Col. William Owens, a prominent member of the Columbia Bar, was born in Fauquier county, Virginia, on the 4th day of May 1773. At ten years of age he was brought to Kentucky by his maternal uncle, the renowned pioneer, Simon Kenton. He settled at Danville for the practice of law, but in the year 1807, he removed to Columbia, where he continued to reside until his death, which occurred on the 7th of November, 1847. He was a self made man, and of fine natural talents...

The Lindsey-Wilson Training School building is on or near the site of the old Owens' residence. Colonel Owens left a large family, several sons and daughters, all of whom lived in Columbia. Some of his grandchildren reside in said town. One of his sons, Dr. Heck Owens, was a surgeon in the Mexican war, and also in the civil war, and another son, Hamilton Owens, served a term in the Legislature of the State, and was a Lieutenant in the Mexican war.