William Elsey Connelley

“ He is descended from Welsh ancestors. Three brothers of the name came from Wales to the United States prior to the Revolutionary war. The one from whom he is descended located in Ohio after that war, and the other two located, according to the best information, in Virginia, and one in New York State. ”

“ Bernard Commandery No. 10, Knights Templar, all of Independence, and is affiliated with Abdallah Temple of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine at Leavenworth. He also belongs to Lodge No. 17, Ancient Order of United Workmen, at Independence, and to the Woodmen of the World at Independence.
At Ottumwa, Iowa, January 17, 1878, Mr. Bowen married Miss Hester A. Purnell, daughter of William and Rebecca Purnell, both now deceased. Her father was a farmer and business man. To Mr. and Mrs. Bowen have been born four children: Louis H., who is in the flour and feed business at Little Rock, Arkansas ”