Conley, Isaiah, 1830-1901
Dates
- Existence: 1830 - 1901
Biographical Note
Isaiah Conley (1830-1901) was born in 1830 to Allen and Margaret Ellen McGrew Conley. By 1860, he was living in Somerset County, PA, with his wife, Caroline (Carrie) (1836-1907), and their young daughter Annie. Conley was a merchant when he enlisted with Company G, 101st Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, late in 1861. Conley, originally a Second Lieutenant, was later promoted to Captain. The regiment saw action quickly, first joining the Peninsula Campaign, participating at Yorktown, Willliamsburg, and Fair Oaks between March 1862 and March 1863, After that, the regiment moved through Virginia into North Carolina, via Suffolk. In April of 1863 the entire regiment surrendered in Plymouth, North Carolina. Conley's regiment was taken first to Andersonville, but he, along with the other officers, were soon transferred to a prison in Macon, Alabama. In October 1864, while being moved yet again, Conley and two other officers jumped from the train transporting them, and made their way back to Union forces. Conley's account of this escape is part of the collection. Conley appears to have returned to the remains of his regiment and continued to serve until the 101st PVI mustered out in July 1986. After the war, he returned home to his family (his second child was born around the time he enlisted) and his job as a dry goods merchant. He and Caroline had at least 7 children: Annie (Anna) (1859-1900); Harrie (b. abt 1861); Emma (b. abt 1866); Edgar (b. abt 1868); Elsie (Clara) (1870-1903); May (b. abt. 1873); and Ella (Nellie) (1876-1892). He later served as a local judge. Conley died in 1901 and was buried in Schellsburg, Bedford County, Pennsylvania.