Owen Walker Ballew Owen Walker Ballew, son of George W., and Lydia Ann Ballew, was born on October 17, 1834, in Richmond, Madison county, Kentucky, and died at his home in Elmdale, Kansas, June 18, 1920, having reached the ripe age of eighty-five years, eight months and one day.
He was married to Nancy Katharine McHenry in the year 1858, and to this union four children were born, three of whom survive, Mary R. Mize, George W. and John Ballew. The family moved to Clay county, Missouri, in 1867, where the wife passed away on September 2, 1871. In February, 1872, Mr Ballew, together with his three children came to Marion county, Kansas, and settled upon a homestead in Summit township. He was married to Martha Jane Coleman on October 17, 187?. There were six children born to this union, James, the second son, died in 1881. Those living are: Thomas E., McHenry, Mrs. Alfred Hawkins, Mrs. Harry Gibson, Mrs. Chris Crawford.
Mr. Ballew is survived by his wife and eight children, all of whom were with him at the time of his death excepting Mrs Mize, who arrived a few hours later. He was a veteran of the Civil War. He enlistedin Company D., 6th Regiment, Kentucky Calvary on February 25, 1861 and was later comissioned 1st Lieutenent of said Regiment, and was discharged by reason of expiration of time of service at Louisville, Ky., December 23, 1864.
Owen Walker Ballew was born in what may, well be called the early days of our Republic. His life has covered the greater part of a century. During his long life he has lived over the most stirring and eventful years of the world's history. He was a man of great kindness of heart, honesty, and uprightness. He was a devoted husband and father, and during his long career he manifested those qualities which endeared him to the heart of every member of his household. As he approached the twilight days of his life his mind and heart laid hold of eternal verities, and he gave assurance of the fact that his faith took hold upon God, and that this mortal would put on immortality.
The funeral was conducted at Clements, Kansas, on Sunday, June 20,1920 by Rev. A. R Williams, pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Elmdale, after which the remains were laid to rest in the Clements cemetery, near the town where father Ballew had spent many years of his life.