Mary Alicia Owen (January 29,1850 – January 5,1935) was born and lived her entire life except for many travels throughout the United States and abroad. St. Joseph with her two sisters, Luella and Juliette, in the house their parents built in 1859.
She was always interested in people and became famous for writing about the Native Americans and the African Americans who lived in and around her hometown. Many of the books, stories and articles Owen wrote were about folklore. She traveled across the United States and Europe speaking about the folklore of Missouri. At one time Owen was called the most famous woman folklorist in the world.
During her long career, Mary Alicia Owen wrote one novel and a play, several short stories and many books and articles about folklore. Some of Owen’s work with African Americans continues to be valuable because she recorded customs and ceremonies that are no longer held today. Pieces she wrote about Missouri’s pioneers are still significant.