Conaghan, Edward

The following data is extracted from Biographical Sketches, Coles County, Illinois - East Oakland Township.

Edward Conaghan, merchant, Oakland; born in County Donegal, Ireland, Aug. 15, 1841, where he engaged in farming until 18 years of age, when he emigrated to America, landing in New York in the fall of 1859; coming directly to Charleston, he engaged with his brother peddling, taking his stock of goods upon his back and selling from house to house; after following this for nine months for his brother, he commenced peddling on his own account, taking his first stock of goods, which invoiced at $20, in a pack upon his back, working in all kinds of weather, until 1863, when he associated with his brother and engaged in the hotel business at Peoria, Ill., which, proving unprofitable, they closed out, and, after paying all their indebtedness, he had barely enough means left to again start his portable dry goods and notion store, which consisted, as described above, of his pack, which he carried upon his back, buying his goods direct from first hands in New York, which enabled him to compete with the largest dealers in Coles Co.; he continued doing business in this manner until 1871, when he associated with David Jones, and located in Oakland in the grocery and queensware trade, which they continued until Jan. 3, 1876, when, purchasing his partner's interest., he added a stock of dry goods, clothing, etc., until he now carries a stock second to none in town, and his business is yearly increasing. Upon his arrival at Charleston, he was not only penniless, but was in debt for his fare to this country, and his first earnings were used to pay this indebtedness; ,.he now has a good property which he has accumulated by his hard labor, perseverance and industry, and the above traits of character are well worthy of imitation.

Source: Biographical Sketches, Coles County, Illinois - East Oakland Township

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