Will County ILGenWeb Biographies..... 
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File contributed for use by:
Dori Leekly & Margie Glenn

Author: History of Will County IL, 1878

Edward D. CONLEY, Wilmington; born in Toronto, Canada, in 1844, and soon afterward came 
to the United States, settling in Buffalo, N. Y.; removed to Wilmington, IL, in May, 
1849. At 19, enlisted as a private in the 39th I. V. I, and served about two years; 
participated in Grant's last campaign, and was present at Lee's surrender at Appomattox; 
on his regiment's muster-out, he returned home and resumed going to school. In 1867, 
engaged in the furniture and undertaking business, in which he had already served an 
apprenticeship; afterward, became a drug store clerk, and also dabbled some in writing 
newspaper locals and verse; purchased a half interest in the People's Advocate newspaper 
in February, 1871, and became sole editor and proprietor in 1872. Was repeatedly elected 
to the town and city clerkships. On Dec. 28, 1874, was married to Miss Mary A. O'CONNELL. 
Is still publisher of the Wilmington Advocate, up to the date of this publication.


Additional Comments:
HISTORY OF WILL COUNTY, ILLINOIS; Chicago: Wm LeBaron Jr & Co, 186 Dearborn Street, 1878.