Rensselaer Republican, Volume 19, Number 21, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 27 January 1887 — Billy Owen and Billy Goat. [ARTICLE]

Billy Owen and Billy Goat.

Golden Days: At Washington there is a boy of whom Congressman Owen, of Indiana, is a patron. About a year ago the boy purchased asorry-looking goat and wagon, which ho used to carry himself to and from the Capitol. One day recently Congressman Owen found the little fellow leaning against one of the pillars in the Capitol rotunda, crying bitterly. Sweet Apple, his goat, he said, was dead. The child was heartbroken. Mr. Owen told him to find another goat, and he would buy it for him. The matter passed from his mind until, a few days ago, the lad came bounding into tbe chamber, his face aglow with pleasure, and approaching Mr. Owen excitedly, exclaimed: “I’ve got him! He’s outside; come out and take a look at him!” Some of the members sitting near Mr. Owen, prompted by curiosity, followed the couple outside. There they found the dignified In’dianian bartering with a small colored person for the purchase of . a vicious-appearing goat, which was rearing and. plunging madly in its efforts to butt Mr. Owen over. § The bargain was finally concluded upon the payment of six dollars. That night, Billy Owen, as the goat is called, was given his first lesson in wagon hauling, with a young page of the Capitol as driver.