Richard Owen gentleman of the old school

Abstract

Ninety-six years have elapsed since the departure from the University of Nashville (now George Peabody College for Teachers) of Richard Owen, M.D., geologist, soldier, educator, and author. But let us look still further into the past for events in the life of young Owen, who was born in Lanarkshire, Scotland, January 6, 1810, began his education in Lanark grammar schools, had some work under private tutors at home, was sent to Hofwyl in Switzerland, to the famous school of Emanuel Fellenberg, and later studied chemistry under the noted Dr. Ure at the Andersonian Institute in Glasgow. Richard, the youngest of four sons of Robert Owen (1771-1858), came to America about 1827 with his brother David Dale to join their father, their older brothers, Robert Dale and William, and others in the experiment of cooperation in industry at New Harmony, Indiana. The account of events at New Harmony makes interesting reading because many men worthy of note had a part in the experiment. Such men of science whose dreams and projects were shared are William Maclure, Thomas Say, Charles Alexander LeSueur, Joseph Neef, Girard Troost, and others. Associations of this type no doubt had their effect upon the life of Richard as well as the others of the Owen family. Richard Owen was a favorite with LeSueur and the two would go swimming in the bayous of the Wabash, where LeSueur taught Richard how to feel for shells with his bare feet while wading in water up to his chin. Upon arrival at New Harmony, Richard Owen began to teach but soon removed to Cincinnati, engaging in business. He later returned to New Harmony where he owned a steam flour mill and also managed a stock farm.