Richard Lemon Owings facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Richard Lemon Owings
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Owens Valley, Owens River, and Owens Lake, all named after Richard L. Owings
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| Born | October 14, 1812 |
| Died | June 11, 1902 (aged 89) |
| Nationality | American |
| Other names | Dick Owens, Richard Owens |
| Occupation | fur trapper, guide, Native American fighter |
| Years active | 1835-1850 |
| Known for | companion of Kit Carson |
Richard Lemon Owings (1812–1902) was an important explorer and guide in the American West. People often called him "Richard Owens" or "Dick Owens." He was a close friend of the famous explorer Kit Carson. Richard Owings also played a big part in John C. Fremont's third trip to the Great Basin and California. Interesting fact: the Owens Valley, Owens River, and Owens Lake in California are all named after him! But he never actually visited these places himself.
Contents
Richard Owings' Early Life
Richard Owings was born in Owings Mills, Maryland. He grew up near Zanesville, Ohio. In 1834, he decided to head west for new adventures. He traveled with a friend named Caleb Wilkins.
Adventures in the American West
Richard Owings had many exciting adventures between 1834 and 1850. Most of these were with his good friend, Kit Carson.
Friendship with Kit Carson
In 1839, Owings and Carson spent three months together. They were trapping beavers in South Dakota. During this time, they became very close friends. For the next ten years, they often explored together. Other "mountain men" (experienced explorers and trappers) always called Owings "Dick Owens."
In the early 1840s, Carson and Owings lived near Taos, New Mexico. In March 1845, they even started a farm together. Their farm was about fifty miles away in Rayado.
Joining Fremont's Expedition
Soon, Owings and Carson heard exciting news. John C. Fremont was planning a third big trip. This expedition would explore the Great Basin and California. Carson had been a trusted guide for Fremont on earlier trips.
Owings and Carson quickly sold their farm, even though they lost money. They wanted to join Fremont's team.
The Journey West
The expedition traveled across the Utah desert. Then they went to Oregon. After spending some time there, they moved south. They followed the eastern side of the Cascade Range and Sierra Nevada mountains.
Near a place called Truckee, a small group separated from the main team. This group included Fremont, Carson, and Owings. They crossed the Sierra Nevada mountains. Eventually, they reached Sacramento, California.
Meanwhile, the larger group continued traveling south. They went through an area that Fremont would later name the Owens Valley. This main group did not cross the mountains until they reached Walker Pass. This is why Richard Owings never actually saw the river, valley, and lake that were named after him!
Later Life
Around 1850, Richard Owings returned to his family. They lived near Marion, Indiana. In 1854, he married Emily Miller. During the Civil War, he moved to Iowa. In 1872, he moved to Circleville, Kansas. He lived there until he passed away in 1902. Richard and Emily had four sons. Three of their sons were still alive when he died.
