Enlisted as private on 12 August 1862 in Co. D, 102nd Ohio Volunteer Infantry, at the age of 31. Promoted QM Sgt, Co D on 6 September 1862. Promoted 2nd Lt., Co. I, 102nd Ohio Volunteer Infantry, on 25 February 1863. Promoted 1st Lt. and Regimental Quartermaster (to date) 17 April 1863.
Son of Aaron Connell and Mildred Davison Connell.
Married (first) Mary A. Paisley on 8 Sep 1853.
Married (second) Sarah E. Tate on 3 Sep 1868.
Married (third) Emily J. Harroun on 8 Sep 1888 in Richland Co., OH.
...................................
D.C. CONNELL, dealer in books, stationery and jewelry, Findlay, was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, September 13, 1830, son of Aaron and Amelia (Davidson) Connell, natives of Pennsylvania. Our subject learned merchant tailoring in New Lisbon, and was connected with merchandising there and at Mansfield, Ohio. In October, 1864, he came to Findlay, this county, and was in the hat and cap trade two years, and in 18872 embarked in his present line. He married, in Mansfield, Ohio, September 8, 1853, Mary A. Paisley, who died in Findlay, March 20 1867; she bore him two children: Edwin T., who died October 29, 1861, and Ella, now the wife of C. A. Lockhart, of Fostoria, engaged as salesman for a Boston dry good house. Mr. Connell was again united in marriage, on September 3, 1868, with Mrs. Sarah E. Hutchinson (nee Tate), who died March 5, 1885, and who bore him one son and one daughter; George C. and Anna E. Mr. Connell has been a worthy Odd Fellow for thirty-three years, and is a member of the Royal Arcanum of the Knights of Honor. During the late war of the Rebellion he served in the Ohio Hundred and Second Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry for two years, receiving an honorable discharge from it as quartermaster. He has been a worthy member of the Presbyterian Church for many years, and is now serving as trustee of the Presbyterian Church here. In politics he is a Republican.
--History of Hancock County, Ohio : containing a history of the county, its townships, towns, villages, schools, churches
...........................
D. C. CONNELL, 97, SUCCUMBS HERE; RITES THURSDAY
VETERAN OF CIVIL WAR
HE CAST HIS VOTE IN 19 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS
Held Rank as Oldest Odd Fellow in State - Hoped to Reach Century Mark
Death Yesterday claimed D. C. Connell, in the 98th year of his life.
Findlay's grand old man., D. C. Connell, is gone. He answered the final call of his maker yesterday, at the ripe age of 97. He will be missed in many ways. He was an authority on Findlay's history since the days of the Civil War. He knew the story of the city's progress well and he was ever ready to recount it to any who sought information.
A sudden attack of heart trouble climaxed an illness of three days from bronchitis, resulting in the death of Mr. Connell at 9:30 o'clock in the morning.
A hope of 100 years of life was thus snuffed out as the nonagenarian, known affectionately as Findlay's grand old man, passed away, peacefully at his East Sandusky Street home.
Gradually Failed.
His hope was not fulfilled, but it was his unusual lot to have many more years than his allotted three score and ten. He observed his 97th birthday on Sept. 13 this year, manifesting vigor that would have done credit to one a score years younger.
Of late years, his family had noticed his health gradually failing. he himself always insisted, however, that he was feeling as well as usual and never relinquished his hope of rounding out the century in 1930.
He was taken ill last Friday. At first his condition was not regarded as grave, but he gradually became worse until his weakened system was unable to withstand a heart attack with which he was stricken yesterday.
Mr. Connell was near death two years ago, but rallied from an illness from pneumonia despite his advanced age. He was taken ill ................... on his 95th birthday and taken to his home and Hospital, where he fully recovered.
He had been ill but few times in his long lifetime. He was seriously ill while serving with the Union side in the Civil War, but outside this and his Cleveland illness he suffered little from ailments.
Retained Vigor Well.
He retained possession of his faculties to the last, in spite of his years. His vigor was a constant marvel to his family and his friends and he continued his practice of walking about the city daily up to the illness which came last week.
His birthdays were occasions of festal celebrations in his honor on the part of his family and he always looked forward to them with a high degree of anticipation and interest. The last social function which he attended was the Lea-Marks wedding several weeks ago.
Mr. Connell maintained a high degree of interest in civic affairs. He was an ardent enthusiast regarding Findlay's future at all times and even in his later years never lost interest in helping promote the city's welfare.
