William B. Bowman
William B. Bowman was born in Mansfield, the son of Simeon Bowman, an old-time merchant whose home and store were in the identical building now occupied by the Tracy & Avery wholesale establishment and the room to the north. When William came to the bar his office was in a narrow room to the north on his father's lot, since purchased by Hiram C. Smith and now part of the Smith Opera House. William B. Bowman was of slight build and beautiful face, with a long silken beard of blackest hue, with large liquid eyes of the same color and a countenance that befitted estimate of the painter of the century past. He did not lack anything save that with his growth as a man and lawyer grew an appetite for drink that nearly destroyed him. When the home was broken up by the marriage of the daughters, the death of the mother, the removal of his second son to California, William was urged, almost forced, by his friend and cousin of his mother, a wealthy man of Pittsburg, to go west and westward he went. I was the instrument through whom a sufficient purse was given him to defray the expense and establish him in Kansas, and there he located, re-established himself, married and lived, accomplishing much in his later years. He was on the bench for several terms, and in the fullness of time departed hence.
Richland Shield & Banner: 17 November 1894, Vol. LXXVII, No. 27