James R. McConnell, a native of this state, was born March 4, 1836, the son of William and Sarah (White) McConnell. The father was a native of Pennsylvania, was born about 1795, died in 1873; the mother was a native of Virginia, and was born about 1800, and died in 1845. Our subject’s early life was spent on the farm. He received a good common school education, and attended one term of twelve weeks at Waveland Academy. At the age of twenty-one years he began life for himself. He was united in marriage, January 13, 1859, to Clarinda Rhorer, daughter of S. H. and Jane Rhorer, and this union was blessed by the following children: Ella F., born October 7, 1859: Hiram A., December 19, 1861; Alice J., November 30, 1863, and Clarinda, October 16, 1865. The mother of these children was born about 1840, and departed this life April 16, 1886. Mr. McConnell was again married June 10, 1869, to Miss Hannah Newman, daughter of John and Mary (Blair) Newman. Both were Quakers. This union was blessed with the following children: Agnes, born April 23, 1879; James T., August 25, 1882; Addie, November 9, 1885, and Baby Boy, November 3, 1887. In politics, Mr. McConnell is a democrat, casting his first vote for James Buchanan. He now owns 270 acres of good land.