Born Sept. 13, 1830 at Lisbon, Columbiana County, Ohio, Mr. Connell was a son of Aaron and Mildred Davison Connell. His parents named him in honor of DeWitt Clinton, once governor of New York, and whose name was given the first successful locomotive invented in this country.
Many parts of Ohio were but wilderness at that time. Colonel James Findlay, only 18 years previously, had built his fort on the banks of the Blanchard River, leading to the later establishment of this city.
Here 70 Years.
Before coming to Findlay 70 years ago, Mr. Connell had resided in Cleveland, Mansfield and Bucyrus.
He participated in the Civil War, as a member of Company D, 102nd Infantry, O.V.I., having been one of eight brothers who fought for the Union's preservation.
His father was a surgeon in the Union Army.
In 1885, Mr. Connell opened a hat, cap and fur store in Findlay. He operated this establishment for two years and then opened a store for the sale of books, stationery and wall paper. For 32 years he engaged in this business in the building where Tront and Jackson's furniture store is now located. After leaving the book business, Mr. Connell operated a magazine subscription agency up until a few years ago. He prided himself upon being the oldest active businessman in the city while thus engaged.
The Patterson and Winders store and the Schwartz grocery are the only business establishments now in operation here that were in business when Mr. Connell opened his book store.
For many years, Mr. Connell resided on West Main Cross Street. His old home recently gave way to the senior high school annex and he had since resided at 201 East Sandusky Street.
Married in 1853.
Mr. Connell was married Sept. 8, 1853, to Mary A. Paisley, who died in 1867. Two children were born to this union, both of whom are now dead. One, Edwin, died in childhood, and the other, Ella Roberta Lockhart, died in 1910.
On Sept. 3, 1868, Mr. Connell married Sarah Tate Hutchinson. Two children were born. They are George C. Connell, a member of the local city council and engaged in the insurance business here, and Mrs. Ann C. Priddy, wife of John E. Priddy, Hancock County Prosecuting Attorney. Mrs. Connell died in 1885.
Mr. Connell was again married on Sept. 3, 1888, to Emily H. Harroun, who died Jan. 20, 1912.
There are five surviving grandchildren. They are Vaughn C. Connell and Alice Connell of New York City. Elizabeth Priddy and Newton Priddy, of this city, and Mrs. George G. Merry, of Buffalo, N.Y.
There are two great grand children. They are Hilda Merry and Marian Merry, of Buffalo.
Mr. Connell was a member of the city board of improvements at one time.
He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church here for many years.
Long a Lodgeman.
He became a member of the Odd Fellow lodge when he was 21 years old, joining the order when at Mansfield. He was the oldest Odd Fellow in the state, having been a member of the organization for 76 years. He helped organize a lodge at Bucyrus. Coming here, he joined the local lodge, No. 73. His 75th anniversary as a member of the order was the occasion of a lodge fete in 1926.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 o'clock Thursday morning at the First Presbyterian Church, Rev. John David Lindsay, pastor, will give the sermon. The Odd Fellow order will participate in the service. Interment will be at Mansfield later in the day.
The body has been taken to the Barnhart Funeral Home. It will remain there until 9:30 o'clock tomorrow morning, after which it will be taken to the church.
The body will lie in state at the funeral home and can be viewed after today noon until 9:30 o'clock tomorrow.
--The Morning Republican, Wednesday, 7 Dec 1927, p. 1.
Son of Aaron Connell and Mildred Davison Connell.
Married (first) Mary A. Paisley on 8 Sep 1853.
Married (second) Sarah E. Tate on 3 Sep 1868.
Married (third) Emily J. Harroun on 8 Sep 1888 in Richland Co., OH.
...................................
