Person:William Conley (7)

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William Conley was director at the Preston Academy in Kingwood. He likely began as "Master" of the Academy in the Spring of 1847, after Alexander Martin left and moved to Clarksburg. He would have completed his 14 year term just before the Civil War in 1861. He later served as a teacher at the Reedsville School. He was also employed as a farmer and a contractor, and was one of the builders of the Northwestern, and the Morgantown and Kingwood Turnpikes. (Historic Structure Report for the Preston Academy, 2002)

In 1850, William and his family were living at the home of William McGinnis, 45th District in Preston County. Their home was located near Mary's father and mother, Robert and Elizabeth Laird Freeburn. (US Census 1850)

William was part of the Preston County Militia prior to the Civil War and held the rank of Major. In 1852, he was listed as Adjutant for the 148th Regiment located in Kingwood. (Wiley) He also served the county as Deputy Sheriff. (History of West Virginia and Its People)

In 1852, William was paid $1065 for right-of-way for the Kingwood and West Union Turnpike. This section connected Kingwood to Morgantown. (Annual Report of the Board of Public Works to the General Assembly of Virginia)

He owned 15 acres of the Peter Menear land along Dillon's Creek in 1860, located 8 miles Northwest of the Courthouse in Kingwood. This land likely was adjacent to land owned by his brother, Washington. The real estate value was $150 and personal possessions were worth $694. (Preston County Land Deeds). James W. Posten, his brother-in-law, aged 36, was employed as a farm laborer and was living with the family in 1860. (U.S. Census).

PC Journal 9/14/1867: Delinquent taxes: William Conley on 15 acres along Dillon's Creek: 1865: 12 cents, 1 cent interest; 1866: 12 cents, 1 cent interest.

In 1870, William's wealth was listed as: Land: $300; personal property: $300. The family was residing in Valley Township. Solomon and Thomas Conley, sons of Washington Conley, were also living at their home at this time. (U.S. Census). This home was located next to his mother's home, who was then a widow. Her daughter-in-law, Elizabeth (wife of Washington Abraham Conley), also a widow, was living with her. Elias Conley's home was on the other side of his mother's home. (1870 Federal Census) All three dwellings likely were located on the road between the old Fairfax property at the entrance to the Morgan Mine road near Reedsville, and the area more Eastward along Dillon's Creek.

Major William died between the Census Records of 1870 and 1880. According to the book, "West Virginia and Its People," William's date of death would have been about 1874 when his son, William Gustavus, was 8 years of age. He was buried in an unmarked grave near Bethlehem, in an old Fortney/Pyles Cemetery. This was adjacent to the Conley property, now owned by Everett Bishop. (Pete Holmes) This land previously had been owned by the Murdock's, Keefover's, and W. E. Holmes, after Conley ownership.

(In later years, Major William suffered from an addiction to gambling and alcohol, and was not well-respected by his family members. Some family believe this is the reason he is not buried with his wife.)

1. ↑ Preston, West Virginia, United States. 1850 U.S. Census Population Schedule. (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration Publication M432).
2. ↑ Miller, Thomas Condit, and Hu Maxwell. West Virginia and its people. (New York, New York: Lewis Historical Pub. Co., 1913).

   _FOOT: West Virginia and Its People, Vol 3, Miller, Lewis Historical Publoishing Company