Robert McConnell was born Feb. 28, 1842, not very far from the home in which he lived, and died at his home near Oakdale December 30, 1915, aged 73 years, 10 months and 2 days.

He was united in marriage to Jane Duncan April 1, 1868. To this union were born nine children, one of them, David, preceding his father in death about two years ago. Those left to mourn his death are his wife and children, Thomas and Ruth McConnell, Jennie Parlier, Margaret McClay and Fannie Auld of Oakdale, Anna Newman of Richview, Ill., Pearl Boyle of Lyons, Kan., and James McConnell of Claremont, ___ two brothers, William of Florida and Watson of California.

In early life Mr. McConnell made a profession and united with the United Presbyterian church of Oakdale, Ill. He was an earnest Christian and a loyal citizen. He defended his country by serving in the war of the rebellion. He was a member of Company I, 80th Ill. One of his brothers fell in battle and he with two others had to fulfill the sad duty of burying him. So far as known there are only three of the company left in this vicinity, one in Oakdale, one in Nashville and one in Sparta. He has fought and gained the victory and has gone to join the ranks of the army of the redeemed.