Allen, E.W. arrived Sat. morning from Calif. and is visiting his sister, Mrs Oxley, in Ross (sic, Polk) twp. Mr Allen and his sister had not met before for 29 yrs. Mr Allen was formerly a resident of Taylor co., was in fact, one of the old settlers, but left here twenty odd yrs ago. Southwestern Ia. has changed almost beyond recognition during his long absence. Taylor County Democrat, Bedford, Iowa, 10 Oct 1895

I have a jotted note that says Eli's wife was a Harris. Some people have taken the Page County, Iowa marriage of William Allen to Elizabeth Ready, May 11, 1857 to be this Eli Allen's marriage. I can't prove or disprove what his wife's maiden name was.