Person Page - 1983

     Albert McConnahey was born circa 1856 at Jefferson Co., IL.¹ He was the son of Curroll McConnahey and Mary J. Windle.¹

     Amanda C. McConnahey was born circa 1851 at Jefferson Co., IL.¹ She was the daughter of Curroll McConnahey and Mary J. Windle.¹

     Curroll McConnahey was born circa 1827 at Tennessee.¹ He married Mary J. Windle, daughter of George Windle and Susannah Leffler, circa 1847.¹ Curroll McConnahey died in 1909.

     Cynthia A. McConnahey was born circa 1864 at Jefferson Co., IL.¹ She was the daughter of Curroll McConnahey and Mary J. Windle.¹

     George M. McConnahey was born circa 1854 at Jefferson Co., IL.¹ He was the son of Curroll McConnahey and Mary J. Windle.¹

     Note: Not shown in 1870 census -- either this is the same person as Phoebe J., or else this Isabel died before 1870. Isabel McConnahey was born circa October 1859 at Jefferson Co., IL.¹ She was the daughter of Curroll McConnahey and Mary J. Windle.¹

     Mary McConnahey was born circa 1857 at Jefferson Co., IL.¹ She was the daughter of Curroll McConnahey and Mary J. Windle.¹

     Phoebe J. McConnahey was born circa 1860 at Jefferson Co., IL.¹ She was the daughter of Curroll McConnahey and Mary J. Windle.¹

     Sarah McConnahey was born circa 1849 at Jefferson Co. (probably), IL.¹ She was the daughter of Curroll McConnahey and Mary J. Windle.¹ Sarah McConnahey died before 1860 at Jefferson Co., IL, Does not appear in 1860 census.

     Sarah D. McConnahey was born circa May 1870 at Jefferson Co., IL.¹ She was the daughter of William D. McConnahey and Frances J. (?)¹

     William D. McConnahey was born circa 1848 at Jefferson Co. (probably), IL.¹ He was the son of Curroll McConnahey and Mary J. Windle.¹ William D. McConnahey married Frances J. (?) circa 1869 at Jefferson Co. (probably), IL.

     Alexander McConnell was born in 1822. He married Elizabeth Tallman, daughter of James Benton Tallman and Mary Ellen Bell, on 22 December 1844 at Tyler Co., VA (now WV). Alexander McConnell died in 1855.

     Athel McConnell was born on 4 February 1884 at Kentucky. He was the son of Oscar McConnell and Laura Bryant. Athel McConnell married Nellie G. Windell, daughter of Lafayette Marquis Windell and Rebecca E. Dobson, on 7 January 1907 at Clark Co., IN. Athel McConnell died on 8 February 1923 at Jackson, Madison Co., TN, at age 39.

     Edwin Maurice McConnell was born on 29 January 1921 at Wichita, Sedgwick Co., KS.¹ He was the son of Fred Nando McConnell and Anna Mary Garst.¹ Edwin Maurice McConnell began military service on 22 March 1943 WW II service, U.S. Army Air Corps, enlisted, B-24 co-pilot. Air Force Reserve officer, Lt. Col., retired 1981. He married Audrey Lola Bell on 10 November 1945 at Highland Baptist Church, Dallas, Dallas Co., TX, Ceremony by Rev. Junian Atwood. Audrey was first married in 1943 to Ernest I. Hoidal (1923 - 1944) of Troy, Idaho who was killed in an aircraft accident at Maricopa County, Arizona. Edwin Maurice McConnell and Audrey Lola Bell were divorced. Edwin Maurice McConnell married Jeanne (?). Edwin Maurice McConnell and Jeanne (?) were divorced on 15 February 1979 at Douglas Co., CO. Edwin Maurice McConnell died on 1 September 1997 at Englewood, Arapahoe Co., CO, at age 76

Obituary -- The Sacramento Bee, Sacramento, California; Friday, 5 SEP 1997, p.23 (Newspapers.com):

Edwin McConnell, 76, aviation her of WWII
New York Times

Lt. Col. Edwin Maurice McConnell, the last of the three “Flying McConnell Brothers” of World War II whose name was given to an air base in Kansas, died Monday at his home in Englewood, Colo. He was 76.

He had suffered for some time from Leukemia and Parkinson’s disease, his family said.

The brothers, who were lionized in the American heartland, trained and served together in the South Pacific. Each flew on a B-24 bomber as co-pilot during the war.

The three McConnells, natives of Wichita, Kan., signed up as aviation cadets in the Army Air Forces on March 22, 1943, at Fort Riley. They trained together in California and earned their wings at Luke Field in Phoenix.

Edwin McConnell was a sophomore pre-med student at Michigan State University at the time. He flew 56 missions and came home with the Air Medal, the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal.

