James Conley

James Conley owns and operates one hundred and sixty acres of land in Fairview township, which constitutes one of the best equipped and most valuable properties in Allamakee county. Mr. Conley was born near Joliet, Illinois, August 25, 1864, and is the fourth in order of birth in a family of nine children, born of the marriage of John and Bridget (McCunnon) Conley, both of whom were natives of County Monaghan, Ireland. The father emigrated to the new world about 1850 or 1851, and for a time worked in the mills of Massachusetts. He later continued his journey westward, locating in Illinois, while in 1865 he came to Allamakee county renting a farm in Fairview township. He spent the remainder of his life on this farm and became one of the substantial men of this section of the county. He passed away here on the 28th of July, 1911, having survived his wife for many years, her death having occurred in March, 1888. Of their nine children, two survive; James, of this review; and Anna, the wife of C.A. Spinner, who is engaged in the mercantile business at Waterville, Allamakee county.

James Conley was reared on the farm which is still his home and he attended the district schools of Fairview township. He worked for his father, giving him the benefit of his services until he had reached the age of twenty-four years, when he rented the homestead and worked independently until his father's demise, since which time he owns the place, having acquired the same by purchase. The farm consists of one hundred and sixty acres of fertile land, improved with modern buildings, including a house and outbuildings, and here Mr. Conley is engaged in general farming and stock-raising. He follows the most modern and progressive methods in his work and his labors are bringing to him a substantial income.

Mr. Conley adheres to the democratic party in national issues but is somewhat independent in local politics. He has never held nor desired public office, preferring to devote all of his time to his private business interests. He is a communicant of the Roman Catholic church at Cherry Mound. Having spent his entire life in Allamakee county, he is deeply interested in its welfare and in every movement tending to promote its advancement along agricultural lines. He has a wide acquaintance here and is respected by all who know him.

-source: Past & Present of Allamakee County; by Ellery M. Hancock; S. J. Clarke Pub. Co.; 1913
-transcribed by Cathy Joynt-Labath

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