BIO:  Charles R. McConkey, York County, PA

Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Kathy Francis

Copyright 2006.  All rights reserved.
http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/york/
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History of York County, Pennsylvania.  John Gibson, Historical Editor.
Chicago: F. A. Battey Publishing Co., 1886.
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Part II, Biographical Sketches, Peach Bottom Township, Pg 165

CHARLES R. MCCONKEY, son of James McConkey, by his last marriage, was 
born in 1839; attended the public and private schools of the vicinity, 
and afterward, for a time, was a pupil in an academy in the city of 
Philadelphia, then taught by Gen. Joshua T. Owens.  Returning home he 
assisted his father in business until at the age of twenty-two, when his 
father died.  Then with his brother, John Q. A., engaged in the lumber, 
lime, coal, grain and store business.  Disposing of his interests at 
Peach Bottom, in 1870, he removed to Philadelphia, and was engaged there 
in the wholesale boot and shoe business.  At the expiration of two years 
he returned to his old home, and embarked in the lumber trade and the 
selling of fertilizers, which he still continues, and also assists in 
the management of a tract of 330 acres of farming land, of which he and 
his brother are joint partners.  In 1872 he was elected a director in 
the York & Peach Bottom Railroad, and was subsequently elected to the 
office of president of the railroad.  For a time he was appointed 
receiver of the corporation.  He then assisted in reorganizing the road, 
and was again elected its president.  He has served his township very 
satisfactorily as school director, and in various ways has been a public 
spirited and enterprising citizen.  Mr. McConkey was married, December 
27, 1866, to Rachel S. Alexander, a native of Belmont County, Ohio, 
daughter of James and Elizabeth (McGregor) Alexander.  Her mother was a 
native of Peach Bottom.  They have three children:  Henry Alexander, 
Charles Reynolds and Mary E.  Mr. McConkey and family are members of the 
Presbyterian Church, to which nearly all his relatives and ancestors 
belonged.