WILL McCONNEL

FROM: The History of Gallatin, Saline, Hamilton, Franklin, and Williamson Counties, Illinois (Chicago: Goodspeed Publishing Co., 1887).  P. 718.

          Will McConnell, of McLeansboro, was born in Pittsburg, Penn., March 8, 1860, the son of Robert and Jane (Hamill) McConnell, both natives of Ireland. Our subject lived with his parents in Pittsburgh, and later in Philadelphia, Penn. In 1876 he came to McLeansboro and attended Hamilton College, where he completed his education, residing with his uncle, William Hamill, the attorney. He followed clerking one year, and also taught school at Thackery one term, and in 1883 engaged in the book and stationery business in company with Theodore Puckett. In 1885 Mr. Connell withdrew from this business and engaged in the grain and seed business. In March, 1887 he leased the People's Grist Mill, of McLeansboro, which he is now conducting in a most successful manner. October 14, 1885, be married Angie, daughter of R. C. Atkinson, of this county. Their only son is Robert R. Mr. McConnell is a Democrat in politics, was city clerk in 1884, and for three years has been city treasurer. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and esteemed and respected people.