Dr. William Joseph Conrad was born on this day in 1856, near Lewisville, to Augustus E. and Pamela Shore Conrad.
Dr. Conrad attended local schools, had private tutors, attended Kernersville Academy, and studied at Emory and Henry.
He began the study of dentistry under Dr. C. J. Watkins, then entered Pennsylvania Dental College, graduating in 1876.
Dr. Conrad practiced dentistry in northwest North Carolina and southwest Virginia. Dr. Watkins persuaded him to return to Winston-Salem in 1886, and they were in practice together until Dr. Watkins passed away in 1900.
Dr. Conrad retired from his practice in 1934.
Dr. Conrad was active in the state dental society. He was also involved in community organizations, such as being a charter member of the YMCA and serving as a deacon in the First Baptist Church.
He was married to Mary Elizabeth “Mollie” Watkins in 1890.
He passed away in 1941, at Hilltops Farm near Lewisville, where he was born. His granddaughter, Betty, followed her grandfather into the medical field and became a doctor.
Photo courtesy of Forsyth County Public Library Photograph Collection.
