Amos Owens: Rutherford’s Most Colorful Character

Part 4 of 5: Pictures from Cherry Mountain

Amos Owens — Amos in his ever-present top hat.

Mary Anne is seated, Amos is standing beside her. — Amos and Mary Anne

About 20 in the group. — Amos and his friends, or neighbors?, or gang? There are too few women present for this to be a family group. Whether we admit it or not, this is how our ancestors looked.

A team of oxen hitched to a wagon, standing behind a rude farmhouse. The family of about 10 are line up along the porch. — A Sports Utility Vehicle of the 1800s. This may (or may not) be a photo connected to Owens, but it was a familiar scene in Rutherford County in Amos’ time.

About these photos: They were found in Roy Lee Harris’ collection, among several he had copied from old prints, tintypes and negatives. It’s not known for whom he copied these.