Transcribed from "An Illustrated History of The Big Bend Country, embracing
Lincoln, Douglas, Adams, and Franklin Counties", published by Western Historical
Publishing Co., 1904.
OWEN McADAM first saw the light in the Emerald
Isle, the date being, March 15, 1848. His parents, Patrick and Bridget
(McCaron) McAdam, were also born in Ireland, the county being Monaghan.
They followed farming and remained in their native country until called
hence by death. Owen was educated in the public schools adjacent
to his father's home, studying portions of each year and working the remainder
on the farm. When grown to manhood, he devoted his entire time to
the assistance of his father until twenty-six years of age. Then
he went to England and for two years was occupied on the docks. It
was 1871 that he came to America, locating first in San Francisco.
Two years later he went to lower California and for five years was section
foreman there. Three years were spent on the Southern Pacific, then
he came to Franklin county and entered the employ of the 0. R. & N.
While thus employed, he also took a homestead, which is located six miles
west from Washtucna. He did general farming and also raised stock
and to these related occupations he is still giving his attention.
He has added another quarter to his homestead and half of his estate is
under cultivation. His stock is largely horses and he has been well
prospered in his labors here.
In 1876 Mr. McAdam married Miss Sarah, daughter
of Mark and Margaret (McAnn) Owens, also natives of Ireland, who, in 1840,
removed to Scotland, where they remained until the time of their death,
having been parents of five children. Mr. Owens followed boating
on the canal.
To Mr. and Mrs. McAdam three children have
been born, Mary A., the wife of Alfred Marsh, living in Spokane.
The other two children died in infancy. Politically, Mr. McAdam is
a liberal Democrat and is an independent thinker. His church affiliations
are with the Catholics and he has always shown himself a man of principle
and progressiveness. His labors in Franklin county have been good
and he is a leading citizen of his section.
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