CONNER, James 1842-1925

CONNER, SONLE, CRIDDLE, FIZELL

Posted By: Marilyn O'Connor (email)
Date: 3/27/2006 at 09:17:43

#1:

JAS. CONNER CALLED BY DEATH

Aged and Respected Citizen of Osage
Was Born in Canada and Came
Here in Early Days

One of the highly respected citizens of this country for more than half a century passed on Christmas night at 7 o'clock, when James Conner laid down life's earthly tasks. He had been in the best of health until about a month ago when heart trouble developed which ended his life.

He never failed to make his daily trip down town for a chat with his old friends, who will sorely miss his smiling face and jovial greetings.

As a neighbor he was always kindly and obliging and in his dealing with his fellow men just and honest.

One who had known him for forty-five years said that in all that time he had never seen a thing in his life that could be criticised.

James Conner was born Nov. 13, 1842, in Brome, Canada, to Thomas and Hannah Conner, and when he was eight years old came with his parents to Stoughton, Wisconsin, where he lived until after his marriage in 1863 to Miss Lucinna Soule. To this union were born two children: Sullivan E. Conner of Osage and Mrs. Frances Criddle of Oregon, Wis.

In 1864, he and his cousin, Fred Conner of Rudd, walked from Stoughton, Wisconsin, to Mitchell county, driving a large flock of sheep.

One night they camped at Bradford, near the spot where the "Little Brown Church" now stands, and that night wolves scattered their sheep so far that it took all the next day to get them rounded up again, and several of the sheep were killed. The next year Mr. Conner made the same trip afoot, bringing with him his wife and children, they riding in the covered wagon and he walking at the head of his horses.

In 1871 his wife died and three years later he married Miss Nancy Agnes Fizell, mother of his two youngest children-Mrs Cora Emerson and Mrs. Ina Blunt, both of Osage. For many years they resided on the old farm six miles southwest of Orchard, that he has owned since 1865, and in 1893 moving to Osage, being here until his death Dec. 25, 1924.

He is survived by his devoted wife (rest missing).

[Mitchell County Press Jan. 7, 1925]

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#2:

JAMES CONNER, PIONEER,
PASSED AWAY

Passed Away on Christmas
Night -- Was Eight-two
Years of Age

One of our oldest and most respected citizens, James Conner, passed away at his home on December 25, Christmas night, after an illness covering about a month. Mr. Conner had lived in Osage since he retired from active life some 18 years ago, and was much loved by his neighbors and friends, as a kindly, likeable old gentleman. Until a short time ago he was able to walk up town each day, and had a joke and a greeting for all. His death was caused by heart disease, of which he did not know until a short time ago.

James Conner was born on November 12, 1842 at Brome, Canada, the son of Thomas and Hannah Conner.

When he was eight years of age he moved with his parents to Stoughton, Wisconsin, where he grew to manhood and was married to Lucinda Soule in 1864. To this union were born two children, Mrs. D. J. Criddle of Oregon, Wisconsin, and Sullivan B. Conner of Osage.

He came to Floyd county in 1865, where he purchased a fine farm, and which he kept until his death. The trip to Floyd from Stoughton was one hardly comprehended by the younger generation today. He and his cousin, T. F. Conner, walked the entire distance, with a sheep dog, driving a flock of sheep. The journey was a hard one, and full of dangers. For instance, they camped at Bradford, near the site of the present "Little Brown Church," and in the night they were attacked by wolves, and the sheep scattered. It took a full day to gather in the sheep and a number were lost or devoured by the wolves.

The next year he returned to Stoughton for his family, and they drove through in a covered wagon.

His wife passed away, and in 1874 he was married to Nancy A. Fizell, who, through the years has been a loving helpmeet, making his home ideal, and being his constant companion. To them were born two daughters, Mrs. Cora Emerson and Mrs. Ina Blunt. They, with the two older children, survive him; also three sisters: Mrs. Elizabeth Utter and Mrs. H. Tusler of Stoughton, Wis. and Mrs. L. A. Tusler of Osage. Another sister, Mrs. Barbara Hull, and a brother, Geroge Conner, preceded him in death.

Funeral services were held from the home Saturday afternoon, December 27, and burial made in the local Cemetery.

His cousins, Mrs. Eugene Sperry, of Walton, Minnesota, and Mrs. Frank Ford, of Brownsdale, Minnesota, were here for his funeral.

MITCHELL COUNTY PRESS, December 31, 1924