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DR. JAMES McCONNELL, whose portrait appears in this work, and one of the oldest physicians of this county, was
born in Huntingdon County, Penn., March 8, 1802, and is a son of John and Sarah (Armitage) McConnell. He was educated
in the district schools of pioneer times, and while quite a youth began the study of medicine under the instruction
of Dr. John Henderson. He graduated at the Baltimore Medical College and immediately entered upon the practice
of his profession at Lewiston, Penn., where he remained till 1845. He then disposed of his property in Lewiston,
surrendered his practice in that locality and removed to Upper Sandusky, where he has since resided, and where
he established an extensive and profitable practice. He was faithful to his calling till the lapse of years compelled
him to abandon it, which, with reluctance, he did in 1868. Since that time he has been "upon the retired list,"
and his son, Dr. Robert N. McConnell, has assumed his practice. He has been very
successful in his profession, and has accumulated a large amount of property, lands, lots and business rooms. Dr.
McConnell was married at Columbus, Ohio, in 1842, to Margaretta Nelson, daughter of Robert Nelson, and five children
were born to them, two of whom are now living, Robert N. and John B. The deceased are Martha S., Jane and an infant.
The Doctor was one of the most highly esteemed of the citizens of Upper Sandusky, having always led an honorable
life. His character was of the sternest excellence, and his social as well as his professional career has been
marked by the utmost sincerity and candor. Both he and Mrs. McConnell were members of the Presbyterian Church.
In politics, Dr. McConnell was a stanch Republican. His death occurred April 12, 1884, at the advanced age of nearly
eighty two years. The following notice of his life and character appeared in the Wyandot Union of April 17: "Another
venerable and esteemed citizen has passed away. He died Saturday morning, April 12, at half past 9 o'clock. About
a week preceding death, be took a severe cold, which developed into congestion of the lungs. Up and until that
time, aside from the usual infirmities of age, the Doctor had enjoyed remarkable health. A fine constitution, which
he guarded with correct habits, extended to him its results, and he rarely suffered physical affliction. He was
one of our first settlers, coming here during the land sales in 1845. He had faith in the new town and the then
surrounding country, and watched their progress with no little interest. He was one of our first physicians, and
held in high esteem for his skill and usefulness in the profession, continuing practice until the year 1868, when
the tendency of years required a more inactive life, and even then he reluctantly retired from practice, but with
the proud satisfaction of seeing the mantle fall upon an able and efficient son. The deceased was somewhat eccentric,
yet this phase in his nature was a pleasing one which endeared the Doctor to all our people. His it was to be enthusiastic
and positive, but the silver lining to this peculiar quality was a willing consideration for the opinion of others,
even when he was almost sure to utter a difference. Re was ever genial and kind, with a heart full of sympathy,
taking a deep interest in everything that affected our people. He had a strong attachment for neighbors and friends,
especially for those connected with the early settlement of the town, which was made quite manifest in his everyday
walk and conversation. For the past fifteen or twenty years the deceased contented himself in looking after his
valuable landed interests in this city and near it, which was the result of judicious investments at an early day;
and made his life and the life of others agreeable by his friendly contact. Until age had brought those infirnities
which it seems humanity is not permitted to escape, the Doctor enjoyed unusual health, and scarcely a day passed
but his manly form was seen moving upon our streets. He seemed to admire the open day, and was one of the few men
who rarely found fault with the weather or surrounding circumstances. This peculiarity he no doubt contracted by
a long and active practice in his profession. His many years within our midst are without a blemish, and although
positive in conclusions and never, loath in asserting his convictions of right, he had not an enemy; nor one who
did not feel a degree of pleasure in his presence. His social qualities were a little singular, yet not the less
attractive; and above all, he enjoyed a rehearsal of old times in which he would grow animated and intensely interesting.
He never forgot his old State of Pennsylvania, and seemed to cling to the recollection of his youth with a pleasurable
pride. He was one of our best citizens, pure and honest in all his actions, living with a desire of seeing others
live to enjoy life; and never negligent in his responses when a friend needed his services or advice. He was an
exemplary citizen, living a life worthy of imitation. No one will be more sadiy missed that Dr. McConnell, who
has been one of us so long, and whose very presence seemed to identify the place. After appropriate services at
his late residence, by the Rev. S. Fenner, on Monday, at 3 o'clock, his remains were interred in the family lot
at Oak Hill Cemetery."
From:
The History of Wyandot County, Ohio
Liggett, Canaway & Co.,
Chicago 1884
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