Owen, William S.

OWEN, CLIFTON, SUNBERG

Posted By: Earl Hoffman (email)
Date: 7/22/2012 at 13:47:27

WILLIAM S. OWEN

The gentleman whose name appears at the head of this biographical review needs no introduction to the people of Audubon county, since his entire life has been spent in this community. Though his life has been devoted to fostering his own interests primarily, he has not neglected to promote the welfare of his neighbors and friends as well. He is an honorable representative of one of the esteemed families of this section and a gentleman of high character and worthy ambition. He has filled no small place in the public life, and is a splendid type of the intelligent, up-to-date, self-made American. As a citizen he is progressive, abreast of the times in all that concerns the common weal and has the unqualified respect and confidence of everyone.

William S. Owen was born in this county on September 14, 1870, the son of William and Mary (Clifton) Owen, both of whom were natives of England. They were married in England and soon afterward came to the United States, settling in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1865, later coming to this county, filling no small part in the early life of the people of this part of the state.

William S. Owen received his education in the common schools of Audubon county, and after leaving school took up farming in Leroy township, continuing to live there until 1909, when he purchased two hundred and sixty acres of land in Viola township, where he is now living, engaged in general farming and stock breeding. Mr. Owen has a fertile farm and has been very successful in its operation.

On March 25, 1897, William S. Owen was married to Minnie Sunberg, the daughter of Henry Sunberg, an account of whose life is presented elsewhere in this volume, and in whose biographical sketch is found the history of Mr. Sunberg's family. To this union four children have been born, Henry, Grace and Helen, all of whom are living at home with their parents, and Clarence, who died at the age of three years.

William S. Owen is a Republican and has served as township trustee for two years, besides having been for many years a school director in his home township. He has been active in educational affairs in Viola township and is keenly interested in the educational progress of Audubon county. Mr. and Mrs. Owen and family are earnest and loyal members of the Presbyterian church. Aside from the educational interests to which he is devoted, Mr. Owen devotes all his time to his family and to his farm. He is a man of domestic temperament and has set a worthy example to the young men of Audubon county.

From "History of Audubon County, Iowa," ed. by Henry F. Andrews. B. F. Bowen, 1915
Transcribed by Earl W. Hoffman (2007)