D.C. CONNELL, dealer in books, stationery and jewelry, Findlay, was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, September 13, 1830, son of Aaron and Amelia (Davidson) Connell, natives of Pennsylvania. Our subject learned merchant tailoring in New Lisbon, and was connected with merchandising there and at Mansfield, Ohio. In October, 1864, he came to Findlay, this county, and was in the hat and cap trade two years, and in 18872 embarked in his present line. He married, in Mansfield, Ohio, September 8, 1853, Mary A. Paisley, who died in Findlay, March 20 1867; she bore him two children: Edwin T., who died October 29, 1861, and Ella, now the wife of C. A. Lockhart, of Fostoria, engaged as salesman for a Boston dry good house. Mr. Connell was again united in marriage, on September 3, 1868, with Mrs. Sarah E. Hutchinson (nee Tate), who died March 5, 1885, and who bore him one son and one daughter; George C. and Anna E. Mr. Connell has been a worthy Odd Fellow for thirty-three years, and is a member of the Royal Arcanum of the Knights of Honor. During the late war of the Rebellion he served in the Ohio Hundred and Second Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry for two years, receiving an honorable discharge from it as quartermaster. He has been a worthy member of the Presbyterian Church for many years, and is now serving as trustee of the Presbyterian Church here. In politics he is a Republican.
--History of Hancock County, Ohio : containing a history of the county, its townships, towns, villages, schools, churches
...........................
D. C. CONNELL, 97, SUCCUMBS HERE; RITES THURSDAY
VETERAN OF CIVIL WAR
HE CAST HIS VOTE IN 19 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS
Held Rank as Oldest Odd Fellow in State - Hoped to Reach Century Mark
Death Yesterday claimed D. C. Connell, in the 98th year of his life.
Findlay's grand old man., D. C. Connell, is gone. He answered the final call of his maker yesterday, at the ripe age of 97. He will be missed in many ways. He was an authority on Findlay's history since the days of the Civil War. He knew the story of the city's progress well and he was ever ready to recount it to any who sought information.
A sudden attack of heart trouble climaxed an illness of three days from bronchitis, resulting in the death of Mr. Connell at 9:30 o'clock in the morning.
A hope of 100 years of life was thus snuffed out as the nonagenarian, known affectionately as Findlay's grand old man, passed away, peacefully at his East Sandusky Street home.
Gradually Failed.
His hope was not fulfilled, but it was his unusual lot to have many more years than his allotted three score and ten. He observed his 97th birthday on Sept. 13 this year, manifesting vigor that would have done credit to one a score years younger.
Of late years, his family had noticed his health gradually failing. he himself always insisted, however, that he was feeling as well as usual and never relinquished his hope of rounding out the century in 1930.
He was taken ill last Friday. At first his condition was not regarded as grave, but he gradually became worse until his weakened system was unable to withstand a heart attack with which he was stricken yesterday.
Mr. Connell was near death two years ago, but rallied from an illness from pneumonia despite his advanced age. He was taken ill ................... on his 95th birthday and taken to his home and Hospital, where he fully recovered.
He had been ill but few times in his long lifetime. He was seriously ill while serving with the Union side in the Civil War, but outside this and his Cleveland illness he suffered little from ailments.
Retained Vigor Well.
He retained possession of his faculties to the last, in spite of his years. His vigor was a constant marvel to his family and his friends and he continued his practice of walking about the city daily up to the illness which came last week.
His birthdays were occasions of festal celebrations in his honor on the part of his family and he always looked forward to them with a high degree of anticipation and interest. The last social function which he attended was the Lea-Marks wedding several weeks ago.
Mr. Connell maintained a high degree of interest in civic affairs. He was an ardent enthusiast regarding Findlay's future at all times and even in his later years never lost interest in helping promote the city's welfare.
Born Sept. 13, 1830 at Lisbon, Columbiana County, Ohio, Mr. Connell was a son of Aaron and Mildred Davison Connell. His parents named him in honor of DeWitt Clinton, once governor of New York, and whose name was given the first successful locomotive invented in this country.
Many parts of Ohio were but wilderness at that time. Colonel James Findlay, only 18 years previously, had built his fort on the banks of the Blanchard River, leading to the later establishment of this city.
Here 70 Years.
Before coming to Findlay 70 years ago, Mr. Connell had resided in Cleveland, Mansfield and Bucyrus.
He participated in the Civil War, as a member of Company D, 102nd Infantry, O.V.I., having been one of eight brothers who fought for the Union's preservation.
His father was a surgeon in the Union Army.
In 1885, Mr. Connell opened a hat, cap and fur store in Findlay. He operated this establishment for two years and then opened a store for the sale of books, stationery and wall paper. For 32 years he engaged in this business in the building where Tront and Jackson's furniture store is now located. After leaving the book business, Mr. Connell operated a magazine subscription agency up until a few years ago. He prided himself upon being the oldest active businessman in the city while thus engaged.
