It’s a holiday so I’m taking a break from airplanes, poetry, politics and angst. FAMILY is the word for today.
Maxine Leonard of Waverly, Iowa published a newsletter entitled Conger Confab for 25 years. Her voluminous research into the family made her a legend among Congers and Conger kin privileged to know her. The torch of her work was passed to me because she believed I had the ability as a writer, a person who understood graphic design and as a Conger to continue in her footsteps. I told her more than once — would you believe half a gazillion times? — I was NOT a genealogist, but she consistently replied, “Don’t worry; you don’t have to be.” I made two trips to Waverly: the first to bring home most of the Conger genealogical records Maxine had gathered, and the second, to bring home the rest of it and to say goodbye. By the time of the second trip, her husband Larry, a terrific fellow, US Army veteran and every bit as convivial as his wife.
For several years I continued to publish Conger Confab in Springfield and corresponded with hundreds of Congers in the US, Canada and Mexico. The effort stopped when I became unemployed, the money ran out, and I found I had some apparently insurmountable concerns about Maxine’s stalwart belief, not unlike a Jesus canon, which she had devoted so much of her busy life to perpetuating.
It was her resolute contention that all Congers in North America descended from John Belconger who arrived in what would become Woodbridge, New Jersey in 1640. John changed is name to Conger, and had six sons by marriage. One, named Job, was born in 1694. There were many Jobs in the Conger family since then, including Job, the father of my father’s grandfather, also named Job, my father’s father and my father, who coincidentally died in 1994.
I want to resume interfacing with Congers and Conger kin, and I want to do it through the internet. I already have several Conger web pages at the CIVAG domain, but I want to create a separate Conger domain if there appears to be sufficient interest to support one. I also want to establish a Conger Family blog here at WordPress.com.
Starting October 3, 2010, I will launch a WordPress blog called Congers of the World — or something like that. It will be listed in the menu on the right. I don’t expect this blog to be popular, but it will be an easy to search entity which will feed Congers and researchers to my Conger family web site. I will also copy and past all comments following this post to the new blog. MAYBE there will be Facebook presence too. I am on Facebook, and if you are as well, please invite me to be your Facebook friend.
Happy Independence Day to you!
Live long . . . . . and proper.
My name is Niechelle Jeffery Feeney. My grandfather Milton “Pete” Conger attended family reuniuns in Waverly, IA. He lives in Burlington, Co. His daughter Nancy Conger is my mother. I wanted to inquire about the Conger family books? Do you know where I could get a copy? I would appreciate any information. Thank You!
One of the books your grandfather created regarding his time in WW2 can be found at the Marshall Foundation. http://www.marshallfoundation.org
Your grandfather served in the same Company, same regiment, same Division as my grandfather. Is he still alive? Can I contact him? I’d very much like to talk to him about his service.
Regards,
Michael Ketchum
ketch@privateletters.net
425.449.0143
Hi, Niechelle – I have no idea how to get in touch with you! I miss my friend. If you get this, please call me: 719-369-5098 LOVE, EVIE
In my email response to Niechelle — terrific first name, btw — I explained I still have some of the Conger Family of America, Volume 1 available for purchase. Since the purpose of this blog is NOT to feed you, through your eyes, more unsolicited advertising, let’s leave it at that. Visit the Conger site noted in the Blog Roll to the right of this column, and write or call if you have additional questions.
I am the daughter of a (Finis T. Conger – and my uncle Bob Conger in MO was at one time working on the CONFAB (if that is the name).
I would like to get on the mailing list if possible.
Are you the daughter of the Finis T. Conger born in 1907 Arkansas who had a brother Robert Perry Conger? I’ve been working on this branch of the Congers lately. (I am indirectly related to some of the Congers by way of their marriage connections with members of the Frederick family.)
At this time I have no listing in my files for a daughter named Leslie born to that Finis Conger. Therefore, if you are not a daughter of that particular Finis T. Conger, then you’re probably a close relative of his.
I’d be happy to hear from you regarding these IN, OH, AR, CA Congers.
Linda,
I am the granddaughter of Finis Conger born in 1907 in Arkansas. My mother, Cathy, was his daughter. One of my cousins did a very interesting family history that I should be able to send you if interested. Send me an email at lindsayussery@yahoo.com.
