CONROY, John Joseph, R. C. bishop, born in Queens county, Ireland, in 1819. He studied under the Sulpicians at Montreal, completed his theological course in Mount St. Mary's, and was ordained in 1842. He became vice-president of St. John's College, Fordham, in 1843, and was afterward appointed president. He was transferred to the pastorate of St. Joseph's church, Albany, in 1844, and founded St. Vineent's orphan asylum, built a convent of the Sisters of Charity, and rebuilt St. Joseph's church. He became vicar-general of the diocese of Albany in 1857, and administered its affairs during the absence of the bishop. He succeeded Dr. MeCloskey on the latter's promotion to the see of New York. During his administration there was a large increase of churches and priests. Among the most noted institutions that he founded are an industrial school, St. Peter's hospital, St. Agnes's rural cemetery, and a house of the Little Sisters of the Poor. He was present at the first and second councils of Baltimore, and took part in the sessions of the Vatican council. In 1869 he convoked a synod of his diocese, and made important regulations for its future government. In 1870 a coadjutor was appointed at his request, and in 1874 he resigned. He was then created bishop of Curium in partibus, and has since resided in New York.