posted 11-25-2012 09:22 AM            

One of the antique malls from Kansas City to St. Louis had this presentation cup. It was given to Samuel H. Owens by the California Lodge Number 183 of the Masons. California is a small city just west of Jefferson City, Missouri and Mr. Owens was an attorney in that city.

posted 11-25-2012 10:23 AM            

SAMUEL H. OWENS was born in Springfield, Illinois, May 8th, 1835. His father, John Owens, moved from Kentucky to Illinois, and thence to Cole county, Missouri, in 1S37. He was limited in means, but gave his son a common-school education, and sent him two sessions to the State University at Columbia. Young Owens then returned to Jefferson City, entered a store, and earned his living while studying law under the instruction of Warwick Hough, Esq., now of the Missouri Supreme Court, and J. Proctor Knott, Attorney-General of Missouri, and was admitted to the bar in the latter part of 1859. He immediately afterwards commenced the practice of his profession at California, Moniteau county, where he has since resided, rapidly building up a large, respectable and lucrative practice, and maintaining his rank among the leading lawyers of the State.

He was married in 1860, to Miss Ella M., sister of the late Dr. A. V. Thorpe, of Moniteau county.

In 1861, he espoused the Confederate cause, and joined the Missouri State Guard. He was captured soon after the battle of Lexington, and paroled, with permission to practice law within the First Judicial Circuit of Missouri. He was elected President of the Moniteau National Bank in 1869, and now holds that position, though not devoting himself actively to banking, or any pursuit outside of his profession.

Mr. Owens is a Democrat, and has generally taken a deep interest in local and general politics, but was never a candidate for any office until he consented to become a candidate for nomination before the Congressional Convention at Sedalia, In 1876. After about twenty ballots it became apparent that there was a dead-lock, and Mr. Owens withdrew, and the nomination fell to Colonel T. T. Crittenden, whose name had not been before the convention. Mr. Owens made a vigorous canvass of the entire field, end assisted in electing Colonel Crittenden by the largest majority ever cast in the Seventh District.

Mr. Owens has attained wide distinction as a member of the Masonic order. He was, in 1862, appointed District Deputy Grand Master, and from that time forward has held various positions of honor and trust until 1872, when, after having filled almost every subordinate office, he was elected Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Missouri. He declined a re-election, though his interest, prominence and usefulness in the fraternity is in nowise diminished.

posted 11-25-2012 10:38 AM            

He was made a Master Mason in Jefferson City Lodge at Jefferson City Missouri in 1859, but affiliated with California Lodge No. 183 at California Missouri, February 25 1860 and served as Worshipful Master in 1863, 1866, and 1867. He was made a Royal Arch Mason in 1859 and assisted in instituting California RA Chapter U. D. December 23, 1869 and was the first Excellent High Priest. At the organization of California RA Chapter No 58 under Charter October 6, 1870 he was elected Excellent High Priest and was re-elected continuously to and including the year 1878. In the Grand Chapter he was elected Grand Scribe in 1878 Deputy Grand High Priest in 1880 and Most Excellent Grand High Priest in 1881. He died before the expiration of his term. The Orders of Knighthood were conferred upon him by St. Omer Commandery No. 11 Knights Templar at Sedalia Missouri April 1870. He assisted in organizing Prince of Peace Commandery No 23 at Jefferson City, Missouri and served as first Eminent Commander.

His death occurred in St. Louis February, 22 1882 while he was M. E. Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter R. A. Masons of Missouri.