John McConnell (1802-1892)

MCCONNELL, WHITAKER, RAIMER

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 3/24/2011 at 12:09:45

From Story County Watchman February 26, 1892

OBITUARY.--Died at his home three miles south of Nevada, Feb. 19th, 1892, John McConnell in the 90th, year of his age:
Mr. M., had been a citizen of Story County for about 37 years. He was born in Venango Co. Pa. May 27th, 1802, and came with his father to Wayne Co. O., in 1812, here he lived until he came to Iowa in 1855. He first settled about a mile S. E. of where the town of Maxwell now stands. After a year or two he sold there and bought and improved the farm on which he died. He was twice married, six sons were the result of the first marriage, of whom Alex McConnell, of Maxwell is one. After the death of his first wife he married the companion who is left a widow by his death, to thme were born seven children. Among these we might mention Mrs. Thomas Whittaker and Mrs. George Ramer, also his sons John and Simeon, living south of town, and well known citizens. Mr. McConnell was a strong minded and clear headed man and an original thinker, he was a great reader and delighted especially in good books. He often read his Bible through. He was large hearted and public spirited, he was not an office seeker, and yet he had great influence with his fellow citizens. For a year before his death he had been in quite poor health, yet he was able to be about nearly all the time. His disease was really old age, and he therefore died a very easy death. The funeral took place at the Evangelical Church in the Mullen settlement on Sabbath 21st, at 11 a. m. the sermon being preached by Rev. R. A. Ferguson, of Maxwell. There was a large gathering notwithstanding the day was so unfavorable, and all seemed eager to do honor to the memory of one who had so long enjoyed the respect of his fellow citizens.