David McCulloch
Eli McConkey, a native son of Holmes County, was born April 22, 1828, the youngest of four sons of Thomas and Rachel (Nipton) McConkey. His father, who was a native of Pennsylvania and a farmer, came to Ohio when a young man, and here bought eighty acres of land, which is now the homestead of James Dye. He died when but thirty-two years of age.
Eli McConkey was left an orphan at an early age, and was reared by a great uncle, remaining with him until twenty-one years old. When he started in life for himself he had no means, but was economical, and by saving his earnings bought fifty acres of land. This he improved and has since added to until he now owns 175 acres, all well improved. Mr. McConkey is one of the well-to-do farmers of Ripley Township, and his success has been due to his industry and good management, aided by his economical and hard-working wife. He was married in 1850 to Eliza Jarvis, of Holmes County, and they had a family of four children, but one of whom, Mrs. Josephine Griffey, is living. In politics Mr. McConkey is a Democrat, and he has served his township as trustee.
From Commemorative Biographical Record of the Counties of Wayne and Holmes, Ohio, J. H. Beers & Co., Chicago, 1889