EDGAR MCCONATHY, who follows farming and stock-raising in White Hall township, was born October 12, 1851, in Greene county and is a son of Perry and Matilda J. (Alverson) McConathy, the latter a daughter of Benjamin Alverson. Perry McConathy was a native of Lexington, Kentucky, born there on the 17th of August, 1813. His parents were Jacob and Eunice McConathy and of their children he was the youngest. When fifteen years of age he was apprenticed to learn the saddler's trade and completed his full term of service. When twenty years of age he became a journeyman and was thus employed for some time when he opened a shop of his own. Following his marriage he formed a partnership with his father-in-law Benjamin Alverson and in 1839 removed to Greene county. Here he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits and was engaged in farming on rented land for several years, after which he purchased a farm of his own and eventually became the owner of three hundred acres. In 1846 he was appointed agent of the International Improvement Fund. He was a man of unusual business ability and executive force, as was manifested in his control of important interests of both a public and private character. His capability being recognized by his fellow townsmen he was elected to public office, being chosen first to the position of county assessor and afterward county treasurer of Greene county. For more than twenty years he served as justice of the peace and notary public. He left behind him an honorable record, having been faithful to every duty and trust reposed in him, and he is yet held in grateful and kindly remembrance by his fellow citizens. He was noted for his liberality and generosity, his heart being quickly touched by a tale of distress, and his sympathies were strongly aroused in behalf of all who needed aid. As a citizen he was public spirited and patriotic and the county benefitted by his efforts in her behalf. He reared a large family and of his fourteen children nine are yet living, namely: John M., Mary Jane, Emma V., Clarissa, Jacob, Edgar, Robert P., Joseph H. and Samuel R. Of these Samuel is now living in California; Mary Jane is the wife of Charles Simonds; and Clarissa is the wife of Joseph Barnett, a son of William Barnett.

Edgar McConathy, whose name introduces this record, was reared upon the home farm and acquired his education in the public schools. Throughout his entire life he has engaged in the tilling of the soil and is recognized as one of the enterprising and progressive farmers of his locality. He has placed his land under a high state of cultivation and the fields annually return to him a golden harvest for the care and labor he bestows upon them.

Mr. McConathy has been married twice. He first wedded Elizabeth Allen, who was born January 1, 1855, and became his wife August 27, 1876, while her death occurred October 20, 1900. They became the parents of the following named: Mary R., who was born January 27, 1878, is now the wife of Edgar Bradshaw, by whom she has one child, Alma. John R., born May 3, 1881, attended the public schools of the neighborhood, afterward the high school at Roodhouse, and still later the Gem City Business College at Quincy. He is now assistant cashier and bookkeeper of The Bank of Roodhouse. He belongs to the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Masonic fraternity and in his religious faith is a Baptist. His political support is given to the Democracy. AS a young man of superior intelligence and marked business capacity he has already made for himself an honorable name in financial circles and has the trust and confidence of all with whom he has associations. N. Albert, born September 26, 1879, was married April 30, 1902, to Annie Gollier. Jesse G. was born July 4, 1886. Allen R. was born December 15, 1896.

Mr. McConathy became a member of the Baptist church in 1868 at Martins Prairie, where his parents resided for several years, and he has since been loyal to the teachings of that denomination. In politics he has been a Democrat, always advocating the principles of the party, yet he has never sought or desired office. He belongs to the Roodhouse lodge, No. 133, M.P.L. of Litchfield, in which city the headquarters of that organization are maintained. In his business life he has made a creditable record for he has never been known to take advantage of the necessities of his fellowmen in any trade transaction. He has always lived in Greene county and for more than half a century has been a witness of its growth and progress, taking a deep and commendable interest in what has been accomplished along the lines of material, intellectual and moral advancement.