William A. Owens was born on January 1, 1827, in Jeffersontown, Kentucky. He served in the First Kentucky Cavalry during the Mexican American War, mustering out in July 1847. He married Susan Ann Wells in Oldham County, Kentucky, on November 23, 1847, and they had at least nine children: Azena, born around 1849; Emison, born around 1850; Nimrod, born around 1856; William, born around 1858; Richard, born around 1860; Bertie, born around 1862; Flay, born around 1864; Nettie, born around 1867; and John, born around 1870. They moved to Franklin, Indiana, around 1854. Owens worked as a farmer, and by 1860, he owned $600 of real estate and $150 of personal property.

 

Owens received a commission as a 2^nd lieutenant in Company D of the 17^th Indiana Infantry on May 15, 1861. The regiment took part in the siege of Corinth, the Battle of Chickamauga, and the Atlanta campaign. He was promoted to 1^st lieutenant on January 11, 1862, and then to captain on November 23, 1862. He mustered out in Macon, Georgia, on August 8, 1865.

 

Owens returned to Franklin after the war, and by 1870, he was serving as county sheriff. He owned $1,500 of real estate and $400 of personal property. He became superintendent of the County Poor Asylum in 1878 and held the position for the next ten years. He remained in Franklin for the rest of his life, and he died there on February 18, 1888.

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