laura Eggleston Owen (~1794-1881). His father was a well-known farmer in Westfield, Massachusetts. He was even listed in a book called "Rich Men of Massachusetts."
His grandfather, also named Abijah Owen (1753-1808), lived in Westfield too. He married Miriam Brooks (~1758-1841) in 1784. She was from West Springfield.
Abijah Chauncey Owen had several brothers and sisters. These included Chauncey Abijah Owen, Miriam S. Owen, Homer Owen, and Emily Laura Owen. Emily Laura Owen later married a doctor named Horace Jacobs. Most of his family members are buried in the Owen District Cemetery in Westfield.
His middle name, Chauncey, was used for his nephew, Chauncey Alonzo Jacobs. It was also used for his great-nephew, William Chauncey Rice.
Abijah Chauncey Owen and the Gold Rush
In January 1849, Abijah Chauncey Owen sailed to California. He traveled on a ship called the S.S. Edward Everett. He didn't have much money, but he did have letters that spoke highly of his good character.
He worked for a company called the Boston and California Mining Company. The ship he was on landed in Benicia, California.
After finding some gold, he even sold some of it to the U.S. Mint. Owen moved around California and also did some farm work. He passed away in Sacramento on April 12, 1853, when he was 29 years old. He is buried in his family's burial plot in Westfield, Massachusetts.