HI, and oops. My mother is Betty is Finis T. Conger’s daughter. I am a granddaughter!
She IS the youngest daughter; siblings include: brothers Roy, Robert, Charles, and sister Mary. One child was killed by his horse at age 5, and was before my mothers birth.
OK found some information. My grandfather was Finis Truman Conger, born 1885 in Iowa. He and his wife homesteaded in Nebraska. They both died when my mother was only 18 or so.
Hope that clears it up.
Please let Pete’s Grand Daughter that I have a copy of vol I and Vol II that my parent’s had. My dad was Melvin E. Conger, b. 1918 in Burlington, Co. and was Pete’s cousin. I was out in Burlington last year ( jul 2007 ) and had a two day visit with Pete and Marge. Also, I have an approximately 50-60,000, name database of Nichelle’s Conger ancestry way beyond anything Pete is aware of. I would be delighted to share any of this with her or any other Conger “Cousins”.
Hello, I know it has been a long long time since anyone has posted in here, but I am doing an essay on my heritage and became interested in the conger name, I am also Jack. I would just like to see some of the family and where it splits off. I was unaware of how many Conger’s are actually in the United States and some of the things that they have done. I am from Texas and just interested in knowing a little more.
I am doing some research on behalf of my mother. Her father was a Milton H Conger who died in 1959, before she got to meet him. He was born and raised in Texas….any guidance?
Greetings on the New Year,
I’ve recently relocated from Seattle to NE Tennessee after retiring from secure employment to pursue a passion – I’m in school to get a master’s degree in storytelling. Discovered that I have kin in the area and was able to look at the hefty Conger Family book. I’d like to have one for myself – so many wonderful names and fascinating stories. In a previous query, I saw that someone was directed to a blog, I’ll try to find it.
On to my favorite subject: SUSHI. I acquired my addiction from years of living in various places touching the Pacific Ocean. I’ve found a place here where I can satisfy my craving until I visit the northwest. It goes well with either hot or cold sake. My you enjoy the adventure!
All t he best,
Mary Conger Brugh
(at the top of page 455)
I love your reference, my mother is on page 174, under the First Name of the F’s. (Finus)
There is a clip in the BIG BROWN BOOK – that states Harrison Ford was to film a movie, and star as Col. Everton Conger, the man who found John Wilkes-Booth.
Another relative is listed as being the mortition who took care of Bonnie and Clyde.
No idea the pages on that one.
I am married to a Conger descendent. I do the research in their family now that their Mom and Grandmother are gone. Alan’s sister’s wanted me to do the research and apply for DAR membership. I just about have it completed but am still looking for a source on one line. Can someone point me in the right direction. I was just told that Maxine Leonard had already done the research.
thanks for any ideas.
and thanks Job Conger for the blog —
I am one of the branches of Congers who did not leave NJ. I was born in 1955 to Richard “Dick” Conger and Blanche “Dolly” Moore. I have a sister Robin (1964-) and a deceased brother Brian (1958-2007). We grew up in West Orange, NJ. Our grandparents were John and Genevieve (Walsh).
I now live in Denville, NJ which was part of Rockaway, NJ which was founded by several Congers in the 1700’s. Many were born, lived, died and buried in Rockaway.
No way, I was just speaking with my father’s aunt. Whom he hasn’t spoken to in 60 yrs. She was telling me about her Uncle Bert Conger who married Genevieve Walsh. My grandmother was Bernice Engeman, daughter of Josephine Conger, sister of John Herbert Conger. I have been doing some family research and have traced the Congers back to England. My father’s Aunt Lorraine (Doris Lorraine Engeman Davis) is the last of 5 girls Josephine Conger and Frank Engeman had. We are definitely related. I live in Maywood, NJ. It certainly is a small world.
Hi Melissa;
There was no way to reply to your comment, so I replied to a previous message post. My great grandfather George Conger, 1847-1930 is buried at Rose Hill Cemetery in Linden. My mother passed away, but I know that she did not know any of her Conger cousins. May have been a rift in the family before her time. She told me that my grandmother, Kate Conger, was a member of the DAR, so I believe my family were patriots — another rift in the family so I understand was during revolutionary war.
