RANSON McCONAHAY, deceased, was born in Bourbon County, Ky., November 30, 1803, and was the son of David and Jane (Ranson) McConahay, the former a native of Pennsylvania and of Scotch-Irish descent. Ranson received a good practical education, and when a young man taught school ; he also learned blacksmithing and shoe-making, and followed either trade for a time. and also engaged in farming. March 26, 1829, he married Mary Thompson, in Campbell County, Ky., and in the same year moved to Tippecanoe County, this State, where he farmed until 1832, when be came to what is now White County, and located about thirteen miles south of the site of Monticello. There he farmed and taught school ten or twelve years, and then moved to Liberty Township, where be was appointed to fill the unexpired term of William Sill, who died while serving in the capacity of Clerk, Auditor and Recorder of White County, under the official name of County Clerk. At the expiration of the term, Mr. McConahay was elected to the office, and re-elected, his last term closing, in 1858, when his son Orlando succeeded him. He then engaged in mercantile business in Monticello, Burnettsville, Norway, and also in Pulaski County. In about 1867, he retired from active life, and April 22, 1868, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Haworth, in Pulaski County. His remains lie interred in the cemetery in Star City. His first wife died in White County September 19, 1849 ; she had borne him eight children, of whom six reached maturity - Orlando, Laura, James A., Horace T., Mary and Melissa A. He was married, December 17, 1850, to his second wife, Mrs. Elizabeth (Haworth) Sturgeon, who has borne him two children Ranson C. and John W. She is still living and resides in Jasper County. Orlando MeConabay, the eldest son, was born in Tippecanoe County February 14, 1831, but was reared in White County. For eight years, beginning in 1859, he served as Clerk of Courts of White County, and is now engaged in the practice of law and is serving as Justice of the Peace. He was married, December 25, 1854, to Sarah A. W. Ritchey, who died February 28, 1862, leaving one son-Samuel T. His second wife, Maria L. Price, to whom be was married January 18, 1865, has borne him one daughter-Asenath B. Up to 1863, Orlando McConahay was a Democrat, but differing with his party in war views, he then became a Republican.

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