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Civil War Veteran
Martin B. Owens was born October 26, 1838 in Baker County, Georgia, the son of Levi and Frances Jane Owens. In July of 1851, when Martin was about 12 years old, Levi and Frances Jane moved their family to Liberty County, Florida. Levi bought 80 acres of land and set up his farm. Martin continued to help his father with the farm until 1861 when the Civil War began.
The first unit Martin served in is listed on his pension files as Company A, 1st Florida Battery, commanded by Captain William Gregory. The unit was formed about April 1861 and disbanded in March of 1862. Most of the unit, still under the command of Captain Gregory, reformed as Company H, 5th Regiment, Florida Infantry. Due to ill health at the time, Martin did not re-enlist with the 5th Regiment.
In August of 1862 Martin enlisted with Company B, 2nd Infantry Battalion, which was organized during the summer of 1863 with five companies, later increased to six. Serving in Florida the unit fought at Olustee, and then in June 1864, four companies merged into the 10th Florida Regiment and two into the 11th Florida Regiment. Martin is next seen on the rolls of the 10th Regiment, Florida Infantry. Less then a month after joining the 10th, Martin is wounded at the Battle of Cold Harbor and does not return to his unit until January 1865. In February 1865 he's listed as AWOL, but this may be in error. He was discharged on 14 April 1865 in Jacksonville, Florida.
Martin returns to Liberty County and continues to work on his father's farm. He marries Amanda Deloach in about 1884, and they go on to have at least two sons and two daughters. Martin dies sometime between 1900 and 1910, burial location unknown. Amanda dies March 23, 1923 and is buried in the Hosford Cemetery. Son Marcus and his family are buried in Lake Mystic Cemetery.
Pension Application Nr. D13803 (Click to search and view at the Florida Memory Project)
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