The Patterson and Winders store and the Schwartz grocery are the only business establishments now in operation here that were in business when Mr. Connell opened his book store.
For many years, Mr. Connell resided on West Main Cross Street. His old home recently gave way to the senior high school annex and he had since resided at 201 East Sandusky Street.
Married in 1853.
Mr. Connell was married Sept. 8, 1853, to Mary A. Paisley, who died in 1867. Two children were born to this union, both of whom are now dead. One, Edwin, died in childhood, and the other, Ella Roberta Lockhart, died in 1910.
On Sept. 3, 1868, Mr. Connell married Sarah Tate Hutchinson. Two children were born. They are George C. Connell, a member of the local city council and engaged in the insurance business here, and Mrs. Ann C. Priddy, wife of John E. Priddy, Hancock County Prosecuting Attorney. Mrs. Connell died in 1885.
Mr. Connell was again married on Sept. 3, 1888, to Emily H. Harroun, who died Jan. 20, 1912.
There are five surviving grandchildren. They are Vaughn C. Connell and Alice Connell of New York City. Elizabeth Priddy and Newton Priddy, of this city, and Mrs. George G. Merry, of Buffalo, N.Y.
There are two great grand children. They are Hilda Merry and Marian Merry, of Buffalo.
Mr. Connell was a member of the city board of improvements at one time.
He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church here for many years.
Long a Lodgeman.
He became a member of the Odd Fellow lodge when he was 21 years old, joining the order when at Mansfield. He was the oldest Odd Fellow in the state, having been a member of the organization for 76 years. He helped organize a lodge at Bucyrus. Coming here, he joined the local lodge, No. 73. His 75th anniversary as a member of the order was the occasion of a lodge fete in 1926.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 o'clock Thursday morning at the First Presbyterian Church, Rev. John David Lindsay, pastor, will give the sermon. The Odd Fellow order will participate in the service. Interment will be at Mansfield later in the day.
The body has been taken to the Barnhart Funeral Home. It will remain there until 9:30 o'clock tomorrow morning, after which it will be taken to the church.
The body will lie in state at the funeral home and can be viewed after today noon until 9:30 o'clock tomorrow.
--The Morning Republican, Wednesday, 7 Dec 1927, p. 1.
Enlisted as private on 12 August 1862 in Co. D, 102nd Ohio Volunteer Infantry, at the age of 31. Promoted QM Sgt, Co D on 6 September 1862. Promoted 2nd Lt., Co. I, 102nd Ohio Volunteer Infantry, on 25 February 1863. Promoted 1st Lt. and Regimental Quartermaster (to date) 17 April 1863.
Son of Aaron Connell and Mildred Davison Connell.
Married (first) Mary A. Paisley on 8 Sep 1853.
Married (second) Sarah E. Tate on 3 Sep 1868.
Married (third) Emily J. Harroun on 8 Sep 1888 in Richland Co., OH.
...................................
D.C. CONNELL, dealer in books, stationery and jewelry, Findlay, was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, September 13, 1830, son of Aaron and Amelia (Davidson) Connell, natives of Pennsylvania. Our subject learned merchant tailoring in New Lisbon, and was connected with merchandising there and at Mansfield, Ohio. In October, 1864, he came to Findlay, this county, and was in the hat and cap trade two years, and in 18872 embarked in his present line. He married, in Mansfield, Ohio, September 8, 1853, Mary A. Paisley, who died in Findlay, March 20 1867; she bore him two children: Edwin T., who died October 29, 1861, and Ella, now the wife of C. A. Lockhart, of Fostoria, engaged as salesman for a Boston dry good house. Mr. Connell was again united in marriage, on September 3, 1868, with Mrs. Sarah E. Hutchinson (nee Tate), who died March 5, 1885, and who bore him one son and one daughter; George C. and Anna E. Mr. Connell has been a worthy Odd Fellow for thirty-three years, and is a member of the Royal Arcanum of the Knights of Honor. During the late war of the Rebellion he served in the Ohio Hundred and Second Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry for two years, receiving an honorable discharge from it as quartermaster. He has been a worthy member of the Presbyterian Church for many years, and is now serving as trustee of the Presbyterian Church here. In politics he is a Republican.
--History of Hancock County, Ohio : containing a history of the county, its townships, towns, villages, schools, churches
...........................
