Owen Summers

The family soon moved to Chicago, Illinois, where John Summers entered the shoe business.

In 1856, the parents and one daughter died in a cholera epidemic, leaving the remaining four children orphans.

Owen worked on the farm, earning his room and board, as well as clothing, and attended school nearby when possible.

The Third Illinois Cavalry was reassigned to Missouri, to join battles against the Sioux Indians in Minnesota and the Dakotas.

[2] In this role he was responsible for the examination, appraisal, and classification of all merchandise which is liable to customs duties upon importation or exportation from the Port.

At the opening of the Spanish–American War, the guard was consolidated into the 2nd Oregon Volunteer Infantry Regiment, with Summers as its commanding colonel.

[4] The Second Oregon Regiment fought in a number of major battles, and provided provost duties in Manila.

They had one child, Owen Summers Jr. Their son also joined the military, serving in World War II as a Major General, and having received multiple honors including the Silver Star and a Purple Heart.