McConnell, Thomas

MCCONNELL, JEFFREY, HAMILTON, ARNAMAN, JOHNSTON, HOCKETT

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 3/10/2011 at 13:54:29

The Grinnell Herald-Register; Dec. 29, 1947

THOS. MCCONNELL DIED SUNDAY EVE AGED 81 YEARS

During the quiet twilight hours Sunday evening, Thomas McConnell, highly respected citizen of Grinnell, passed away at a local hospital where he had been a patient only a few hours. Although his health had been poorly for more than a year, his condition did not become critical until Saturday evening. He would have reached his 82nd birthday March 1, 1948.

Mr. McConnell was born in County Down, Ireland, and came to this country when a young man. Jan. 26, 1897, he was united in marriage with Miss Anna Jeffrey of Ewart, establishing their home on a farm in Pleasant township, where they lived for more than 30 years. He was known by all his neighbors as an honest, hard-working man.

Seventeen years ago he retired from the farm and purchased his home at 709 Eighth avenue, where he and his wife have since resided. His congenial and jolly personality has won for him countless friends.

Two events in the past year have meant much to him. Jan. 26, 1947, he was privileged to celebrate his golden wedding anniversary, surrounded by all the members of his immediate family, and the same group were present to enjoy Christmas dinner with him last Thursday.

Near surviving relatives are: his widow, who has been his faithful companion for nearly 51 years; his only son, Paul, who has done everything possible to make his father's last days as pleasant as possible, and his four daughters, Mrs. Edward Hamilton of 1527 Elm street, Mrs. Charles Arnaman of Montezuma, Mrs. Vesta Johnston of Deep River and Mrs. Norman Hockett of 1515 Seventh avenue, and their husbands.

Mr. McConnell was deeply interested in the accomplishments of his seven grandchildren, Ronald and Annagrace Arnaman of Montezuma, Marilyn, Darlene and Gary Johnston of Deep River and Robert and Lowell Hockett of Grinnell.

Funeral services, conducted by his pastor, the Rev. W.J. Stewart of the United Presbyterian church, will be held at 2 o'clock Tuesday afternoon, Dec. 30, at the James funeral home. Interment will be in the Ewart cemetery.