Biography - W Owens
W. J. OWENS. Litchfield is a pretty city of homes, where the matrons do their own marketing and are wise in all the culinary arts and sciences, from selecting their roasts, vegetables and cereals to concocting mysterious dishes that their unsuspecting husbands, fathers and brothers are expected to digest. In the face of such knowledge of these matters, the purveyor to these wants must be a shrewd and honest man with keen judgment of the needs of his customers. Such a one is Mr. Owens, who is proprietor of the grocery, meat-market, flour and feed store at the corner of Taylor and Chestnut Streets. He here has a fine place, having many modern appointments, as the building was erected about January 1, 1891, and he enjoys an excellent share of the trade.
Our subject was born in Collinsville, Madison County, Ill., December 28, 1854. He is the son of J. W. and Mary A. (Jones) Owens, the former of whom was an early settler here, having come originally from Kentucky. Here he married his wife, who came hither from Liverpool, England, but who had received her education in London. Mr. Owens, Sr., has from boyhood been engaged in the mercantile business, and is still one of the most energetic business men of Collinsville. He adheres to the principles of the Democratic party and has been Justice of the Peace for twenty-four years, not having been out of office during that time.
W. J. Owens received his education in St. Clair County, at Caseyville, and later attended commercial college at St. Louis. After that he was engaged as a locomotive engineer for five years on the Iron Mountain and Jacksonville & South Eastern Railroad. On severing his connection with the railroad company, Mr. Owens came to Litchfield, in March, 1889, and was placed in charge of the City Water Works. He held this position for two years, at the same time having control of the Electric Light Plant. His own position was that of Chief Engineer, and, although he had assistance at each place, the responsibility for the safe operation of both plants rested upon him. He remained in charge until the separation of the two plants, when he established himself in the business in which he is now interested, and in which his trade is ever increasing. He devotes his whole time and attention to his business, and the sales amount to about $900 per month.
Our subject has a pleasant home in Litchfield, which is presided over by his amiable and charming wife, to whom he was married at Carlyle, this State, October 19, 1882. She was Miss Ada F., daughter of Mrs. Jacob Young. Her education was acquired in the High School of Carlyle. Mr. and Mrs. Owens are members of the Presbyterian Church, and our subject is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers.
Extracted 04 Dec 2016 by Norma Hass from 1892 Portrait and Biographical Record of Montgomery and Bond Counties, Illinois, pages 196-199.
