Robert McConnell was born in, Franklin county, Philadelphia, Oct. 21, 1818, died, near Ft. Green, Ill., April 6, 1904, in the 86th year of his age.

He was the oldest child of Frances and Hannah McConnell, and the last of a large family to be gathered home.  He was married to Joanna Brewer, June 12, 1849.  His wife passed away, May 30, 1899, after nearly fifty years of pilgrimage together.  To this union five children were born: Robert Elder and Thomas Benton dying in childhood, Maurice, Walter and Mary, who survive and who faithfully watched over him to the last; his declining years being made comfortable by their constant and devoted care.

Robert McConnell was the last remaining member of a colony of sturdy pioneers, who in the early 40's left their homes in a fertile valley in Southern Philadelphia and braved privations and hardships to make for themselves a dwelling place in the, then, wild, uncultivated wastes of Illinois.  He was one of the earliest settlers of Hancock county and of Ft:Green township, He possessed the stern virtue, the unfaltering courage and the enduring fortitude which mark the typical pioneer.  He was a man of great vitality and of strong and cultivated intellect.  He was a great reader and his mind was well-stored with useful knowledge.  He was reliable authority on all historic questions of national or local interest.  He retained in a remarkable way his mental faculties, his mind being clear and this memory unclouded to the last.

In early manhood he made a public profession of his faith in Christ and united with the Presbyterian church of Ft. Green, remaining a faithful and consistant member until his death.  A well-worn bible was his daily companion, he read and studied it's sacred pages until he was familiar with every part, and few there be who can better explain a difficult passage, or throw clearer light upon an obscure verst.  His well-disciplined and retentive mind held in its grasp the historical facts; his heart responded to its spiritual truths; and after its teachings he shaped his life.  He was a man of strict integrity and firm adherence to his convictions of right and duty.  Hiw years were marked by patient industry and by fidelity to his God and his fellowmen   The same habits of activity followed him through his old age.  The last year, a gradual weakening of his physical system gave token that his life voyage was almost over.  After a few weeks illness quietly and peacefully the journey ended, and his pasing away was but "The touching of the weather-beaten keel on the shore of glory."

The funeral service was held at the home, Friday at 2 p. m., conducted by Rev. Dr. Pugh, of Ft. Green, after which the remains were interred in the family burying ground [incomplete, probably north of Fountain Green]