George’s father ( all I know is “Granpa Conger”) was the first patrolman in Rahway. George was Desk Seargant for RPD. One of George’s daughters named Lucy Kellher,(my grandmother Kate’s younger sister) jumped to her death in a sweatshop fire in Newark.
I don’t know if our family is the last vestige of the very early Rahway Congers, or if they moved back to Rahway in a later generation.
You are very lucky to have older persons in your family who kept the genealogical connections alive. It certainly is a great family tree!
Blessings,
Katherine Smith, honumaui@gmail.com
This is a reply to a post in 2010 –I too am from the New Jersey Congers. My great Grandfather, George W. Conger was a Rahway policeman, married to Annie Pippinger-Cafferty. I don’t know the names of George’s parents, but he had a brother, William Conger who served for a short period at the end of the Civil War, and he married Carolin P. Keeler ( Carrie or Kit.) I want to connect my family into the New Jersey Conger line.
I am the great grand daughter of Emma Josephine Conger Engeman. My grandmother was her eldest daughter, Bernice. They grew up in West Orange and I am in contact with my Aunt Lorraine, who was Josephine’s youngest daughter, now 92! – With a memory like a steel trap! I still live in NJ and have been to the Oranges many times to visit the cemetaries with my father, Donald Carton. Aunt Lorraine remembers Dick and Dolly and their parents as does my Uncle Rich (Dicky Carton). I too would love to hear from any Congers who have information on relatives. Thanks and good luck! Melissa (Carton) Mogen.
Congers here in the Seattle area – by way of Carlsbad, NM – by way of Akron, Ohio:
Deceased:
Albert Conger
Wife: Elizabeth Hickman
Children:
Penny
William (Bill)
Robert (Bob)
There is another “line” of Congers (Gordon, etc.) in the area – but, strangers to us.
4/27/09
My name is Danielle N.Conger.
My grandfather was Kyril B Conger who married Joy Springer. My dad is still living who is Kyril B Conger who married my mother Terri L.Hendrickson .
I am 24 I have an older Brother named Kevin Kyril Conger and a younger brother named Cody James Conger.
My grandfather Kyril B Conger was a DR. who had 4 kids with my grandmother Joy Conger.
their kids names are Steven Conger, Jim Conger and Bill Conger and my father Kyril B Conger(II)
I would love more info! Please e-mail me . DaniLeeDawson@Yahoo.com
Thanks
Danielle Conger
( I just got married so my last name is now Shipman)
This is random and strange…my name is Danielle N. (Nichole) Conger 24 yrs old as well….. who knew someone with the same age and name…🙂 so where are you from??
ayo2727@gmail.com
I put the wrong email address before.. My Email is Dani_lee_dawson@yahoo.com
Please email me with any info . Thanks
Danielle Conger
I have the Conger name in my family line, but I am missing some valuable pieces:
Stephen Conger b. 1796 in Greene, PA; d. 1859 in Morgan Co. Oh; married Mary Piatt b. 1802, d. 1881 in Ohio.
Elias Darby Conger b 1763 NJ; d. 1845 Oh; married twice: Mary Goble & Mary Gregory
David Conger b. 1741 NJ; d. 1778 NJ; married Mary Green
Jonathan Conger b. 1710 NJ; d. 1779 NJ; married Ann Enyard b. 1717 NJ, d. 1796 NJ
John Conger married Mary Tuttle – here my trail goes cold. I know nothing about this couple.
John Conger married Mary Kelly – same here no idea about this couple
John Belconger 1589- 1653 England
I am also wondering if anyone can tell me whether Mary Piatt married to Stephen Conger was of Native American
descent.
Job,
I’m reading the 4 Jul 2007 blog entry. I’m new to WordPress so I’m learning how to move around.
In the posting you referred to looking for a Link to the Conger page in the “BlogRoll.” I assume the blogroll is the stuff in the right hand sidebar. I don’t see the Link to click on. Please tutor me.
In October 2008 AOL dropped support of the free website space. Since then I have had my share of computer problems (fragile little machines that now control us). I haven’t been doing any new additions to my genealogy files. But, I still have a presence on the Internet. I have four Google blogs, two of which I use for genealogy posting. I also have a private Google Group for genealogy. Membership is by request or invitation. And I have nearly 250 links posted to Delicious the social bookmarking application.
