My Genealogy Hound

WILLIAM P. OWEN, dealer in musical instruments and jewelry, is a native of the Empire State, born in Orange county, April 2, 1838. His parents, Horace and Mary (Mulloch) Owen, were also natives of New York. His father was born in Orange county, March 18, 1808, and died at Hoodville, Rock county, Wis., March 17, 1877; and his mother was born in the same county, and died in April, 1845, in Orange county, N. Y. Our subject was reared on a farm and liberally educated in the common schools. When thirteen years of age his father came west, locating in Wisconsin. There young Owen engaged in agricultural pursuits. In November, 1867, he came to Missouri, locating in Neosho, Newton county, and engaged in the mercantile business with Mr. J. H. Herms, under the firm name of Owen & Herms. In November, 1882, he came to Joplin, and soon after embarked in his present business. Mr. Owen was married in Rock county, Wis., Jan. 1, 1863, to Miss Emily J., daughter of Dr. Weston and Ruth (Brown) Miller, of that county, and natives of New York. Mrs. Owen was born in Pulaski county, N. Y., in July, 1843, and died at Neosho, Newton county, Feb. 25, 1868. They were blessed with two children: Charlie Newton, born Nov. 16, 1863, and one which died in infancy. Our subject was again married in Joplin, Nov. 2, 1881, to Miss Jessie Asplin, daughter of J. B. and Pluma J. (Richards) Sergeant, of this city. They have one child, born Jan. 19, 1883. Mr. and Mrs. Owen are both consistent church members, the former a Congregationalist, and the latter Methodist Episcopal. Our subject has taken a great interest in matters secular and educational, having held every office in the gift of the church as a layman. He was chosen president of the Lay Electoral Conference which met at Sedalia, in 1876, and held the same position at Neosho. He deals in pianos, organs, watches, clocks, jewelry, silverware, music, sewing machines, etc.