The youngest of the trio, 2nd Lt. Thomas McConnell, died in combat, at age 20. In July 1943, his B-24 Liberator crashed in deep fog into a mountainside while returning to base on Guadalcanal from a strike against a Japanese field.

Capt. Fred McConnell died at age 27 in October 1945. He was changing assignments when the small private plane he was flying crashed en route to Garden Plains Air Force Base in Kansas from Cook Field in Nebraska.

The former Wichita Air Force Base, in south-central Kansas, a one-time municipal airport, was renamed McConnell Air Force Base in 1954 after Tom and Fred McConnell. Edwin was not included then because it is military policy that a base may not be named after living persons.

The site is now the host of the 22nd Air Refueling Wing. Edwin McConnell paid his last visit to the base four years ago for a reunion of his old outfit, the 307th Bomb Group.

He left active duty in the Air Force after the was to become a district engineer for the Johns-Manville Sales Corp. In Colorado. He retired from the company in 1982, but continued to serve in the Air Force Reserve until retiring with the rank of Lieutenant colonel in 1981.

He is survived by his wife, Yvonne E. VonTilius McConnell, a daughter, Shauna Jones of Arvada, Colo; a son, Ron McConnell of Boulder, Colo; three stepsons, John, Terry, and Mark VonTilius, all of Denver, two stepdaughters, Mary Ann Campbell of Rockford, Ill., and Nancy Huettl of Westminster, Colo; two grandchildren; 10 step-grandchildren; and two step-great-grandchildren.



(Findagrave.com):

They were the “Flying McConnells,” three brothers from the American heartland who gained lasting fame in air battles of World War II. Thomas L., Fred J., and Edwin M. McConnell, all natives of Kansas, today lend their illustrious surname to one of the Air Force’s largest bases.

The three all grew up in Wichita and attended North High School, where they excelled in academics and sports. Fred was 24, Edwin was 21, and Thomas was 19 when they joined the Army Air Forces as aviation cadets on the same day (March 22, 1943) at Fort Riley, Kan. They trained together in California and received their pilot’s wings on the same day at Luke Field, Ariz.

The brothers were a media sensation, billed as “Three of a Kind.” All three became B-24 copilots and joined the same squadron in the South Pacific theater, where they went into action on the same day. Yet the brothers fought together for only a few months.

Second Lt. Thomas McConnell, the youngest of the three, was killed in action on July 10, 1943, on his third combat mission. His B-24 had just bombed Japan’s Kahili airfield at Bougainville and was returning to base on Guadalcanal when the bomber, in dense fog, crashed into a mountainside. All 11 crew died. Thomas was 20.

The other two McConnells survived the war. Fred flew 61 missions and attained the grade of captain only to perish on active duty after returning home. He was a military flying instructor stationed at Cook Field, Neb., and was flying to a new assignment at Garden Plain, Kan., when his aircraft on Oct. 22, 1945, struck a power line and crashed. Fred was killed instantly. He was 27.

Edwin flew 56 combat missions and returned home with a Distinguished Flying Cross. He resigned from active duty in August 1945 and spent two years as a commercial airline pilot, eventually enrolling in college and taking a job in industry. Edwin remained in the Air Force Reserve and finally ended his military career in 1981. Retired Lt. Col. Edwin McConnell died at his home in Englewood, Colo., on Sept. 1, 1997. He was 76.

On April 12, 1954, Wichita AFB, Kan., was rechristened McConnell Air Force Base in honor of Tom and Fred. Edwin was not included due to policy against naming a base after a living person. At a rededication ceremony on June 14, 1999, Edwin’s name was added.

He was buried in 1997 at Fort Logan National Cemetery, Denver, Denver Co., CO, Findagrave #971225.

     Ellen H. McConnell married Thomas Hutchison Bragg, son of John Bragg and Rebecca Hutchison, on 7 November 1858 at Guernsey Co., OH, Marriage Book "B", p.216. Ellen H. McConnell died in 1859 at Guernsey Co., OH.

     Fred Junior McConnell was born on 23 April 1918 at Wichita, Sedgwick Co., KS.¹ He was the son of Fred Nando McConnell and Anna Mary Garst.¹ Fred Junior McConnell married Mary Louise Klein in June 1942 at Visalia, Tulare Co., CA. Fred Junior McConnell began military service on 25 March 1943 at Ft. Riley, KS, WW II service, U.S. Army Air Corps, enlisted, later commissioned Captain. He died on 22 October 1945 at Garden Plain, Sedgwick Co., KS, at age 27

Obituary -- (Findagrave.com):

They were the “Flying McConnells,” three brothers from the American heartland who gained lasting fame in air battles of World War II. Thomas L., Fred J., and Edwin M. McConnell, all natives of Kansas, today lend their illustrious surname to one of the Air Force’s largest bases.

