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1907 Past and Present Biographies

James Owen

James Owen, a highly respected agriculturist of this county, was born in Newton county, Indiana, September 23, 1871, and is a son of David and Salina (Harris) Owen. His father was born in Wales and came to the United States in 1850, locating first in New York state. He later removed to Illinois and then to Indiana, and in 1884 came to Greene county, Iowa, locating on a farm in Hardin township. In 1901 he retired and moved to Jefferson, where he is now living. His wife was a native of England, where she was reared in the Episcopal church. She has since changed her religious views and is now a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. This worthy couple were the parents of two children: Mary, the wife of John G. Bowley, an agriculturisf of Hardin township; and James, the subject of this review.

James Owen received his early education in the common schools of Indiana, a state which has furnished America many distinguished citizens, both statesmen and literary men. His early life was spent with his father on the farm, and when school was over he was always ready to assist in the fields. He builded better than he knew, for upon his father’s retirement from active duties he was thus able to take charge of the farm of one hundred and twenty acres, on section 17, Hardin township, which he is still operating. In connection with this he has purchased and is now operating eighty acres on section 8.

James Owen was married on February 20, 1901, to Viola Bontz, a daughter of John P. Bontz, a well known agnculturist of Hardin township, who is now enjoying a life of retirement in Jefferson. This union has been blessed with three children, John David, James Frederick and Albert Harris Owen.

Mr. Owen has always been a stalwart republican, and for several years served as assessor of the county. He and his wife attend the Methodist church and are generous in their support of the same. Mr. Owen is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, No. 335, of Jefferson, Iowa. He has always led a very quiet, unobtrusive life and has found his greatest pleasure when his work was finished in his home with his family, who are always most interesting to him. Here he is ever ready to welcome his many friends, who are always glad to avail themselves of his hearty hospitality.

Transcribed from "Past and Present of Greene County, Iowa Together With Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Prominent and Leading Citizens and Illustrious Dead,"
by E. B. Stillman assisted by an Advisory Board consisting of Paul E. Stillman, Gillum S. Toliver,
Benjamin F. Osborn, Mahlon Head, P. A. Smith and Lee B. Kinsey, Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1907.

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