D. C. CONNELL, 97, SUCCUMBS HERE; RITES THURSDAY
VETERAN OF CIVIL WAR
HE CAST HIS VOTE IN 19 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS
Held Rank as Oldest Odd Fellow in State - Hoped to Reach Century Mark
Death Yesterday claimed D. C. Connell, in the 98th year of his life.
Findlay's grand old man., D. C. Connell, is gone. He answered the final call of his maker yesterday, at the ripe age of 97. He will be missed in many ways. He was an authority on Findlay's history since the days of the Civil War. He knew the story of the city's progress well and he was ever ready to recount it to any who sought information.
A sudden attack of heart trouble climaxed an illness of three days from bronchitis, resulting in the death of Mr. Connell at 9:30 o'clock in the morning.
A hope of 100 years of life was thus snuffed out as the nonagenarian, known affectionately as Findlay's grand old man, passed away, peacefully at his East Sandusky Street home.
Gradually Failed.
His hope was not fulfilled, but it was his unusual lot to have many more years than his allotted three score and ten. He observed his 97th birthday on Sept. 13 this year, manifesting vigor that would have done credit to one a score years younger.
Of late years, his family had noticed his health gradually failing. he himself always insisted, however, that he was feeling as well as usual and never relinquished his hope of rounding out the century in 1930.
He was taken ill last Friday. At first his condition was not regarded as grave, but he gradually became worse until his weakened system was unable to withstand a heart attack with which he was stricken yesterday.
Mr. Connell was near death two years ago, but rallied from an illness from pneumonia despite his advanced age. He was taken ill ................... on his 95th birthday and taken to his home and Hospital, where he fully recovered.
He had been ill but few times in his long lifetime. He was seriously ill while serving with the Union side in the Civil War, but outside this and his Cleveland illness he suffered little from ailments.
Retained Vigor Well.
He retained possession of his faculties to the last, in spite of his years. His vigor was a constant marvel to his family and his friends and he continued his practice of walking about the city daily up to the illness which came last week.
His birthdays were occasions of festal celebrations in his honor on the part of his family and he always looked forward to them with a high degree of anticipation and interest. The last social function which he attended was the Lea-Marks wedding several weeks ago.
Mr. Connell maintained a high degree of interest in civic affairs. He was an ardent enthusiast regarding Findlay's future at all times and even in his later years never lost interest in helping promote the city's welfare.
Born Sept. 13, 1830 at Lisbon, Columbiana County, Ohio, Mr. Connell was a son of Aaron and Mildred Davison Connell. His parents named him in honor of DeWitt Clinton, once governor of New York, and whose name was given the first successful locomotive invented in this country.
Many parts of Ohio were but wilderness at that time. Colonel James Findlay, only 18 years previously, had built his fort on the banks of the Blanchard River, leading to the later establishment of this city.
Here 70 Years.
Before coming to Findlay 70 years ago, Mr. Connell had resided in Cleveland, Mansfield and Bucyrus.
He participated in the Civil War, as a member of Company D, 102nd Infantry, O.V.I., having been one of eight brothers who fought for the Union's preservation.
His father was a surgeon in the Union Army.
In 1885, Mr. Connell opened a hat, cap and fur store in Findlay. He operated this establishment for two years and then opened a store for the sale of books, stationery and wall paper. For 32 years he engaged in this business in the building where Tront and Jackson's furniture store is now located. After leaving the book business, Mr. Connell operated a magazine subscription agency up until a few years ago. He prided himself upon being the oldest active businessman in the city while thus engaged.
The Patterson and Winders store and the Schwartz grocery are the only business establishments now in operation here that were in business when Mr. Connell opened his book store.
For many years, Mr. Connell resided on West Main Cross Street. His old home recently gave way to the senior high school annex and he had since resided at 201 East Sandusky Street.
Married in 1853.
Mr. Connell was married Sept. 8, 1853, to Mary A. Paisley, who died in 1867. Two children were born to this union, both of whom are now dead. One, Edwin, died in childhood, and the other, Ella Roberta Lockhart, died in 1910.
On Sept. 3, 1868, Mr. Connell married Sarah Tate Hutchinson. Two children were born. They are George C. Connell, a member of the local city council and engaged in the insurance business here, and Mrs. Ann C. Priddy, wife of John E. Priddy, Hancock County Prosecuting Attorney. Mrs. Connell died in 1885.
Mr. Connell was again married on Sept. 3, 1888, to Emily H. Harroun, who died Jan. 20, 1912.
