Washington County ArArchives Biographies.....Ownbey, William G. 
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Author: S. J. Clarke (Publisher, 1922)

WILLIAM G. OWNBEY.
    William G. Ownbey, a druggist of Springdale. in which city he was born
November 8, 1877, is a son of Julius F. and Elizabeth (Eidson) Ownbey, both
natives of Washington county, Arkansas. The father was a son of Porter M. and
Martha (Martin) Ownbey. who settled in Washington county during the period of
the Civil war and the grandfather remained a resident of this section of the
state until his death. His widow survives at the advanced age of eighty-seven
years. They came to the state from Georgia and Porter M. Ownbey always followed
the occupation of farming. His son, Julius F. Ownbey, was reared in Washington
county and he, too, followed the occupation of farming and also dealt in stock.
He was one of the pioneers in the development of orchards in this county and
contributed much to the upbuilding of the fortunes of others as well as to his
own, through his successful introduction of fruit raising into this part of the
state. He was a democrat in his political views and his religious faith was that
of the Methodist Episcopal church. In early manhood he wedded Elizabeth Eidson,
also a native of this county. She survives her husband and now makes her home in
Springdale. They were the parents of three children, of whom two are living:
William G. and Carl, the latter connected with the Farmers & Merchants Bank at
Springdale.

    William G. Ownbey was educated in the public and high schools of his native
city and in the State University of Arkansas. In early life he began learning
the drug business, with which he has since been identified, devoting his entire
time to commercial activity of this character. He is owner of a large store in
Springdale and also another at Fayetteville. His capable management,
indefatigable energy and persistency of purpose have been dominant factors in
the attainment of his present-day success.

    In 1900 Mr. Ownbey was united in marriage to Miss Bertie Parker, a native of
Illinois and a daughter of Theodore and Jane (Prater) Parker, who were likewise
natives of that state. They came to Springdale about 1887 and Mr. Parker here
engaged in the produce business, but he and his wife are now residents of the
state of Washington. Mr. and Mrs. Ownbey have become parents of two children:
Julian and Margaret, both in schcol. Mr. Ownbey belongs to the Methodist
Episcopal church. South, while his wife is a member of the Christian church. He
is identified also with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and with the
Masons and is a loyal follower of the teachings and purposes of these societies.
His political endorsement is given to the democratic party and for live years he
filled the office of alderman, taking active interest in all that pertained to
the progress and development of the community He likewise filled the office of
city recorder for two years and as mayor during a two years' term he gave to
Springdale a businesslike and progressive administration that was thoroughly
beneficial. He also has an interesting military record, for he was a National
Guardsman when America became engaged in war with Spain. He saw his first
service in 1898 as private in the First Arkansas Infantry and was stationed at
Chickamauga Park. Again his military spirit was aroused when Mexico showed
decided hostility to the United States in I9IG and be became a captain of the
Second Arkansas Infantry, with which he went to the border, being there
stationed through 1916 and 1917. In the latter year he was promoted to the rank
of major. He was graduated from the School of Musketry at Fort Sill, Oklahoma,
in 1917 and from the School of Fire for Field Artillery at Fort Sill in the same
year. He was promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel and was commissioned
colonel by the Federal government in May, 1918, and placed in command of the One
Hundred and Forty-second Field Artillery. He served with that unit in France
from August, 1918, until June, 1919, when he returned home and received his
discharge. He and his command did the firing for the artillery schools at
Valdahon, France, and he is still holding his commission of colonel of the Field
Artillery Reserve Corps, United States  army.

    Colonel Ownbey has spent his life in Springdale and his many sterling traits
of character have gained for him the high esteem in which he is held. He has
carefully directed and managed his business affairs and has made steady
progress, well qualified for the work by reason of the fact that he is a
graduate of the Ohio Institute of Pharmacy at Columbus and had thorough
practical training. He has most wisely directed his activities along mercantile
lines and has built up a large business at both Springdale and Fayetteville.
What he has accomplished in the business world represents the fit utilization of
his time and opportunities, while in matters of citizenship he has always stood
for the highest and best, proving his loyalty to community and commonwealth in
days of peace just as he has demonstrated his loyalty to the country in times of
war.


Additional Comments:
Citation:
Centennial History of Arkansas
Volume II
Chicago-Little Rock: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company
1922


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