Bio: Conway, William J. (1923)

 
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Surnames: Conway, McGrath

----Source: History of Wood County, Wis. (1923) pages 302-304

William J. Conway, County Judge of Wood County, was born and reared on a farm in the town of Rudolph, Wood County, his parents, Patrick and Bridget Conway, having been pioneers of that district. His elementary education was acquired in the district school of his native town, after which he graduated from the Wis. Rapids High School completing the four year course in two and one half years. Continuing his education he then entered upon a course of study at the University of Wis., graduating from that institution in 1896, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Letters. While a student there he received many literary honors and having determined upon acquiring a legal education, he entered the Wis. Law School from which he graduated in 1898 with the degree of Bachelor of Laws, completing the full three year course of study in two years. Immediately after his admission to the bar Mr. Conway entered upon the practice of law at Grand Rapids, Wis.; his professional worth being readily recognized, unusual success attended his early efforts.

In April, 1901, he was elected County Judge of Wood County, and since January 2, 1902, he has served continuously in that important office, his successive reelections indicating strongly that his services have been and still are such as to merit the confidence of the people of the county; for the past 21 years he has given to his constituents the fruitful service of his cultivated mind, his mature judgment, his wise. counsel, and his forceful efforts. This training coupled with business experience in various lines and the administration of the affairs of the county and Juvenile Court has qualified him in an exceptional degree to perform his official duties promptly and with the greatest economy to the parties interested. During his incumbency some of the largest estates that have ever passed through the Probate Court have been administered, all without delay, unnecessary expense or litigation; the records show that during the time Judge Conway presided over the County Court very few appeals have been taken, a fact which bears evidence of the faith people having business transacted before him have in his fairness, honesty and judgment, and the records show this further noteworthy fact that in each case where an appeal was taken, without exception, during his long period of service, his decision was upheld and affirmed by the higher Court. This has meant a tremendous saving to the parties interested, and to the taxpayers, and is a record of which any man as well as those whom he serves may well be proud, and is an honor and distinction which is rarely. accorded to a public servant. The County Judges' Association of the State has recognized his ability as evidenced by his election to the presidency of that organization, which position he held for two successive terms discharging his duties there with credit to himself and Wood County and during which time he was instrumental in securing much desired legislation along the line of simplifying probate procedure. He has systematized the records in the County Court, making a complete card index to all cases from the beginning up to the present time, a most valuable asset of the county for which he was offered compensation but refused to accept, giving the same to the county without expense.

In addition to his official duties Judge Conway maintains a separate law office and is admitted to practice in all courts, including the Supreme Court of the United States. He is deeply interested in educational matters and served six years as a member of the Board of Education of Wis. Rapids and also served as a member of the County Board of Wood County for three years. He is identified with many of the business and financial interests of the county being vice president of the First National Bank, a member of its board of directors and its attorney for the past twenty years; he is also a stockholder in the Consolidated Water Power and Paper Company and the Nekoosa-Edwards Paper Company. In all movements for civic betterment he has taken a keen interest and is an active member of the Rotary Club. He was a charter member of the local Elks Lodge and was its first exalted ruler; in this organization recognition of his ability has been prompt and varied, having served three terms as district deputy, three years as a member of the Grand Lodge Committee on Judiciary and four years as a member of the Grand Forum (which is the Supreme Court of the Order) being now the chief justice thereof. In addition he belongs to the Modem Woodmen of America, the Eagles and the Knights of Columbus, in religion being a member of the Roman Catholic Church. Judge Conway was married January 26, 1906, to Hannah McGrath of Monroe, Wis., then a teacher in the public schools of Wis. Rapids, and who has been identified with many of the movements for civic improvement; she has served as a member of the Park board of the city and is a member of several organizations. They have two children, William Jr. and Charlotte.

Of Judge Conway it may be truly said, he satisfied his constituents, that they appreciated his solid qualities, his worth, his faithful services. They trusted and honored him again and again, because his record in the administration of equity and law-that is to say, of justice, reveals no blur upon the ermine of that officer whose every official act was prompted by the deepest inspiration of ability and exalted character.