Robert Owens, Sr., came to Los Angeles in 1850 and established himself as a horse and mule trader, and stable owner. His son, Charles Owens, married Ellen Mason, an ex-slave and the daughter of Bridget “Biddy” Mason. Text: (3) as L. A. Street at that time. It was the property of my father Chas. Owens where I was born. When war was declared, my grandfather signed a contract to furnish Hay at San Pedro for the Government's use. His Main St. Stable was known as "Government Corral." as his contract called for the care of all animals belonging to the Government while in the city. Shortly after my grandfather arrived in L.A. he became interested in a strip of property on San Pedro St. but had no capital. He went to a friend then known as "Rowa the Baker" at the [...] Text: (4) corner of Main and First St. He stated the object of his visit and offered his note. Mr. Rowan promptly replied “Bob” if your word is no good, your note is worth less. With that they started for Temple Block the only place in town to leave your money. He handed my grandfather $1500 with this remark, now Bob you pay me just as soon as you can. This Rowan the Baker was the father of Tom Rowan at one time mayor of L. A. and held other important offices. Text: (1) My Grandfather. In the year 1850 my grandfather arrived in L.A. crossing the plains by team in six months. Shortly after my grandfather (Bob Owens) arrived he became very popular with all classes. Among his most intimate friends were J. G. Downey afterwards Governor Downey, Judge Drowns, Col. Ker[...], Judge Dryden, J. G. Howard, Doctor Griffin, Gen. Hancock, and Gen. Johnston, and Gen. Banning. He was a trader, principally in horses and mules. He made many trips to the large ranches in San Diego. Text: (2) and returned with two & three hundred animals mostly for saddle & pack purposes, these animals were all wild. When they arrived at "Bob Owens Corral" on San Pedro St. they were met by ten Vaqu[...] with saddles and the fun was on. When the steamer [...] arrived from San Francisco it seemed that everybody headed for old Bob stable. Buying an outfit and off for Arizona, many a mule half broken to the saddle, returned to the ranch after dumping its rider. When the war came on my grandfather established a stable on Main Street, the site of the old L. A. theatre. It extended to what's known [...]Text: (2) and returned with two & three hundred animals mostly for saddle & pack purposes, these animals were all wild. When they arrived at "Bob Owens Corral" on San Pedro St. they were met by ten Vaqu[...] with saddles and the fun was on. When the steamer [...] arrived from San Francisco it seemed that everybody headed for old Bob stable. Buying an outfit and off for Arizona, many a mule half broken to the saddle, returned to the ranch after dumping its rider. When the war came on my grandfather established a stable on Main Street, the site of the old L. A. theatre. It extended to what's known [...]
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