Biographical Sketch of

Shubel D. Owen

Transcribed by Barbara Voss



Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, 
published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 430 - 431


Shubel D. Owen one of the early settlers of Green Lake County, and one of its largest land owners, now resides on 
section 18, in the town of Brooklyn. He has witnessed the many great changes which have taken place in this community 
since the early days, has seen it�s wild and uncultivated prairies transformed into beautiful homes and farms and its 
little cabins replaced by commodious and elegant residences. Cities and villages have sprung up and progress has been 
carried forward at such a rate that we can hardly realize the unsettled condition of the county but a few years since. 
Our subject has borne his share in the work of up building and advancement and thus deserves a representation in this 
volume.

The origin of the Owen family in America is not certainly known but it was established prior to the Revolutionary War. 
The grandfather of our subject removed from his old home to the �far west,� as it was then considered, the place of his 
settlement being Orange County, N. Y. William Owen, father of Shubel, was there born and reared. He received what was 
then considered a liberal education, after which he worked at the trade of a tanner and currier. In those early times, 
he belonged to a company of Light Horse and to his death never forgot the training received, but was an excellent 
horseman up to the last. In his native county he became acquainted with and wedded Mrs. Jane (Ware) McConnell who was a 
native thereof. About 1819 they moved to Luzerne County, Penn., where our subject was born unto them. Both of his 
parents had been previously married; by his former union Mr. Owen was the father of four children, and Mrs. Owen had 
two children by her first marriage. Their union was blessed with a family of four, all sons � Daniel, Jonathan, Shubel 
and Boyd. Mr. Owen abandoned his old trade at the time of his removal to Luzerne County, Penn., and there followed 
farming. He died at the age of eighty four years, and his wife departed this life when sixty three years of age. They 
were both members of the Presbyterian Church, and in politics he was a Jackson Democrat.

The early life of our subject was passed in the uneventful routine of farm labor. He has probably never attended school 
for six months throughout his entire life, but he has made the most of his opportunities and deserves no little credit 
for his success. At the age of eighteen he procured a position as driver on the Susquehanna Canal and after the first 
trip was promoted to master of the same boat, remaining in charge for about seven years. Believing he might better his 
financial condition by a removal to the West, in the month of June, 1847, he landed in Green Lake County, where he 
entered eighty acres of land, which he still owns. To that amount, however, he has since added until 560 broad acres pay 
tribute to his care and cultivation. His first home was a log shanty, which was utilized until a more comfortable cabin 
could be built. It was in turn replaced, in 1868, by his present commodious brick veneered dwelling, one of the nicest 
homes in the community.

On the 2nd of May 1847 while residing in the Keystone State, Mr. Owen wedded Mary Brunges, who was born upon the farm 
adjoining his father�s, Oct 19, 1822. They lived together as man and wife for more than thirty four years, when they 
were separated by the hand of death, Mrs. Owen passing away Nov 9, 1881. She was a member of the Baptist Church, and a 
lady highly esteemed for her many excellent qualities. They were parents of six children, namely; Alonzo, who wedded 
Mary Boyle, but is now deceased; Charles, who married Anna Parker and has one child; Frances is the wife of Charles 
Parker, by whom she has five children; Mary J. is the wife of Alonzo Jackson and the mother of two children; Emma is 
the wife of Wilbur Walker; and Elmer, who resides at Osseo, Minn. He married Miss Stella Smith, and they have one child. 
He is the station agent of the St. Paul, Minneapolis & Manitoba Railroad Company.

Mr. Owen is truly a self made man and is now numbered among the substantial farmers of the county. He cast his first 
Presidential vote for Henry Clay, supporting the Whig party until the formation of the Republican Party, with which he 
has since affiliated. He feels and interest in political affairs but has never sought public office. He has ever 
faithfully discharged his duties of citizenship and during the late war sent a soldier to the Union Army, paying him 
$600.00 though he was under no necessity of doing so as he was not drafted.






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