James McConnelee

BEERBOWER, DAVIS, HILL, MCCONNELEE, POTTER

Posted By: Judy Wight Branson (email)
Date: 10/12/2005 at 20:21:53

James H. McConnelee, a well known farmer of Union township, resided in Winterset during his last years and there passed away, his demise being the occasion of much regret. He was born in the state of New York on the 6th of April, 1833, of the marriage of William and Margaret (Hill) McConnelee, also natives of that state and of Scotch descent. When but six years of age he accompanied his parents on their removal to Logan county, Ohio, where he spent his boyhood and early youth. However, m the spring of 1855 the family emigrated still farther westward, settling in the vicinity of Iowa City, and the next spring they came to Madison county and located in Scott township.

Mr. McConnelee remained at home with his parents until his marriage and thereafter settled in Scott township. At one time he conducted a store in Patterson but on account of ill health traded his business for a farm in Union township and for many years devoted his energies to the improvement and development of that place, which comprised one hundred and sixty acres. The labor which he bestowed upon his farm was repaid by abundant crops, from the sale of which he received a good sum of money yearly. At length he removed to Winterset, where he passed away on the 18th day of December, 1891.

On the 5th of February, 1868, Mr. McConnelee was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Potter, a daughter of John and Jane (Fundy) Potter, both natives of New York and of Scotch and Dutch lineage respectively. They were married in Michigan but in 1854 located in the vicinity of Patterson, Crawford township this county The father bought land there and after farming for a number of years removed to Patterson and there passed away. His wife was called to her rest on the i8th of March, 1857, while living upon the farm in Crawford township Mr and Mrs. McConnelee adopted Alice Beerbower, a daughter of Eli Bcerbower, when she was but seven years old and gave her full measure of love and care. On the 14th of November, 1888, she became the wife of William T. Davis, a son of James R. and Margaret Davis, and to this marriage have been born four children. Ethel Margaret, whose birth occurred September 8, 1889, married Arthur Nicoson, a farmer of Warren county, Iowa, and they have three children, Merrill, and Mack and Mildred, twins. Sadie, born September 17, 1891, gave her hand in marriage to Boyd Porter, a liveryman of Truro. Harold James, born July 1, 1900, is attending the district schools. Vernon Leslie, who completes the family, was born August 8, 1908.

Mr. McConnelee was a republican and served for some time as clerk of Scott township with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. Both he and his wife held membership in the United Presbyterian church and were important factors in the furtherance of its work. He took pardonable pride in his military record, which was highly creditable, as he served with the Union army from 1862 until the end of the war. He was a member of Company F, Thirty-ninth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, under Captain Brown, and was with Sherman on his memorable march to the sea. He also participated in the battle of Corinth and in a number of other important engagements. He retained throughout his life a great interest in everything relating to the Civil war and was a loyal member of the post of the Grand Army of the Republic at Winterset. He was not only connected with military and agricultural interests but was also a factor in the educational field, as following his removal to Madison county he taught until he enlisted in the army and after his return continued to follow that profession a few terms before giving his attention to farming. Whatever he did was done conscientiously and well and he was held in high estimation by all who came into contact with him. Although almost a quarter of a century has passed since he was called to his final rest his life is not forgotten and the memory of his honesty and integrity is an influence for good in his community.

Following Mr. McConnelee's death his widow removed to a fine farm of two hundred acres on section 26, Ohio township, which she owns and which her son-in-law, William T. Davis, is now operating. She has resided in the county for many years and has made a host of friends who hold her in warm regard.

Taken from the book, “The History of Madison County, Iowa, 1915,” by Herman Mueller.