This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: RMunns7272 Surnames: McConnell, Cooley, Brabrant Classification: biography Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/surnames.mcconnell/196.197.419.1.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: >From "History of La Crosse County, Wisconsin", 1881, p. 773. City of La Crosse WILLIAM McCONNELL; born in Portage Co., Ohio, July 15, 1822, where he lived until 21 years of age. He took a course at the Veterinary College, Columbus, Ohio; removed to Elkhorn, Walworth Co., Wis., in 1843; three years of this time he was engaged in the cattle trade; he removed to Fulton, Rock Co., where he purchased a hotel, which he conducted one year. He was married in Rock Co. to Candace Cooley, born in Ohio, and removed to Dane Co. from Licking Co., Ohio. Mr. McConnell settled in the city of La Crosse, May, 1851, where he engaged in keeping hotel; kept what was known as the Miller House for two years; was also engaged in the stage and livery business for about five years. In 1852, he established the first ferry between La Crosse and La Crescent; afterward engaged in general business, including stock buying and his profession as horse farrier; the latter business he still follows. Mr. and Mrs. McConnell have had five children, four of whom are living - George; Elizabeth! , now Mrs. John K. Brabrant; Kate and James. [I am not related to this family and have no further information. I'm posting this as a service and hope it helps!] Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.