William J. Owen

William J. Owen

• William J. Owen was born on 14 February 1822 in Daviess County, Kentucky.
• He married Elizabeth Threlkeld Humphrey.
• William J. Owen and Elizabeth Threlkeld Humphrey appeared in the US federal census of 1 June 1860 in Troy PO, Obion County, Tennessee. Other members of the household included Alice M. Owen. At least three more children must have been enumerated on the following sheet, but sheets 268-269 apparently went missing or got out of order before the sheets were stamped with the final page numbers.
• He was a minister, according to the 1860 census.
• William J. Owen died on 14 June 1864 at age 42.
• His wife Elizabeth Threlkeld Humphrey became a widow at his death.
• He was interred at Troy Cemetery, Troy, Obion County, Tennessee.
• The following appeared in A History of the Daviess-McLean Baptist Association in Kentucky, 1844-1943:
       Wiliam J. Owen. This excellent and zealous young man was born in Daviess County, Ky., about the year 1825. At an early age he was converted and united with the neighborhood church, Green Briar. On January 20, 1850, he was ordained to the work of the ministry by this Church. He remained in this neighborhood until the year 1858 when he moved to Tennessee. During that time he served the following churches: Mt. Liberty, 1850-1851; Brushy Fork, 1850, 1852-1854; Calhoun, 1853-1857; Oak Grove (Utica), 1854-1858; Green Briar, 1853-1854.
       He also served as messenger from Green Briar to the Association from 1850 to 1853 and from Calhoun in 1854 to 1857. His crowning work was the organization of Oak Grove (Utica) in September 15, 1854. This church was gathered on 17 members by Elder Owen and Elders John G. Howard and J. S. Dawson. His pastorate lasted until March, 1858. After this his labors were confined to his adopted state of Tennessee. In the early part of 1859 he located at Troy, in Obion County, Tenn., where he accomplished the work of his brief ministry. Here he gathered a church of 8 members. Under the faithful labors of the young preacher the church grew steadily until it numbered 33 members. He was also pastor of Palestine and Concord Churches, where his labors were also successful. But his work was soon brought to a close. Early in December, 1863. he became too feeble to leave his room, and on the 14th of the following June, 1864, was called to receive his crown.
       Elder Owen served the Association as missionary on many occasions but never charged the Board for any of his work. Many times he refused to accept money from his churches when they were hard pressed in carrying on their work. Elder J. M. Bennett preached the ordination sermon at Elder Owen's ordination. Subject: "Preach the Word." This exhortation remained with him throughout his brief ministry. He was a brother of Brother Latteney Owen, a constituent member and deacon of Oak Grove Church for over 40 years. He was also a brother-in-law of Elder Archer G. Davis.

• Last Edited: 31 Jul 2013