Copyright USGenNet Inc., 2013, All Rights Reserved U.S. Data Repository Please read U.S. Data Repository Copyright Statement on this page: Transcribed and submitted by Linda Talbott for the US Data Repository http://www.us-data.org/ ========================================================================= U.S. Data Repository NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization. Non-commercial organizations desiring to use this material must obtain the consent of the transcriber prior to use. Individuals desiring to use this material in their own research may do so. ========================================================================= Formatted by U.S. Data Repository Chief Archivist, Linda Talbott All of the above information must remain when copied or downloaded. =========================================================================== Biographical History of Cherokee County, Iowa W. S. Dunbar & Co., Chigago - 1889 [page 412-413] J. M. McCONNELL was born November 9, 1829, in Belmont County, Ohio. His father, WILLIAM MCCONNELL, a native of Pennsylvania, died in his eighty-sixth year. He fought in the War of 1812, serving under General Harrison. The mother was Mary (Muchmore) McConnell. The sub- ject of this notice was brought up in Belmont County, obtaining his education in the common schools. He lived upon his father's farm until 1857, when the spirit of adventure prevailed, and he journeyed to the Western country. He stopped in Fort Dodge, Iowa, and remained there two years, engaged in locating lands for non-resident parties. At the end of that time he removed to Putnam County, Illinois, and remained there until 1861, when he abandoned everything to go to the defense of his nation's flag. He enlisted in the First Illinois Cavalry, under command of Captain McNULTA. This regiment was cap- tured soon after its organization, by General PRICE, at Lexington, Missouri. It was sent to St. Louis, and discharged on parole. Mr. McCONNELL then returned to his home in Ohio, and spent a part of the winter of 1861-'62. He went back to St. Louis and reorganized the same regiment, which was soon disbanded by order of the Secre- tary of War, on conditions pertaining to the parole. Mr. McCONNELL then enlisted in the One Hundred and Fourth Illinois Infantry, Com- pany K, under Captain PALMER. He was captured at Hartsville, fifty miles from Nashville, and sent to Camp Chase. He went to Chicago, and afterward joined the army at Murfreesboro. He took part in the battles of Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge. He was in General SHERMAN'S famous march to the sea, and participated in the grand review at Washington, District of Columbia. After the close of the war Mr. McCONNELL settled in Chicago, and engaged in the tanning business for twelve years. He then went to White Hall, Michigan, and for two years was superintendent of the Eagle Tanning Works. We next find him in Rock Island, Illinois, buying and selling furs. In 1878 he came to Cherokee County and bought 320 acres of land in Sheridan Township, on which he is still living. He is one of the leading and progressive farmers, and has done his share in advancing the interests of that part of the county. He has a good residence built on an attractive site, a large barn, and many conveniences for farm work. Politically Mr. McConnell is a Republican. He has represented his township officially as trustee for seven years, and is the present incumbent of the office. He is a member of the G.A.R. Mr. McCONNELL was united in marriage November 23, 1875, to Miss FRANCES VAIL, daughter of D. W. and RELIEF (WAGNER) VAIL. She was born in Wisconsin, Jefferson County, April 20,1847. Her parents were natives of the State of New York. Her father was born in 1817, and the mother in 1820. Mr. and Mrs. McCONNELL have had one child born to them — SHEARLY V. (deceased). ===========================================================================