There are five surviving grandchildren. They are Vaughn C. Connell and Alice Connell of New York City. Elizabeth Priddy and Newton Priddy, of this city, and Mrs. George G. Merry, of Buffalo, N.Y.
There are two great grand children. They are Hilda Merry and Marian Merry, of Buffalo.
Mr. Connell was a member of the city board of improvements at one time.
He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church here for many years.
Long a Lodgeman.
He became a member of the Odd Fellow lodge when he was 21 years old, joining the order when at Mansfield. He was the oldest Odd Fellow in the state, having been a member of the organization for 76 years. He helped organize a lodge at Bucyrus. Coming here, he joined the local lodge, No. 73. His 75th anniversary as a member of the order was the occasion of a lodge fete in 1926.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 o'clock Thursday morning at the First Presbyterian Church, Rev. John David Lindsay, pastor, will give the sermon. The Odd Fellow order will participate in the service. Interment will be at Mansfield later in the day.
The body has been taken to the Barnhart Funeral Home. It will remain there until 9:30 o'clock tomorrow morning, after which it will be taken to the church.
The body will lie in state at the funeral home and can be viewed after today noon until 9:30 o'clock tomorrow.
--The Morning Republican, Wednesday, 7 Dec 1927, p. 1.
Son of Aaron Connell and Mildred Davison Connell.
Married (first) Mary A. Paisley on 8 Sep 1853.
Married (second) Sarah E. Tate on 3 Sep 1868.
Married (third) Emily J. Harroun on 8 Sep 1888 in Richland Co., OH.
...................................
D.C. CONNELL, dealer in books, stationery and jewelry, Findlay, was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, September 13, 1830, son of Aaron and Amelia (Davidson) Connell, natives of Pennsylvania. Our subject learned merchant tailoring in New Lisbon, and was connected with merchandising there and at Mansfield, Ohio. In October, 1864, he came to Findlay, this county, and was in the hat and cap trade two years, and in 18872 embarked in his present line. He married, in Mansfield, Ohio, September 8, 1853, Mary A. Paisley, who died in Findlay, March 20 1867; she bore him two children: Edwin T., who died October 29, 1861, and Ella, now the wife of C. A. Lockhart, of Fostoria, engaged as salesman for a Boston dry good house. Mr. Connell was again united in marriage, on September 3, 1868, with Mrs. Sarah E. Hutchinson (nee Tate), who died March 5, 1885, and who bore him one son and one daughter; George C. and Anna E. Mr. Connell has been a worthy Odd Fellow for thirty-three years, and is a member of the Royal Arcanum of the Knights of Honor. During the late war of the Rebellion he served in the Ohio Hundred and Second Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry for two years, receiving an honorable discharge from it as quartermaster. He has been a worthy member of the Presbyterian Church for many years, and is now serving as trustee of the Presbyterian Church here. In politics he is a Republican.
--History of Hancock County, Ohio : containing a history of the county, its townships, towns, villages, schools, churches
...........................
D. C. CONNELL, 97, SUCCUMBS HERE; RITES THURSDAY
VETERAN OF CIVIL WAR
HE CAST HIS VOTE IN 19 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS
Held Rank as Oldest Odd Fellow in State - Hoped to Reach Century Mark
Death Yesterday claimed D. C. Connell, in the 98th year of his life.
Findlay's grand old man., D. C. Connell, is gone. He answered the final call of his maker yesterday, at the ripe age of 97. He will be missed in many ways. He was an authority on Findlay's history since the days of the Civil War. He knew the story of the city's progress well and he was ever ready to recount it to any who sought information.
A sudden attack of heart trouble climaxed an illness of three days from bronchitis, resulting in the death of Mr. Connell at 9:30 o'clock in the morning.
A hope of 100 years of life was thus snuffed out as the nonagenarian, known affectionately as Findlay's grand old man, passed away, peacefully at his East Sandusky Street home.
Gradually Failed.
His hope was not fulfilled, but it was his unusual lot to have many more years than his allotted three score and ten. He observed his 97th birthday on Sept. 13 this year, manifesting vigor that would have done credit to one a score years younger.
Of late years, his family had noticed his health gradually failing. he himself always insisted, however, that he was feeling as well as usual and never relinquished his hope of rounding out the century in 1930.
He was taken ill last Friday. At first his condition was not regarded as grave, but he gradually became worse until his weakened system was unable to withstand a heart attack with which he was stricken yesterday.