The three all grew up in Wichita and attended North High School, where they excelled in academics and sports. Fred was 24, Edwin was 21, and Thomas was 19 when they joined the Army Air Forces as aviation cadets on the same day (March 22, 1943) at Fort Riley, Kan. They trained together in California and received their pilot’s wings on the same day at Luke Field, Ariz.

The brothers were a media sensation, billed as “Three of a Kind.” All three became B-24 copilots and joined the same squadron in the South Pacific theater, where they went into action on the same day. Yet the brothers fought together for only a few months.

Second Lt. Thomas McConnell, the youngest of the three, was killed in action on July 10, 1943, on his third combat mission. His B-24 had just bombed Japan’s Kahili airfield at Bougainville and was returning to base on Guadalcanal when the bomber, in dense fog, crashed into a mountainside. All 11 crew died. Thomas was 20.

The other two McConnells survived the war. Fred flew 61 missions and attained the grade of captain only to perish on active duty after returning home. He was a military flying instructor stationed at Cook Field, Neb., and was flying to a new assignment at Garden Plain, Kan., when his aircraft on Oct. 22, 1945, struck a power line and crashed. Fred was killed instantly. He was 27.

Edwin flew 56 combat missions and returned home with a Distinguished Flying Cross. He resigned from active duty in August 1945 and spent two years as a commercial airline pilot, eventually enrolling in college and taking a job in industry. Edwin remained in the Air Force Reserve and finally ended his military career in 1981. Retired Lt. Col. Edwin McConnell died at his home in Englewood, Colo., on Sept. 1, 1997. He was 76.

On April 12, 1954, Wichita AFB, Kan., was rechristened McConnell Air Force Base in honor of Tom and Fred. Edwin was not included due to policy against naming a base after a living person. At a rededication ceremony on June 14, 1999, Edwin’s name was added.

He was buried in 1945 at Wichita Park Cemetery and Mausoleum, Wichita, Sedgwick Co., KS, Findagrave #53989143.

     Fred Nando McConnell was born on 25 February 1882 at Clay Co., NC.¹ He was the son of William James Riley McConnell and Mary Jane Webb. Fred Nando McConnell married Anna Mary Garst, daughter of Thomas Chester Garst and Julia Catherine Bacon, on 6 September 1916 at Wichita, Sedgwick Co., KS; The Wichita Eagle, Wichita, Kansas; Friday, 8 SEP 1916, p.6 (Newspapers.com):

Garst - McConnell

At the residence of the bride's father, T. C. Garst, 1902 West Douglas avenue, at 8 o'clock Wednesday evening, occurred the marriage of his eldest daughter, Anna M. Garst, to Fred N. McConnell.

Immediately after the simple and impressive service said by their pastor, J. Edwin Jones, of the West Wichita Church of the Brethren, they went to their new cottage which has just been completed at 250 North Martinson avenue.

Mrs. McConnell is well known in Wichita, especially in church circles. For a number of years she has been a successful leader in various church activities among the children.

Mr. McConnell is a successful contractor who has lived in West Wichita for a number of years. He is the chorister of the West Wichita Church of the Brethren.


NOTE: Fred was first married to Julia Jennetta Moore (1880 - 1915) on 22 NOV 1901 at Towns County, Georgia, and had children Wyman, Mabel, Pauline, Dwight, Faye and Ruth prior to his marriage to Anna Garst.

Fred Nando McConnell lived between 1920 and 1930 at 246 North Martinson Avenue, Wichita, Sedgwick Co., KS, buillding contractor.^1,2 He died on 25 January 1943 at Wichita, Sedgwick Co., KS, at age 60. He was buried in January 1943 at Highland Cemetery, Wichita, Sedgwick Co., KS, Findagrave #23813587.

     Harry Lynn McConnell was born on 13 April 1895 at West Finley Twp., Washington Co., PA.¹ He married Martha Ellen Mounts on 15 July 1913 at Washington Co., PA. Harry Lynn McConnell died in March 1984 at Washington, Washington Co., PA, at age 88.

     Hellena Jane McConnell was born in 1849. She was the daughter of Alexander McConnell and Elizabeth Tallman. Hellena Jane McConnell died in 1851.

     Isabella McConnell was born in 1817 at Brooke Co., VA (now WV). She married James Bell Tallman, son of James Benton Tallman and Mary Ellen Bell. Isabella McConnell died in 1848 at Iowa. She was buried in 1848 at Tallman Family burial ground, Swedesburg, Henry Co., IA, Findagrave #139451111.

     James McConnell was born in 1814 at Virginia. He married Sarah Windle on 30 November 1845 at Macon Co., MO, Sarah remarried to Temple Windle in 1848 and had two children with him. James remarried to Mary "Polly" Ratliff in 1849, and had five children. James McConnell and Sarah Windle were divorced in 1847 at Macon Co., MO. James McConnell died on 17 March 1862 at Sullivan Co., MO.

