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GEN. JOHN MCCONNELL - This name is borne by a man whose valor on the field of battle, whose enterprise in business and whose manly character are well known to the residents of Springfield, in or near which city he has lived for half a century. It affords us pleasure to incorporate in this volume the main incidents in the life which has been well spent and which he has won the respect of all who are familiar with it and the sincere friendship of those who have been most closely connected with the gentleman whose years have been thus passed.

The subject of this brief history is a son of James McConnell, who was recognized as one of the most advanced of the farmers of this State. He was born near Belfast, Ireland, in 1789 and married Sarah Smith, who was born at the same place in 1787. The young couple emigrated to America a short time before the War of 1812, during which time Mr. McConnell labored in a powder mill in New Jersey. He had learned all the processes of manufacturing powder and was an especial adept in the difficult work of refining saltpetre. Removing to Madison County, N.Y., he established works and manufactured powder there seven or eight years. He then turned his attention to farming and the raising of fine stock in the same county and made several trips to Kentucky for the sale of his herds. Being advised to take some of his stock to Illinois, he came to Springfield in the fall of 1840 and was so well pleased with the country that he bought land about three miles south of the city. He returned to New York, settled up his business and brought his family hither, his removal being the cause of several other families coming also.

James McConnell brought a flock of about two hundred fine Merino sheep and some thorough-bred Berkshire hogs. His oldest son also brought a flock of Merino sheep, this being one of the first efforts made to introduce blooded sheep and hogs into this county. Mr. McConnell was one of the earliest farmers who favored the forming of a State Agricultural Society and was President of a convention assembled in 1852 which organized the Illinois State Agricultural Society. The worthy man died at his home in Woodside township, January 7, 1867. His estimable wife had passed away January 17, 1855.

The subject of this sketch was born in Madison County, N.Y., December 5, 1824. He was in his teens when he came to this county and he grew to maturity on his father's farm in Woodside Township. He engaged in farming, carrying on the estate after the death of his father until 1879. He gave a great deal of attention to sheep-raising and more recently to cattle. He became the owner of six hundred acres south of the city, six hundred in Pawnee Township and five hundred and twenty just over the line in Montgomery Township. In 1879 Mr. McConnell removed to West Springfield to engage in the insurance business and still represents a fine line of companies, having his office at No. 516 East Adams Street.

At the beginning of the Rebellion Mr. McConnell raised a company which was mustered into the service as Company A, Third Illinois Cavalry. In September, 1861, he was promoted to be Major and served in that capacity until March 18, 1863, when he resigned. June 15, following, he was appointed Colonel of the Fifth Illinois Cavalry but was physically unable to serve until Mary 27, 1864, when he was mustered in and took command. While connected with the Third Cavalry he had commanded the only cavalry engaged in the battle of Pea Ridge, and Col. G. M. dodge, then in command of the brigade, in his report says "Where so many fought gallantly it would be hard to distinguish, but I noticed the daring bravery of Maj. McConnell of the Third Illinois Cavalry, who supported me on my right." Gen. E. A. Carr, who commanded the Fourth Division, wrote to Mrs. McConnell congratulating her on having so noble a man for a husband. He says, "With about five hundred and seventy-five men he kept back a line of the enemy four or five deep and three-quarters of a mile long, comprising several thousand, and prevented them from getting around so as to fall on our flank and rear." His conduct on that day and at all times was admired by everyone.

March 13, 1865, Col. McConnell was appointed Brevet General and his commission was issued April 14. It was signed on the morning of that day by President Lincoln and was one of the last acts in the official life of the martyred President. Gen. McConnell's regiment was assigned to the First Brigade, Second Division, Gen. Custer commanding. They moved by way of the Red River to Hempstead, Tex., where they remained from August, to October, then moved to Springfield, Ill., where Gen. McConnell was mustered out with the regiment October 27, 1865. In commemoration of his days as a soldier, Gen. McConnell is numbered in the ranks of the Grand Army of the Republic. In politics he is conservative. While living upon the farm he was Trustee of Schools for seventeen years. He also served as Township Trustee and even held the office while at the front, the people being unwilling to release him.

September 22, 1848, the rites of wedlock were celebrated between our subject and Miss Elizabeth C. Parsons. This lady was born in Meriden, Conn., March 10, 1831, and was still a child when she came to this county, her father locating at Chatham in 1839. Samuel M. Parsons was a merchant and farmer in that village. Mrs. McConnell has been a faithful and efficient helpmate and a devoted mother, and has still found time to enjoy social life and do many kindly deeds in the neighborhood. She has borne her husband two sons - Samuel P. and James H. The elder was born July 5, 1849, was graduated from Lombard University at Galesburg, read law with Stuart & Edwards in Springfield and was admitted to the bar here. He began the practice of his profession in Chicago where he still lives. He is now Circuit Judge and presided on the bench during the notorious Cronin murder trial. Judge McConnell married Miss Sarah Rodgers, daughter of Judge J. G. Rodgers of Chicago. The second son began the manufacture of dusters in Springfield, but some ten years since removed to Chicago. He is now manager of the Dearborn Duster Company and with his brother, joint proprietor.