WILLIAM M. BOWMAN, one of Eddyville's leading business men, was born February 7, 1831. His grandfather, Leonard Bowman, was from Maryland, and was among the first settlers of Clark County, Ind,, where he lived on a farm until his death. His son, Ransom, William M.'s father, was born in Clark County, where he always resided. He married Mary Ann Applegate, an estimable Christian lady, and a member of the Methodist Church. Both parents died before their only child, William M., was two years old. After the death, of his parents, William M. went to live with his grandfather, Aaron Applegate, who reared him to the age of eighteen or twenty. He then flat-boated to New Orleans and other intermediate points; he afterward chose merchandising as a business, which he learned with H. B. Polston, of Jeffersonville, Ind. In 1855, he came to Eddyville, and clerked for his uncle, James Lester, several years. In 1868, he started in business for himself at his present stand; he carries a heavy stock of general merchandise, and enjoys a large and growing trade. His business ventures have been very successful, having started without capital, and now aside from his interest in business, owns three residences and two business houses in Eddyville, two farms and other property. On the 7th of February, 1867, he married Mary Smith, who died September, 1869, leaving one child, Effie. November, 1870, he married Mattie Hunter. They are members of the Methodist Church, in which he is steward. Mr. Bowman is an ardent temperance advocate; a member of the K. of H., of which he is treasurer, and is commander in the K. of the G. C.
Source: J. H. Battle, W. H. Perrin, & G. C. Kniffin. Kentucky. A History of the State. Louisville, KY, Chicago, IL: Battey, 1885. Page 849.