This memoir is written in honor of one of the bravest soldiers of the Union army, who was killed in battle at Chattanooga, Tenn., Nov. 25, 1862, and whose remains repose in an unknown grave on Sothern soil. He was one of the earliest residents of East Galena Township, settling with his young wife on a tract of uncultivated land, upon which he labored until the call to arms was made. He then laid aside his personal plans and interests to go to the defense of his adopted country, for he was born in county Fermanagh, Ireland.

Mr. Connor came of pure Irish parentage and ancestry, and remained a resident of his native county until reaching man's estate. He then set out for America, and it is believed sojourned for a time in Wisconsin before coming to Illinois. He was married in East Galena Township to Miss Julia, daughter of Timothy and Julia (O'Leary) Kelleher, who was born in County Cork, Ireland, about 1824. The parents of Mrs. Connor were also natives of County Cork, where they spent their entire lives, and died when quite old. The father carried on farming, and was an honest, hard-working man, making a comfortable living for his family.

Mrs. Connor came with her sister when a young woman to America, and sojourned about four years in Philadelphia, Pa. She then came to this county, and about February, 1851, was married to Patrick Connor. They began their wedded life together on the farm which Mrs. Connor now occupies, and which lies on section 25.

Upon the first call for three-year volunteers Mr. Connor enlisted in Company B, 90th Illinois Infantry, under Capt. Murphy; went to the front with his comrades, and in all respects deported himself as a brave and faithful soldier, finally yielding up his life, away from home and friends, who were not permitted to close his eyes or hear his last words.

Mrs. Connor, after the death of her husband, managed in every way to retain her homestead, and succeeded in a most admirable manner. She put up buildings, brought the land to a good state of cultivation, and later added to her real-estate until she has now 200 acres. It is no more than due to state that she has been greatly assisted by her children, although a woman of more than ordinary sense, courage and energy. She has labored and endured many hardships, and is now in the enjoyment of one of the most comfortable homes in East Galena Township, with the prospect of an ample support in her declining years. Mr. Connor was Catholic in religion, as is also Mrs. Connor, who has reared her children in the doctrines of the same church, and to which they all belong. Of these, five in number, two little daughters - Sarah and Katie - died, the former at the age of six, and the latter in infancy. The living are Katie 2d, Timothy J., and Hugh Patrick, who remain with their mother and assist her in the labors and the management of the farm. The family is well known and highly respected, and full worthy of representation in a work of this kind.

Contributed by Carol Parrish - Portrait and Biographical Album of Jo Daviess and Carroll Counties, Illinois (1889) Pg. 441