(Thomas), a judge of the common-pleas, was the son of Richard Owen, Esq.; of Conderow in Shropshire, and educated at Oxford; whether in Christchurch college, or Broadgate hall, is not determined. Having taken a degree in arts, he left the university, and entered himself of Lincoln's inn in London, where in process of time he became an eminent counsellor. In 1583 he was elected Lent-reader to that society. In 1590 he was made serjeant at law, and queen's serjeant soon after. He arrived at length at the dignity of judge of the common-pleas; which office he is said to have executed, during five years, with great abilities and integrity. He died in 1598; and was buried on the south side of the choir in Westminster abbey, where a monument was erected to his memory. He had the reputation of a learned man, and a patron of literature.

He was the author of "Reports in the common pleas, wherein are many choice cases, most of them thoroughly argued by the learned serjeants, and after argued and resolved by the grave judges of those times, with many cases wherein the difference of the year-books are reconciled and explained." Lond. 1656, fol.

Owen (Dr John), an eminent and learned dissenting minister, was born in 1616, at Hadham, in Oxfordshire, of which place his father was vicar. He made such surprising proficiency in learning, that at twelve years of age he was admitted into Queen's College, Oxford, and in 1635 was made master of arts: but soon after, disapproving the new regulations made by archbishop Laud their chancellor, with which he refused to comply, he was obliged, in 1637, to leave the college; when taking orders, he became chaplain to Sir Robert Dormer of Alcote in Oxfordshire, and was at the same time tutor to his eldest son. He was afterwards chaplain to John Lord Lovelace of Hurley, in Berkshire; when the civil war breaking out, he openly avowed the cause of the parliament; which was so resented by an uncle, who had intended to leave him his estate, that he discarded him, and left it to another. Yet though Lord Lovelace sided with the king, he treated his chaplain with great civility: but on his going to join the royal army, Mr Owen went to London, and soon after joined the non-conformists. In 1642 he published his book, intitled, A display of Arminianism, which laid the foundation of his future advancement: for the committee for purging the church of scandalous ministers were so pleased with it, that Mr White their chairman sent him a presentation of the living of Fordham in Essex: but when he had been there about a year and a half, the patron hearing that the sequestered incumbent was dead, presented another to the living; upon which the Earl of Warwick gave Mr Owen the living of Coggeshall. He had not, however, been long at that town before he left the Presbyterians; and, joining the independents, formed a church there. He was now sent for several times to preach before the parliament; and among the rest on the 28th of February 1648-9, the day of humiliation for the intended expedition to Ireland. Cromwell, who was present at this last discourse, and had never heard him before, was extremely pleased with it, and desired his company into Ireland, and that he would reside in the college of Dublin. This he did; but returned in about half a year. Soon after Cromwell sent him into Scotland; but he also returned from thence after about half a year's stay at Edinburgh. He was then promoted to the deanery of Christ-church, Oxford; whither he went in 1651; and Cromwell, being now chancellor of the university, nominated him his vice-chancellor. The next year he was created doctor of divinity by diploma. Dr Owen enjoyed the post of vice-chancellor five years; during which he behaved with the greatest moderation: for, though often solicited, he never molested the meeting of the royalists at the house of Dr Willis the physician, where divine service was performed according to the liturgy of the church of England; and though he was a commissioner for ejecting scandalous ministers, he frequently overruled his brethren in favour of those royalists who were distinguished by their merit. At the death of Cromwell, he was removed from the vice-chancellorship; and at the Restoration was ejected from his deanery of Christ-church. But he had provided himself a comfortable retreat at an estate he had purchased at Hadham. He now employed himself in preaching as often as he had an opportunity, and in writing books; one of which, intitled Fiat Lux, falling in the hands of Lord Clarendon, he was so pleased with it, or (as is said) from policy pretended to be so, that he sent for Dr Owen, and, acknowledging the service he had done by it to the Protestant religion, offered to prefer him in the church, if he would conform; but he desired to be excused.—His moderation drew him respect from persons of opposite principles; and in the number of his friends were Dr Wilkins bishop of Chester, and Dr Barlow bishop of London. He died at Ealing in 1689. His works are printed in seven volumes, folio.