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* MY PARENTS by Sue Dickerson:
My father was Flemon Talley Owens, born March 13, 1883 in Jackson County, N.C. He came to Pelzer in 1899 to work in the mill.
My mother was Martha Jane Thurston, born January 3, 1886 in upper Greenville County on North Saluda River. (This region is now under water) Her family moved to Pelzer around 1890, and she began working in the mill when she was 9 years old. Her salary was 10 cents a day for a 12 hour workday. She met my Dad soon after they came to Pelzer. She was 13 and he was 16 at the time, and they attended the newly-formed Second Baptist Church. (later renamed Tabernacle)
They began courting soon after they met, but Grandpa Thurston wouldn't agree for her to marry so young. He finally gave his permission when she was 16 and Dad was 19. They were married on Sunday June 15, 1902 by Rev. G.W. Bussey just after Sunday service. The church building had not been completed and services were held in a mill house near the church. My mother told us many times that there was not enough space for everyone who wanted to attend the wedding and people were standing outside looking in the windows. Her wedding dress was white with a blue sash and it cost 15 cents!
My parents were married for 72 years when my Dad passed away at age 91. My mother died two years later at age 90. They had nine children, seven of who lived to be grown. The oldest was a Baptist Minister who died at age 78. I am proud of my Christian heritage and especially proud that my roots were at Tabernacle at its beginning.
*Sue/newspaper clipping: (Photo of)
THE SEVENTIETH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY of Mr. and Mrs. Flemon Owens was observed by the family with a special gathering and dinner on Sunday, June 18, at the home of Frank Owens, Hamlin Road, near Easley. Forty-seven relatives were present. The couple have seven children and eighteen grandchildren and twenty-one great-grandchildren.
Flemon Owens and Martha Thurston were married on June 15, 1902, at Tabernacle Baptist Church in Pelzer. The Rev. G.W. Bussey performed the ceremony in the presence of the entire church congregation.