Surratt Courier

[Dennis Urban]

It was I who wanted to see the entire Clancey statement. Thanks, Laurie, for posting.

I believe you are on the right track in thinking Owens is white. I have not seen that expressed before. In all of my CW era research the notation of "colored" is commonly used for a variety of purposes. Additionally, the apparent insolence of Owens points to him being white. For a black man to successfully get along in that southern MD society, he would have to "know his place." Finally, although a minor point, the location of Owens burial in Arlington, points toward him being buried with others of his race rather than in a separate colored section. A black man could be hastily buried in that location but custom points to it being otherwise. I do wonder what is the origin of Owens being labeled as a black man?