- DAVID CONGER, one of the leading real estate dealers of Janesville,
has been a resident of the
- city since 1879. He was born in Mt. Clemens, Macomb Co.,
Mich., in May, 1838, and is a son of David B. CONGER, who was
born in Ontario County, N.Y. His father was there reared to manhood
and was educated in the Canadaigua schools, graduating at the
college in that city in the same class with Stephen A. Douglas.
Soon after completing his studies he went to Cleveland Ohio,
and entered the law office of an elder brother, who was practicing
that profession in Cleveland. Later, returning to the State of
New York, he married Miss Clarissa DECKER, and it was some time
after before he made a permanent location. As early as the year
1835 he located in Michigan, but subsequently returned to New
York, and in 1844 came to Wisconsin, when it was yet a Territory.
Locating at Sheboygan Falls, he engaged in the practice of his
chosen profession, and also followed agricultural and mercantile
pursuits. He became one of the prominent citizens of that town
and was sent to the Legislature in 1852. In the fall of that
year he removed thence on account of failing health, and resolved
to go to California, in the hope of being benefited by the salubrious
climate of the Golden State. On reaching the city of New York
he was induced to change his mind on account of the flattering
reports that were being received from Australia, and sailed for
the latter country on the second ship that ever left the port
of New York for that destination. After two years he returned
by the Isthmus of Panama, having sailed entirely around the world.
His health was much improved by the Australian climate and the
ocean voyage, and he acquired considerable money in mining operations,
but was so unfortunate as to be robbed of his hard-earned wealth
while crossing the Isthmus. Resuming business in Sheboygan County
after his return, he continued practicing his profession until
the breaking out of the War of the Rebellion. In 1861 he raised
and organized a company of 112 men, of which he was elected Captain.
This company became part of the 8th Wisconsin, the famous Eagle
Regiment, and Capt. CONGER remained in command for a year, when
he resigned on account of failing health. He commanded the company
at the battles of Fredericktown, Island No. 10, New Madrid, and
the battles at Corinth on the 8th and 28th of May, 1862. On retiring
from the army he removed to the city of Fond du Lac, Wis., and
in 1864 went to Montana, where he remained two years. Returning
to Fond du Lac, he was elected to the Legislature, serving during
the sessions of 1867 and 1868, and in the spring of the latter
year removed to Grand Haven, Mich., where he engaged in fruit-growing.
His death occurred there in August, 1884, at the age of seventy-one
years. Capt. CONGER was in many respects a remarkable man. He
was possessed of great activity and energy, and always took a
prominent part in affairs in whatever community residing. He
was the youngest in a family of nine children and outlived all
the rest. His wife is still living at Grand Haven, Mich. They
were the parents of six children, four sons and two daughters.
Those living are David, of this sketch; Charles E., editor of
a newspaper at Grand Haven, Mich., and Byron, who also resides
in that State. The deceased were Diana, Charles and Clara Adelaide.
- David CONGER, whose name stands at the head of this sketch,
was reared both to agricultural
- and mercantile pursuits. On the 1st day of June, 1861, he
enlisted in the company of which his father was Captain, in the
gallant 8th Wisconsin Regiment, and served until November, 1864,
a period of over three years. On the organization of the company
he was elected fourth sergeant, and on June 25, 1862, was commissioned
Second Lieutenant of the company, continuing to act as such until
the expiration of his term of service. He took part in all the
battles in which his regiment engaged, and though he escaped
the bullets of the enemy, his health was permanently impaired
by the privations and exposure incident to army life.
- Soon after his return from the war Lieut. CONGER was united
in marriage at Fond du Lac, Wis.,
- with Miss Fannie A. RAYMOND, a daughter of Alonzo RAYMOND,
who was one of the representative early settlers of Fond du Lac
County. Two children were born of the union of this worthy couple
- Jessie Jane and Louie. After his marriage Mr. CONGER located
with his young bride at Grand Haven, Mich., where he continued
to make his home until the fall of 1875. Going to Milwaukee at
that time, he was engaged in the postoffice in that city for
three and a half years, when he came to Janesville, and since
that time he has been engaged in the real estate and produce
business. He was a gallant soldier in the late war, and is a
worthy and esteemed citizen of Rock County. He is a straightforward
Republican, and attends the Baptist Church, of which his wife
is a member. Socially he affiliates with the G.A.R. and A.F.
& A.M.
-
- Taken from "The Portrait and Biographical Album of
Rock County, Wis." (c)1889, pp. 479-480.
-
- Courtesy of Carol
|