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Daniel Conway – Drowned in Soldiers’ Home Lake in Ohio
Posted By Norman Gasbarro on October 1, 2018
Daniel Conway, Civil War veteran from Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, was pronounced dead on 10 August 1903, after his body was found in a lake at the Veterans’ Home in Dayton, Ohio. A brief story was found in the Dayton Daily News, 11 August 1903:
BODY OF A SOLDIER FOUND IN THE LAKE.
Daniel Conway Disappeared Last Friday and is Supposed to Have Fallen Into the Water.
Daniel Conway, an aged member of the Soldiers’ Home, disappeared from the institution last Friday and was not seen again until Tuesday morning, when his dead body was fished out of one of the lakes. He had probably fallen into the water, and, being unable to swim, was drowned before assistance reached him. He was feeble and ill, but had been in good spirits, and never a word was heard from him as to contemplated suicide. He had no relatives in this city so far as known. The remains were taken to the Home morgue and Coroner Kline was called. He is undecided as to whether the death was caused by accident or suicide, but will make the usual investigation demanded in such cases.
Subsequently he was buried in the Home Cemetery, and a government-issued grave marker was ordered.
Daniel Conway‘s service was noted on his grave marker: Company E, 55th Pennsylvania Infantry.
On 19 August 1861, at Minersville, Schuylkill County, a 23 year old Daniel Conway, enrolled in the 55th Pennsylvania Infantry. On 28 August 1861, at Harrisburg, he was mustered into service as a Private in Company E. His physical description was as follows: nearly 5 foot 8 inches tall; light hair; light complexion; and blue eyes. He was employed as a miner and his residence was Schuylkill County. On 24 September 1864, he was discharged at the expiration of his term.
After the Civil War, the following is noted:
In 1870, Daniel Conway was living in Reilly Township, Schuylkill County, with his widowed mother. He was working as an “underground laborer,” Also in the household were his brothers Thomas Conway, age 25, and Michael Conway, age 16, who were working as “underground laborers.”
In 1880, Daniel Conway was living in Reilly Township and working as a miner.
In 1890, Daniel Conway was still living in Reilly Township, where he gave his veterans’ status.
Between 1898 and his death in 1903, Daniel Conway lived either at the Soldiers’ Home in Maine, Virginia, or Ohio.
No record has been seen that indicates that Daniel Conway was ever married. On the home records, his closest relative was given as his younger brother Michael Conway.
Daniel Conway was born in Ireland and was one of many immigrants from the greater Lykens Valley area who served honorably in the Civil War.
While it may never be known whether Daniel Conway‘s death was accidental or a suicide, it is possible to know more about him. So, additional information is sought regarding his war record, his family and his life.
How very sad. Thank you, Sir, for serving our Country!