David Dale Owen (1807–1860) was a prominent American geologist. He conducted the first geological surveys of Indiana, Kentucky, and Arkansas.
David Dale was the third son of Robert Owen, a Welsh reformer who moved to the United States and established a social experiment at New Harmony, Indiana, where David Dale also lived. It is likely that David Dale became interested in geology because of his father's partnership with geologist William Maclure. His first geological work was as an assistant mapping the geology of Tennessee, in 1836. He was appointed the first Geologist for the State of Indiana (1837–39), and worked as the State Geologist of Kentucky in 1854-1857; he was appointed State Geologist of Arkansas in 1857, continuing as the Kentucky geologist without pay. He returned to Indiana as State Geologist in 1859-1860.
David Dale Owen died November 13, 1860, at the age of 53.
While in Arkansas, David Dale Owen drew the first known picture of a natural rock formation in Natural Steps, Arkansas.
Famous quotes containing the words david, dale and/or owen:
“The Indian navigator naturally distinguishes by a name those parts of a stream where he has encountered quick water and forks, and again, the lakes and smooth water where he can rest his weary arms, since those are the most interesting and more arable parts to him.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)
“Hail, bounteous May, that does inspire
Mirth and youth and warm desire!
Woods and groves are of thy dressing,
Hill and dale doth boast thy blessing.
Thus we salute thee with our early song,
And welcome thee, and wish thee long.”
—John Milton (1608–1674)
“I tried to peg out soldierly,—no use!
One dies of war like any old disease.”
—Wilfred Owen (1893–1918)