Richard — THANKS for your post! I feel like a computer just re-booted. I looked at Blogroll, which two years later, it appears I didn’t understand and edited the post to redirect readers who care about Congers to a new blog I launched this morning, thanks to the reboot of my mind which you innocently accomplished. The name of the new blog is Congers Worldwide. I have posted ONE time there this morning and had to stop to get ready for work. I will return there and to the Blogroll post to update things later today. I HOPE I can connect Congers Worldwide to your blogs that relate to Congers — if there are any — and will update the world re what I’m doing with the Conger family in the course of the next few days. THANKS for your tremendous genealogical efforts over decades.
Readers of this post if you are interested in taking a look at some of my genealogy efforts you can look at my Google genealogy news blog. Once there use the sidebar to move around within the blog and the box at the top of the sidebar to find links to more of my Internet postings. In particular look at the obits blog.
To go to the genealogy news click on my underscored name at the top of this posting.
Dick Henthorn
My dad’s family name is Conger. His name is Harlon Jack Conger III, and his father, Harlon Jack Conger II was an ace fighter pilot in WWII. He was born in Schenectady, NY. His father [my great-grandfather, naturally] ran a garage in Schenectady, NY and was acquainted with Thomas Edison.
I don’t know about the Congers beyond my great-grandfather, but I believe that they originally came from the Adirondacks/Lake Champlain region.
Does anyone know of a legitimate family crest or coat of arms? : )
I think my line of Congers began in Brooke, St Peters, England with John Belconger. His son John settled in Woodbridge, Middlesex, NJ . His grandson Elias Darby Conger came to Monroe County, Ohio. See above reply for the rest of it. I’m missing a generation and wonder if anyone can fill in the blanks for me.
My mom is actually a Conger. Her father was named Lyle he passed away a couple years ago. We don’t know much about him because he never really wanted anything to do with his kids😦 He was born around the Tri-states of Missouri, Iowa, and Illinois, but I think he moved to Mississippi or Louisiana. He did serve in the army in WW2, and had a secret life over seas.
And Lyle’s father is Clifford Vernon Conger. He went to college in Kansas City, Kansas to be a vet.
Hi! My name is Paul Snively. I was born on July 5th, 1965 somewhere in lower Michigan to Judy, whose maiden name I’m embarrassed to admit I don’t know, after her boyfriend, Robert Conger, concluded he wasn’t ready to be a father and moved on. One additional piece of information that might be useful is that Robert’s father was presumably John Strong Conger. I say “presumably” because the actual information I’ve been given is that my birth father’s father was an economist at the World Bank, and if you google “Conger ‘World Bank'” you’ll find , John Strong Conger’s obituary from 1993.
So I am a Conger in any case, but it would be nice to learn a bit more, it at all possible, about my birth father, his family, connections to the Strong family (am I related to Benjamin Strong, former governor of the Federal Reserve?) etc.
Thanks!
Paul
Hi!!! I’m part of the IOWA CONGERS: AARON 1812-1843 (son of Jonathan 1779-1835 and Mary Duell Shaylor 1780-1866) m Electa Fisher 1809-1894. Aaron d in Washington, Iowa and Electa d in Decatur, Wise, Texas. Their son, William J Conger Sr b 1835 OH lived in Wapello Co, IA many years. He m Mahala MAPALA E Bowers 1829-1907. Wm SR died in 1887 Ludington, Mason, Michigan of stomach cancer. He moved to MI after his Civil War service and m and Iola Coon 1850-1886. His son, William J JR 1858-1903, stayed in IA and m
Eliza C Elizabeth Burtlow Conger Skinner Tyson. He died during a Scarlet Fever epidemic. His son, Calvin Monroe Tillman 1892-1963, was my grandfather. He m Rose Agnes Marie Peterson 1895-1964. Wm Sr to Rose are buried in Ottumwa Cem, Ottumwa, Wapello IA.
I would like to know the cemeteries where Aaron, Iola, Mary Deull, and Wm Sr are buried…your help will be appreciated
Iola Conger was most likely buried at Lakeview Cemetery, Ludington, MI. Iola m William Conger 1867 at Wm H Coon’s. Iola was d/of William H Coon and Almira Adams.
