Remarkable Ohio

Counties

Below is a complete listing of all Ohio Historical Markers. To find a detailed marker listing including text, photographs, and locations, click on a county below. Our listing is updated by the markers program as new markers are installed and older markers are reported damaged or missing.

17-11 William Owen

Side A: Virginia native William Owen, 1769-1821, is credited with being the first American to settle in Mad River Township, Champaign County sometime between 1797-1799. He and his family built a cabin in the northeast quarter of Section 15 directly west of this marker. Later he purchased 240 acres on which the cabin stood for $1.00 an acre from William Ward, founder of Urbana. Accused of being an eccentric, Owen was known for strong language and long oration during times of stress. Owen also raised swine and was called Kosko Elene or Hogman by the local Shawnee Indian population who were known to have taken a few piglets when Owen was not around. Owen and his wife reared eight children and both are interred in the family pioneer cemetery in the woods to the west.
Side B: Same
Sponsors: Mad River Township Trustees, Westville United Methodist Church, Champaign County Bicentennial Historical Marker Committee, and The Ohio Historical Society
Address: 2100 S. State Route 560, 
Urbana, 
OH, 
43078
Location: 2100 S State Route 560
Latitude: 40.0862940
Longitude: -83.8371970