Benjamin F. Owen was born on March 16, 1831, in New Holland, Pennsylvania, to William and Louisa Owen. The family moved to Reading, Pennsylvania, around 1840. He began work as an errand boy for the William Smith General Merchandising Company, which was operated by his uncle. He later apprenticed as a printer.

 

He moved to Columbia, South Carolina, around 1852, and he spent the next five years working as a foreman. He returned to Reading around 1857 and began his career as a printer. During the Civil War, he served as a private in Company C of the 42^nd Pennsylvania Militia Infantry from July 6, 1863, until August 12, 1863.

 

He married Adaline S. Owen on January 12, 1864. They had one child, but it died in infancy. Adaline died on April 9, 1865, and he married Mary C. Shaaber around 1869. They had at least four children: Mary, born around 1870; Addie, born around 1872; Henrietta, born around 1879; and Rachel, born around 1885. He remained in Reading and continued work as a printer. By 1870, he owned $15,450 of real estate and $4,000 of personal property. By 1880, he employed at least one white domestic servant.

 

According to an early biographer, he was “interested in anything which would civically benefit Reading. He was an ardent supporter and worker in the local Historical Society, having been the editor of numerous papers and pamphlets on subjects pertaining to historical matters.” He supported the local Home for Friendless Children, and he helped organize a Land Improvement Company. He supported the Republican Party, and he was reportedly “always…interested in the workings of the local branch of that party.” He retired in 1904. His wife died on September 3, 1913, and he died of bronchopneumonia in Reading on January 17, 1917.

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