P. L. CONRAD, mining, Petersburg; was born near Albany, N.Y., Jan. 14, 1828; during his early life, he formed a liking for railroading, which he followed many years, and, by his untiring energy, had become quite prominent with many railroad companies; while quite young, he went South, visiting the Isthmus of Darien, and spending a number of years in different parts of the country; his many prominent business connections with railroads indicate that he is a practical railroader; he came to Illinois in 1860, locating in Petersburg, and, for a time, superintended mining at the coal shaft of C.B. Lanning & Co., after which, he built the railroad from Jacksonville to Virden; in 1874, he was appointed Superintendent of the south Valley Coal Shaft, mining; the vein is 6 ½ feet; the advantages for mining are superior to any in this country, and, having had considerable experience, he is enabled to manage the business profitably and satisfactorily; he is also interested in the manufacturing of tiles of all kinds - in fact, he is a thorough business man. He married Miss Ann M. Doxtaber, of New York, July 20, 1852; they have one child - Edgar.