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Dr. Owen married Alice Lynde during the war in 1863, and they had four
sons and two daughters and were active members of their community
after the war. He returned to his medical practice and was a member of the
Lynchburg Medical Association and Medical Society of Virginia. He taught
his nephew, also W. O. Owen, medicine, and the younger Dr. Owen became
a physician and colonel in the U.S. Army. One of his own sons, Dr. Robert
O. Owen, also became a physician, and his son William Owen became a
businessman in Indian Territory and worked with his cousins Robert L.
Owen Jr. who was the agent and worked in various business ventures in
Indian Territory with Robert who later became one of the first senators
for Oklahoma as well as another cousin, Dr. W. O. Owen of the U.S. Army.
He married Mary H. Severs, daughter of prominent businessman Captain
Frederick B. Severs. The Daily Virginian of Lynchburg on February 16, 1892,
an obituary on the front page with the headline reading “Death of Dr. W. O.
Owen Lynchburg’s Leading Physician Passes.” He died at the age of 72 from
complications from influenza and is noted as beloved by the community.
“During the war his skill in this specialty made him prominent in the
medical service of the Confederacy, and he was made surgeon-in-chief of
the hospitals of this city, a position which he filled with signal ability.”
209
CONDITION: Fine with 40% original blue finish on the barrel and 50% original silver
plating on the trigger guard and back strap, mostly dark patina overall, minor
oxidation/pitting, distinct markings and cylinder scene, extensive dings over the
otherwise legible inscription, and mild wear. The grip is also fine and has patches of
the original varnish remaining with mild flaking and edge wear, dents on the butt,
and a few small chips. Mechanically excellent. This is an incredible opportunity to
acquire a fine Colt Dragoon revolver owned by a Confederate surgeon. Wilson noted
that “Seldom are C.S.A. arms available to collectors, having histories, or (even more
rare) inscriptions of the original owner. The Dr. William Otway Owen Colt Third Model
Dragoon, serial number 15398, is distinguished by its authenticity, its excellence of
condition (most C.S.A. arms being in poor condition), the supremely rare buttstrap
inscription, and the history and distinction of the original owner.”
Estimate: 18,000 - 27,500