Source: Meyers, F.W. History of Crawford County, Iowa. 2 vols. Chicago: S. J.Clarke Pub. Co., 1911.

M. J. Conway, one of the most successful and progressive farmers of Denison township, Crawford county, was born on Clayton street, Chicago, Illinois, July 3, 1871, a son of John F. and Lucy (Kane) Conway. The parents were both natives of Ireland, emigrating to the United States in 1855 and locating in Chicago, where they were married. For some time thereafter Mr. Conway engaged in the lumber business but subsequently, on account of ill health, he returned to Ireland, where his death occurred in 1876. Mrs. Conway with her family removed from Chicago to Crawford county, Iowa, in 1881, locating in Washington township and remaining there until 1884, in which year she removed to Denison township. Here she became the wife of Thomas Griffin, whose death occurred in February, 1904. By her first marriage she became the mother of three children, namely: Thomas, deceased; M.J.; and Mary Ellen, deceased. No children were born of the second union, and her demises took place July 9, 1906.

M.J. Conway spent his early youth in Chicago, where he attended the public schools, later continuing his studies in the rural schools of Crawford county and finishing his education by a commercial course at Denison College. He remained at home until February, 1901, and then rented land in Denison township, which he operated on for three years, at the end of that time buying eighty acres on section 21, Denison township. This he retained until 1909, when he purchased one hundred and twenty acres on sections 25 and 26, which he has developed into a highly improved farm with all modern equipments. Here he has since followed general farming with that degree of success that comes to all who strive for it.

In 1901 Mr. Conway was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Ellen Fitzpatrick, a daughter of Frank and Anne (Griffin) Fitzpatrick, both natives of County Clare, Ireland. Her father is still living in Denison and had eleven children, namely: Elizabeth, Thomas, Margaret, Anne, Nicholas, Mary, Gertrude, Jane, Lucy, Leona and one who died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Conway had one child, Mary, born in 1907.

In his political views Mr. Conway is an earnest advocate of democratic principles and has faithfully served his party in various responsible offices from time to time. He was elected township assessor four times, was township clerk for three years, was chosen as a member of the democratic central committee, has been a member of the election board for several years and at present is school treasurer of Denison township. In religion both he and his wife are faithful and conscientious adherents to the Catholic faith. Mr. Conway is a loyal citizen and has always given his best efforts in supporting those projects that go to promote public good and is classed as one of the public-spirited men of his township.