Clift, Edith Connelley.

William Elsey Connelley was born in Johnson County, Kentucky, on March 15, 1855. While his father was fighting for the Union in the Civil War, Connelley's mother died and he was left to care for his younger siblings. In 1871, having acquired a self-taught education, William moved to Kansas and eventually became secretary of the Kansas State Historical Society. He was the author of several historical works, including The provisional government of the Nebraska Territory (1899), Ingalls of Kansas: a character study (1909), Eastern Kentucky papers: the founding of Harman's Station (1910), The life of Preston B. Plumb, 1837-1891 (1913), and Wild Bill and his era: the life and adventures of James Butler Hickcock (published 1933). Connelley died on July 14, 1930.

From the description of Essay on William Elsey Connelley, 1931, July 10. (Huntington Library, Art Collections & Botanical Gardens). WorldCat record id: 658899116