 |
|
| ASA C. McCONNELL, farmer, resident of sec. 35, Aetna Tp., was born in Steuben Co., N. Y., Feb. 26, 1832; son of Lewis and Emma (Goff) McConnell, natives of the Empire State. The subject of this sketch left home at ten years of age, and until 12 years old found such employment as he could among the people to whom he was known. At the age named, he went to the Western Reserve, Ohio, and engaged with a man named Robert Munay to herd cattle. Two years later he went as cabin boy on the lake steamers in the summer seasons, spending the winters in the woods. He lived thus five years, then came to Hilsdale County, and thenc eto Ionia, MOntcalm and Kent Counties, settling in the last named in the spring of 1855, and engaged in farming. Previous to this he was engaged in limbering. He remained in Kent County five years, and during the tow collowing years he was variously employed. In November 1862, he enlisted in the Mich. Cav., and was in the army of the Potomac under Gen. Pleasanton, until Aug. 19, 1865, when he received an honorable discharge. He passed through his period of enlistment unharmed except by a gunshot wound in the wrist, inflicted by a guerrilla scout. On leaving the army he went back to Kent County and worked in the woods until the fall of 1871. The following year he spent in Indiana, came thence to Mecosta County, and purchased 80 acres of land, on which he is now resident. Mr. McConnell is a Republican in political faith, and has held the post of Assessor in his school district for some time. He was married Oct. 12, 1872, to Jennie, daughter of Jesse and Mary (Waters) Upson, born Aug. 7, 1843. Of this marriage one child - Willie F., was born April 27, 1876. |