Born in St. Lawrence County, New York. A resident of Rockford, Winnebago County, Illinois when he enlisted in the 15th Illinois Infantry on 24 May 1861 for three years at Freeport, Stephenson County, Illinois. Mustered in as a Private in Company C the same day he enlisted. Discharged for disability at Tipton, Moniteau County, Missouri on 25 Nov 1861. Enlisted in the 12th Illinois Cavalry for three years at Rockford, Illinois. Mustered in as a Private in Company A on 31 Dec 1863. On 2 Mar 1865 transferred to Company H. Discharged for disability. A member of Custer Post No. 6 of Tacoma, Pierce County, Washington. Died in Tacoma, Washington.

Oldest Known Painting of Tacoma

John Remember Daniel Conger.

That was the name of a man who often appears in the history books of Tacoma.

He was deputy city comptroller and deputy city assessor. He was adjutant of the Soldiers' Home at Orting. He was adjutant general and quartermaster general fo the Custer Post, Grand Army of the Republic.

Conger was a major in the Civil War. He lived to tell about some narrow escapes while on expeditions in the South.

This colorful person of Tacoma's past died many years ago at the age of 69. But, just last week, renewed interest in his life has occurred.

It has come to light that Maj. J.R.D. Conger was a painter in addition to all of his other activities which also included being a lime company superintendent and a Lewis County farmer. A painting by the major now hangs at the Washington State Historical Museum during the historical society's showing of the latest additions to its permanent collection.

Not only is the painting artistically appealing, it also happens to be the oldest known painting depicting any site in Tacoma.

OLDEST PAINTING

Bruce Le Roy, director of the society and museum, said there are a number of sketches of Tacoma predating this painting but no paintings that he knows of that are this old.

The Conger painting depicts the DeLinn Mill in 1869, The mill, said Le Roy, was the first industrial structure in Tacoma. It was built in the 1850s. The present site of the painting is about East 28th Street at the Puyallup River, he said.

The painting was given to the museum by Mrs. Molly Conger, of Tacoma, the major's daughter-in-law. Her husband is George Alwyn Conger.

Le Roy said there may be other Conger paintings that are earlier than this one. However, it might be difficult to tell that these paintings were by Conger. Le Roy said the DeLinn Mill picture was not signed by Conger and the others - if there are any - probably don't bear his name either.