In the 1861 census for Fitzroy, William Edward is showgen as being 4 years old.

Lived in Fitzroy at the time of his marriage, and was a farmer.Witnesses to the marriage were Samuel McAdam and Annie J. Lowe, both of Pakenham.

In the 1901 census, there is a William E Owens in Fitzroy (Lanark North, subdistrict Fitzroy D-1, page 2) listed as being born May 12, 1857, with wife Harritt owens born Jan 8, 1857. It also lists (in the same household), a sister Harrit born Sep 28, 1855, and sons Cecil E.C. (b. Nov 12, 1892), Andrew M.J. (b. jan 26, 1896), John M. (b.Jun 16, 1898) and daughter Pearl J. (b. Jul 9, 1894).