Cassandra Elizabeth “Cassie” Ownbey (1839-1908) was the oldest daughter of Canada and Lucinda (Walker) Ownbey. She was the older sister of Ben Ownbey, founder and owner of Ownbey Lake, which we have just discussed in previous episodes. Cassie’s family moved from Macon County, Mo., to pre-Adair County in the spring of 1838. Cassie was born the next February and was believed to be the first white female child born in what would become Adair County.
Benjamin Franklin “Ben” Ownbey (1846-1927) was the 7th of 11 children born to Canada and Lucinda (Walker) Ownbey. Ben was born after his parents moved from Macon County, Mo., to just south of Kirksville. Ben spent his entire life here except for the time he served in the Civil War.