Thanks for your reply! I memorialized GG GF Wm Sr on findagrave.com. I entered Lakeview Cemetery as his burial spot since two children are buried there: Guy and Almira. I’ll add Iola to Lakeview now.
My email address is: thedezter01@gmail.com for those who would like to communicate about the Iowa – Michigan Congers.
Hello All,
My name is chris conger and i am related to the congers that came out of west virginia. my grandfather, alva byrl conger, son of alva boston conger, moved to the cleveland area and worked as an electrical engineer at NASA where he retired in the late 70s. I, myself have an aunt on the conger side who has dated all of our relatives back to the 1300’s in Norfolk-Norwich England i belive. John Belonger of New Jersey that came to North America in 1640 is in my aunts research that she has done. She has spent lots of time for the last few years doing research and discovering a lot of our family’s past! My question to anyone is have you ever came across a family crest or coat of arms for the Conger name. I am very interested in my family’s history and would like to see if a crest exists. Feel free to email or respond on here if anyone has any info. Thank you very much and hope to hear back from someone……..Chris Conger
Hi —
I’m married to a Conger. My husband John’s family comes from Iowa. John’s dad is Larry, and I believe that his uncle Cary Conger (of Sac City, IA), son of Lonnie (Davenport), was involved with the Confab.
Just wondering if you’re still planning on launching a Conger family blog next month? Also, do you have information about the family crest/coat of arms? I noticed there was an article about it in the Confab about ten years ago but don’t have it. Any help you can provide would be terrific.
Many thanks.
Mrs. John Conger
[…] Do You Know A Conger? July 2007 31 comments […]
I come from a sizeable Conger family from northern Utah my grandfather, who fought in WW1 was born in Stockton Kansas. He married Anna Crozier. Any info. of this side of the family would be helpful. I know that many of the family stayed in the Stockton area.
we have 2 here in Ohio George E. Conger III (sonny) and Traci his wife.
We have a bunch in the North Texas area. I’m trying to find out about the Conger clan. We’re a funny group from what I have gathered. I’m new to the scene, all I have is to my grandfather (Deroy Conger, born in Vernon, TX) Where do I start?
bajabeetle@gmail.com
Hello Job, I am Paul Conger of Parkersburg, WV. My great-grandfather is Elias Darby Conger, 1834 – 1913. His and my great-grandmother’s grave is in Sandyville, WV at Drift Run United Methodist Church Cemetery. Elias Darby Conger’s father was Stephen Elijah Conger. This family moved to Jackson County, WV and settled in Sandyville. Elias Darby Conger served in The Civil War in the Union Army. He has a U.S. military grave marker at the foot of his grave. Elias was married twice. His second wife, Margaret Baker was my great-grandmother. She too died in 1913. My grandfather was Charles Ulyssis Conger/grandmother was Marilla Virginia Price Conger and my father was Teddy Elias Conger 1912 – 1964. I am so glad to find you on the net. Paul Conger…..papnana26101@suddenlink.net
Hi my name is Corrine Kohlmeyer-Hyman. I am the great great granddaughter or Dora Conger (married to David Conger). Having just cleaned out my parents house, I found a TON of pictures of the Conger-Schoentrup family. And I have NO idea who they are…Anyone out there who can offer help….
My mom is Evelyn Conger born in Ottumwa IA. The daughter of Calvin and Rose Peterson Conger. GF was the son of William Conger Jr and Eliza (Elizabeth) Burtlow Conger Skinner Tyson. they both were born in William Conger Sr was married to Mahala Bowers. William Sr moved to MI after the Civil War and married Iola Coon. He never divorced Mahala. However, Iola later divorced him. They had three children.
THIS WAS AN OOPPPS! THE NEXT POST HAS MORE INFO!
My mom is Evelyn Conger born in Ottumwa IA. The daughter of Calvin and Rose Peterson Conger. G-GF was the son of William Conger Jr and Eliza (Elizabeth) Burtlow Conger Skinner Tyson. They both were born in Iowa. William Conger Sr was married to Mahala Bowers. He was born in NY and Mahala in OH. William Sr moved to MI after the Civil War and married Iola Coon. He never divorced Mahala. However, Iola later divorced him. They had three children.