Mr. Connell was near death two years ago, but rallied from an illness from pneumonia despite his advanced age. He was taken ill ................... on his 95th birthday and taken to his home and Hospital, where he fully recovered.
He had been ill but few times in his long lifetime. He was seriously ill while serving with the Union side in the Civil War, but outside this and his Cleveland illness he suffered little from ailments.
Retained Vigor Well.
He retained possession of his faculties to the last, in spite of his years. His vigor was a constant marvel to his family and his friends and he continued his practice of walking about the city daily up to the illness which came last week.
His birthdays were occasions of festal celebrations in his honor on the part of his family and he always looked forward to them with a high degree of anticipation and interest. The last social function which he attended was the Lea-Marks wedding several weeks ago.
Mr. Connell maintained a high degree of interest in civic affairs. He was an ardent enthusiast regarding Findlay's future at all times and even in his later years never lost interest in helping promote the city's welfare.
Born Sept. 13, 1830 at Lisbon, Columbiana County, Ohio, Mr. Connell was a son of Aaron and Mildred Davison Connell. His parents named him in honor of DeWitt Clinton, once governor of New York, and whose name was given the first successful locomotive invented in this country.
Many parts of Ohio were but wilderness at that time. Colonel James Findlay, only 18 years previously, had built his fort on the banks of the Blanchard River, leading to the later establishment of this city.
Here 70 Years.
Before coming to Findlay 70 years ago, Mr. Connell had resided in Cleveland, Mansfield and Bucyrus.
He participated in the Civil War, as a member of Company D, 102nd Infantry, O.V.I., having been one of eight brothers who fought for the Union's preservation.
His father was a surgeon in the Union Army.
In 1885, Mr. Connell opened a hat, cap and fur store in Findlay. He operated this establishment for two years and then opened a store for the sale of books, stationery and wall paper. For 32 years he engaged in this business in the building where Tront and Jackson's furniture store is now located. After leaving the book business, Mr. Connell operated a magazine subscription agency up until a few years ago. He prided himself upon being the oldest active businessman in the city while thus engaged.
The Patterson and Winders store and the Schwartz grocery are the only business establishments now in operation here that were in business when Mr. Connell opened his book store.
For many years, Mr. Connell resided on West Main Cross Street. His old home recently gave way to the senior high school annex and he had since resided at 201 East Sandusky Street.
Married in 1853.
Mr. Connell was married Sept. 8, 1853, to Mary A. Paisley, who died in 1867. Two children were born to this union, both of whom are now dead. One, Edwin, died in childhood, and the other, Ella Roberta Lockhart, died in 1910.
On Sept. 3, 1868, Mr. Connell married Sarah Tate Hutchinson. Two children were born. They are George C. Connell, a member of the local city council and engaged in the insurance business here, and Mrs. Ann C. Priddy, wife of John E. Priddy, Hancock County Prosecuting Attorney. Mrs. Connell died in 1885.
Mr. Connell was again married on Sept. 3, 1888, to Emily H. Harroun, who died Jan. 20, 1912.
There are five surviving grandchildren. They are Vaughn C. Connell and Alice Connell of New York City. Elizabeth Priddy and Newton Priddy, of this city, and Mrs. George G. Merry, of Buffalo, N.Y.
There are two great grand children. They are Hilda Merry and Marian Merry, of Buffalo.
Mr. Connell was a member of the city board of improvements at one time.
He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church here for many years.
Long a Lodgeman.
He became a member of the Odd Fellow lodge when he was 21 years old, joining the order when at Mansfield. He was the oldest Odd Fellow in the state, having been a member of the organization for 76 years. He helped organize a lodge at Bucyrus. Coming here, he joined the local lodge, No. 73. His 75th anniversary as a member of the order was the occasion of a lodge fete in 1926.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 o'clock Thursday morning at the First Presbyterian Church, Rev. John David Lindsay, pastor, will give the sermon. The Odd Fellow order will participate in the service. Interment will be at Mansfield later in the day.
The body has been taken to the Barnhart Funeral Home. It will remain there until 9:30 o'clock tomorrow morning, after which it will be taken to the church.
The body will lie in state at the funeral home and can be viewed after today noon until 9:30 o'clock tomorrow.
--The Morning Republican, Wednesday, 7 Dec 1927, p. 1.
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