     James Albert McConnell was born on 21 May 1945; son of Albert Bernard and Luella (Cornell) McConnell. He lived in 1979 at Arvada, CO. He lived in 1999 at Westminster, CO. He died on 8 February 2011 at age 65.

     James C. McConnell was born on 14 February 1914. He married Laura R. Muench, daughter of Frank J. Muench and Mabel Taylor, on 21 June 1945. James C. McConnell died on 27 December 1992 at Montgomery Co., PA, at age 78 Dates per SSDI, last residence Spring House.

     Mabelle Lorena McConnell was born on 6 December 1895 at Center, Guernsey Co., OH; or 8 DEC per headstone inscription. She was the daughter of Palmer McConnell and Sarah Jane Forsythe. Mabelle Lorena McConnell died on 10 September 1896 at Guernsey Co., OH. She was buried in September 1896 at Old Washington Cemetery, Old Washington, Guernsey Co., OH, Findagrave #66243819.

     Marie McConnell was born in December 1884 at Kentucky.^1,2 She lived on 21 June 1900 at Rabbit Hash Precinct, Boone Co., KY.² She married Richard William van Brunt on 27 December 1909 at Danville, Boyle Co., KY. Marie McConnell died in May 1922 at Florida at age 37 Funeral notice in the Friday, 19 MAY 1922 Kentucky Advocate, Danville, Kentucky, p.3 (Newspapers.com). She was buried in May 1922 at Bellevue Cemetery, Danville, Broyle Co., KY, Findagrave #80766075.

     Martha E. McConnell was born on 10 December 1927 at Washington, Washington Co., PA.¹ She was the daughter of Harry Lynn McConnell and Martha Ellen Mounts.¹ Martha E. McConnell married John Alfred Hallam, son of Cleon Scott Hallam and Mabel L. Armstrong, on 10 April 1949 at Washington, Washington Co., PA. Martha E. McConnell died on 5 February 2005 at Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., PA, at age 77 Obituary (Findagrave.com):

Martha E. Hallam, 77, of Washington, died Saturday, February 5, 2005, in Allegheny General Hospital,
Pittsburgh.

She was born December 10, 1927, in Washington, a daughter of Harry and Martha Mounts McConnell.

She attended Washington High School and was a member of Laboratory Presbyterian Church.

A Trinity schools retiree, Mrs. Hallam enjoyed camping and spending time with her family.

On April 10, 1949, in Washington, she married John A. Hallam, who survives.

Surviving are two sons, John S. (Mu Sun) Hallam of Peoria, Ariz., and Richard L. (Paula) Hallam of Washington; two daughters, Linda (Gary) Dicks of Washington and Cathy A. Mikus of Meadow Lands; seven grandchildren, Heather Pattison, Heather Jenkins, Shaun Hallam, Dawnetta Johns, Katie Dicks, Cory Amos and Jordan Mikus; seven great-grandchildren; two brothers, Donald McConnell of Carmichaels and Robert (Janet) McConnell of Bethel Park; a sisterin- law, Nell McConnell; and many nieces and nephews.

Deceased are a sister, Alice McGrew; and two brothers, Harry and George McConnell.

Friends will be received from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday and 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday in Piatt and Barnhill Funeral Home, 420 Locust Avenue, Washington, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, February 9, with the Rev. David Stammerjohn officiating. Interment will be held in Washington Cemetery. The family suggests memorial contributions be directed to American Heart Association, 10 Duff Road, Suite 304, Pittsburgh, PA 15235-3207, or Crohn's Disease Foundation. Piatt & Barnhill Funeral Directors Inc.

     Mary Bell McConnell was born in 1845. She was the daughter of Alexander McConnell and Elizabeth Tallman. Mary Bell McConnell married Sam M. Lutes. Mary Bell McConnell died in 1909.

     Mary C. McConnell married James C. Owen. Mary C. McConnell was born circa 1810 at Virginia.¹

     Oscar McConnell was born in October 1859. He married Laura Bryant. Oscar McConnell died on 15 July 1916 at New Albany, Floyd Co., IN, at age 56.

     Palmer McConnell was born on 20 August 1858 at Guernsey Co., OH; son of Thomas Hill and Lucinda (Smith) McConnell. He married Sarah Jane Forsythe, daughter of Cephas Porter Forsythe and Sarah Ann Clippinger, on 11 October 1893 at Guernsey Co., OH; after Jennie's death, Palmer remarried to Elizabeth (Heiner) Black, widow of Dr. Oliver J. Black, on 30 OCT 1902 at Guernsey County. Palmer McConnell died on 8 May 1943 at age 84. He was buried in May 1943 at Old Washington Cemetery, Old Washington, Guernsey Co., OH, Findagrave #66243820.