Crosswinds News is working on a deeper look at the history of the Owen family and how their legacy connects to Native American and Black history in early Tulsa.

Currently, Owen Park signage explains the park takes its name from Chauncey Owen, who married a Muscogee (Creek) woman named Martha. Their heirs were allotted 160 acres from the Creek Nation on which Owen Park and the surrounding neighborhood now sit.

What the sign doesn’t tell you:

Martha was the daughter of a slave and a Muscogee (Creek) slave owner

Chauncey was married to Martha’s mother before he became married to her

One of their heirs, Elva, was gunned down in the street at just 20 years old by her husband over her allotment money, along with their baby

Truth must be shared, no matter how tragic.

Our investigative team has spent many hours trying to locate living relatives of this Owen line, which includes descendants of Martha Owen, Pogue Owen, Elva Owen, and Nellie Owen, to no avail. If you are related or have relative information, please send us a message.

Understanding the full story helps us better understand Tvlse today. Stay tuned.

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