The 1840 U.S. Federal Census for Alex T. Conley (father of Josiah Joseph Connelly) shows the family was living in Lawrence County, Indiana, USA. The census did not list the household by name at this time, but did show nine persons.

The 1850 U.S. Federal Census places Josiah Connelly [abt age 6] in Marion Township, Lawrence County, Indiana living with his parents Alex and Phoebe Connelly. There were three siblings in the household: George, who was about 20 and Sarah, who was about 22. Nancy A. Connelly, mother of Alex Connelly was also residing in the household.

Illinois, State Census Collection, 1825-1865
Name: Josiah Connelly
Census Date: 3 Jul 1855
Residence Place: Township 11, Coles, Illinois, USA

Josiah Conley married Eliza J. Roberts on September 14, 1856 in Clay County, Illinois USA.

Illinois Statewide Marriage Index, 1763- 1900
Groom: Conley, Josiah
Bride: Roberts, Eliza J
Date: 1856-09-14
Volume 00A, page 0098
County: Clay

Illinois, Marriages, 1851-1900
Name: Josiah Conley
Gender: Male
Spouse Name: Eliza J Roberts
Marriage Date: 14 Sep 1856
Marriage County: Clay
Comments: This record can be found at the County Court Records, Film 1008793 - 1008796

Clay County, Illinois - Marriage Index - 1825-1877
Surname: Conley
Given Name: Josiah
Surname: Roberts
Given Name: Eliza J
Marriage Date: 9/14/1856
Book Number: A
Page Number: 98

The 1860 U.S. Federal Census places Josiah Conley [abt age 24] in Township 5, Range 6 East, Clay County, Illinois with his wife, Eliza and three of their children: William T., James M., and Phebe. Josiah was farming land next to his father, Alexander T. Connelly.

U.S., Civil War Draft Registrations Records, 1863-1865
Name: Joseph Conely [Joseph Conley]
Birth Year: abt 1835
Place of Birth: Indiana
Age on 1 July 1863: 28
Race: White
Marital Status: Married
Residence: Clay, Illinois
Congressional District: 11th
Class: 1
This document places Joseph Conley in Blair Township, Clay County, Illinois in July of 1963. His occupation is listed as farmer. The document is dated 15 Sep 1863 and signed by the Provost Marshal.

The 1870 U.S. Federal Census shows Josiah Conley [abt age 34] living in Blair Township, Clay County, Illinois with his wife, Eliza and seven of his children: Wm.T., James M., Phebie, John T., Andrew I., Hulda and Ida Jane Conley. Josiah continues to farm his land increasing his real estate value from $1,000 to $3,200.

The 1880 U.S. Federal Census tells us Josiah Conley is still living in Blair Township, Clay County, Illinois with his wife, Eliza and ten of his children: Wm. J., Jas. M., Phebe, John T., Andrew J., Huldy, Ida Jane, Josiah, Vina Ellen and Lilly May. At the age of about 47, he continues to farm for a living.

BURIAL PLACE OF JAMES M CONNELLY (b. DEC 1858) - yet to be found - My 2nd Great-Grandfather.