I’m a daughter of Opal Alice Conger (born on Menominee tribe in WI), she was daughter of Theodore William Conger (South Dakota/Wisconsin/Nebraska) Son of Henry Cassius Conger, who is son of Cassius Conger, who was son of Patrick Henry Conger. Just saying hello. I appreciate finding more information about my ancestors. Thanks for sharing.
Hi, my mom is Evelyn Conger of Ottumwa IA. Her father was Calvin Conger, son of Wm and Eliza Burtlow Conger Jr. His father was Wm Conger Sr, who settled in Ludington MI area with a second family. Does any of these names sound familiar? Let me know more about your family. I have done research of the Conger family and may be able to help you. Email me: the dezter01@gmail.com
my name is Sandra Allen, my grandmother Gladys Nadine Conger was the daughter of Harvey (harry) conger and Emma (fisher) conger. my grandmother passed away in 1989 in Pontiac Mi, and I am still trying to research her family for my mother.
Hi, my mom is Evelyn Conger of Ottumwa IA. Her father was Calvin Conger, son of Wm and Eliza Burtlow Conger Jr. His father was Wm Conger Sr, who settled in Ludington MI area with a second family. Does any of these names sound familiar? Let me know more about your family. I have done research of the Conger family and may be able to help you. Email me: the dezter01@gmail.com
Sandra, Are you still looking? My name is Nicole Kniffen Neely. Your grandmother was my aunt. She was my father’s (John J Kniffen)sister-in-law I won’t write more unless I hear from you. Sincerely, Nicole
Im Dominic Conger i would love to know more about my family
Hi, my mom is Evelyn Conger of Ottumwa IA. Her father was Calvin Conger, son of Wm and Eliza Burtlow Conger Jr. His father was Wm Conger Sr, who settled in Ludington MI area with a second family. Does any of these names sound familiar? Let me know more about your family. I have done research of the Conger family and may be able to help you. Email me: the dezter01@gmail.com
I just came across this post. I was told this same story of the six Conger brothers from my father Guy Conger (New York, but he has since passed) when I was very young. His mother Florance Conger (also deceased) would also talk about it, and how all bloodline Conger’ s were related.
Hi, Melannye. The line mom, Evelyn Conger Cain Althaus, descended from was Aaron Conger’s. He moved his family to Iowa in the mid-1800’s,
I copied and pasted my memorial for him on fingagrave.com:
Birth: 1812
Cambridge Washington County New York, USA
Death: Jul. 22, 1843 Washington County Iowa, USA,
He moved his family to Iowa.
His parents were:
Jonathan Conger
1779 – 1835
Mary Duell
1780 – 1866
He married Electa Fisher in 1832.
They had three children:
William Jennings Conger SR
1835 – 1887
Sarah Elizabeth (Lib) Conger
1839 – 1914
John Wilber Conger
1842 – 1904
U.S. General Land Office Records, 1796-1907 about Aaron Conger
Name: Aaron Conger
Issue Date: 1 Dec 1841
Acres: 80
Meridian: 5th PM
State: Iowa
County: Washington
Township: 74-N
Range: 7-W
Section: 15
Accession Number: IA1870__.338
Metes and Bounds: No
Land Office: Burlington
Canceled: No
US Reservations: No
Mineral Reservations: No
Authority: April 24, 1820: Sale-Cash Entry (3 Stat. 566)
Document Number: 8068
I am no longer working with genealogy of any kind. I know no one who can assist with inquiries about genealogy.
Hello, Job-
I’ve been creeping your site for a while now. I barely remember attending one Confab as a very small child. I am now 40. It seems as more than a lifetime ago. My father, John Steven Conger, lives in Donora, PA with my mother Kay(Strenske), which is where my sister Keri and I grew up.
As a boy, my father hung around –and worked at– the Conger Sign Co. also in Donora, PA. It was owned by his dad, Elbert Durwood Conger and his brother(my great uncle), Donald LeRoy Conger.
My wife Lisa(LaVale) and I moved from Donora to North Charleroi, PA in 2014. We have three (3) boys: Jacob Samuel Conger(age 3), Jonah Sebastian Conger(stillborn at 34 weeks) and Joshua Sebastian Conger(6 mos).
Anyway, just thought I’d “check in”!