George Welshman Owens (1786-1856)
Daten. d.
Mediumoil on vellum with leather case with metal frame
DimensionsCanvas: 5 1/2 × 4 1/4 inches (14 × 10.8 cm)
Sight: 5 1/4 × 3 7/8 inches (13.3 × 9.8 cm)
Case, open: 6 × 9 9/16 × 1/2 inches (15.2 × 24.3 × 1.3 cm)
Case, closed: 6 × 4 7/8 × 3/4 inches (15.2 × 12.4 × 1.9 cm)
Credit LineBequest of Margaret Gray Thomas.
Object numberOT1951.84
CopyrightThe images and text contained on this page are owned by Telfair Museums or used by the Museum with permission from the owners. Unauthorized reproduction, transmission or display of these materials is prohibited with the exception of items deemed “fair use” as defined by U.S. and international copyright laws.Label TextBorn in Savannah, Georgia, in 1786, Owens attended school in Harrow, England, and graduated from the University of Cambridge. After studying law in the office of Mr. Chitty in London, Owens returned to Savannah, gained admittance to the state bar, practiced law, married Sarah Wallace in 1815, and served as a City Alderman and Mayor of Savannah. In 1833 they moved with their six children to the home on Oglethorpe Square now called the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters.
Owens was elected as a Jacksonian Representative from Georgia to the 24th United States Congress and won reelection as a Democrat to the 25th Congress, serving from March 4, 1835, until March 3, 1839. After his congressional service, Owens returned to practicing law and died in Savannah on March 2, 1856.
