James Conroy

Background

The second son of Lucas Malachi Conry and Sarah Garvey of Aughrim in County Roscommon, he was born near Boyle, County Roscommon at Roichin House where his parents worked as horse trainers. The second eldest boy of thirteen children.

Education

He was educated both in Ireland and Paris.

Career

He represented Ferryland on the Irish Shore in the Newfoundland and Labrador House of Assembly from 1874 to 1880 for the Anti-Confederation Party, leading the opposition to William Vallance Whiteway’s administration. He was chosen by his family to join the clergy, but rebelled at the end of his training, choosing to pursue law. From 1863-1867 he taught Latin, Greek, and literature at Carlow College of Saint Patrick"s University.

Preparing students for the London University Bachelor program

Conroy was called to the Irish and English bars. In 1870, Conroy married Elizabeth Catherine Mary Theresa O"Neill of the O"Neills of the Feeva, the only child of Charles Henry (Cáthal Ainrí) Ó Néill, a Dublin barrister and The O"Neill of Clanaboy.

She was the last of several generations of O"Neills to be born at Drumderg House (aka Feeva House) in The Feeva near Toomebridge, representing the line of the last Tanist of Clanaboy, Con mac Brian Ó Néillinois They had one son, Charles O"Neill Conroy, born in Dublin, himself later a prominent lawyer and businessman, and educator of the future speaker of the Newfoundland House of Assembly William J. Higgins in law.

In 1872, they came to Newfoundland, where he taught school for a time at Saint Bonaventure"s College in Saint John"son

Conroy retired from politics in 1880 and was named a stipendiary magistrate and a judge in the court for the Central District. He served on the bench until his death in Montreal at the age of 78 while receiving medical treatment there. Conroy was buried in Saint John"son

Achievements

• He was founder and editor of the Irish Catholic newspaper the Terra Nova Advocate.

Connections

Partner:

John Hoyles Boone