REV. WILLIAM M. OWEN, farmer and local minister, P.O. Fairfield. The subject of this sketch is one of our most whole souled and best citizens. He was born November 22, 1827, in Barren County, Ky., near the Mammoth Cave. His father, James Owen, was a farmer and a native of Virginia. He lived many years in Kentucky; 1837, he emigrated to Wayne County, Ill., where he farmed and died in 1877.
His father, John Owen (the grandfather of our subject), was also a farmer, and a soldier in the war of the Revolution.
Our subject's grandfather was David Owen.
The Owen family originated in Scotland; from there they moved to England, and finally came to America.
The mother of our subject was Susannah (Monroe) Owen, a native of South Carolina. She died here, aged eighty-one years. She was the mother of ten children, viz.;
All the children, except the subject of this sketch are now dead. His four brothers died while fighting in the army for the defense of this grand republic, and it is no wonder that William M. Owen is such a warm supporter of the Republican party. The names of the fallen heroes are Johnson M., James L., Obediah H. and David. The latter was burned on the "General Lyon" while on his way home, after serving three years.
Mr. Owen was mostly educated in Wayne County, to which he came when ten years old with his parents. He farmed in early life, but after he was married he studied for the ministry, and was ordained as a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was connected with the conference about twelve years, and is now a local minister. He has 280 acres of land in Jasper Township.
Our subject was married July 23, 1850, in this county, to Miss Nancy C. Owen, born January 22, 1832, in Wayne County, Ill, daughter of E.C. Owen, a native of Halifax County, Va., and Charity (White) Owen, a native of Kentucky.
Six children have blessed this union, viz.;
Mr. and Mrs. Owen and all their children are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, which he supports liberally. Mr. Owen has been Township Assessor for two terms; he has also filled school offices. His life is worthy of imitation.
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