Born: Columbiana County, Ohio, January 23, 1824.Died: Cedar Rapids, Iowa, February 6, 1901.
Born: Columbiana County, Ohio, January 23, 1824.
Died: Cedar Rapids, Iowa, February 6, 1901.
The subject of this sketch, Nelson Antrim McConnell, deserves a more extended notice than is usual in a work of this kind.
Born January 23, 1824, in Columbiana County, Ohio. Received a very limited education in the common schools, having attended such about eighteen months, before he was thirteen years old. His father intended him for a merchant and apprenticed him to that business, March, 1837. He served five years in that capacity, and at the age of eighteen, abandoned it and learned the carpenter and joiner's trade, at which he spent seven years.
During those twelve years he spent four months in the common schools, studying English grammar and natural philosophy. His parents were members of the Friends (Quakers) at the time of his birth, and hence he had a birthright with them, and was regarded as a member in good standing until in his seventeenth year.
In November, 1839, John Henry and Marcus Bosworth, (both deceased) of Trumbull County, Ohio, held a meeting at East Fairfield, Ohio, which he attended. During its progress the wild, thoughtless and somewhat reckless boy was siezedwith conviction, and led to enquire, "What must I do to be saved?" And on the last evening of the meeting he, in company with several others,went forward and confessed the Savior. It was a great surprise to all who knew him, especially to his parents, who were exceedingly mad against that way, which they called "Campbellism." Some busy body ran to the village and informed his father that the baptism of his boy was about to occur, whereupon he immediately started for the scene of action. He overrtook the crowd on their way to the creek called Bradfield's Hun, in which the Disciples were wont to baptize, and laying his hand on the shoulder of the lad, bade him stop, which he reluctantly did; and after some conversation returned to the village without obeying the Lord.
In just five weeks from that time, another meeting was held at the same place, by John Henry and E. Vanvoorhis, now of Knox County, Ohio. On the last night of which at 9 P. M., December 12th, 1839, Elder Vanvoorhis immersed him into the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. In a short time he began exercising in the congregation, and in a young men's prayer meeting which he was instrumental in organizing. His former "church," in about seven months after his "apostacy," disposed of his case as follows:
"Whereas, Nelson A. McConnell has much neglected the attendance of our religious meetings, has not observed plainness in dress, and has been immersed in water for baptism; and having been treated with on these accounts, without the desired effect, we therefore disown him from membership in the religious Society of Friends, until he shall consistently regain the same, which is our earnest desire for him. Signed in, and in behalf of the Carmal Monthly Meeting. This ____ day of seventh month, 1840.
NATHAN HOIE, Clerk."
In 1844 he became acquainted with the venerable James E. Gaston, now of Des Moines, who was then living in the village of Fairfield, Ohio and preaching for the church at that place. This man of God took a deep interest in him, and encouraged him to use what talent he had, and prepare for the ministry. And but for his example, advice and encouragement, Bro. McConnell would probably never have been a preacher.
On the 10th day of July, 1845, he was married to Sarah Ann Brisbine by Elder Gaston, taking as a fee therefor (by his own proposition) a sermon which McConnell had preached at one of Elder Gaston's appointments six months previously.
He entered the regular ministry October, 1848, walking through a heavy rain, and preaching in Elder G. Pow's kitchen! He spent a year with eight churches in the county where he had always lived.
In November, 1849, he came to Iowa, landing at Davenport, whither he had been called by a co-operation of churches and scattered disciples, to evangelize what was then known as the Second District, bounded by the Maquoketa, Iowa and Mississippi Rivers. His first sermon was at LeClaire in Scott County; and from thence he pushed out into the district, laboring hard and receiving therefor the sum of $300 for one year.
In November, 1850, he settled at Marion, Linn County, and has preached for the church there more or less, ever since; but he ministered regularly for them seventeen years.
By the State Meeting at Mt. Pleasant in 1856, he was appointed State Evangelist, the first the State ever had, and served one year. In 1863 he was again appointed to the same position, which he continued three years. In 1863 he removed to Marshalltown and labored for the Marshall and Hardin churches.
In November, 1871, he returned to Marion, remaining there till 1875, when he went to Cedar Rapids, and after a residence of five years, again removed to Marshalltown, where he now resides.
Like all pioneer preachers, Bro. McConnell, though a man of peace, has crossed blades with the foes of primitive Christianity. In 1851 he was invited to defend our plea, assailed by a Congregational minister in Marion. Dr. Roberts, the challenger, was reputed quite a scholar in the languages. On the first day he made a display of his Greek. But McConnell replied that Roberts had the advantage, as he did not know a letter in the Greek. Whereupon Roberts severely rebuking him said: "If the gentleman had spent ten minutes a day since he has been in Marion, studying Greek, he could have read it as well as I." When the debate opened the next day, Bro. McConnell said: "I have spent ten minutes this morning in the study of Greek, as suggested by my friend, and am prepared to answer all Greek yet presented." He then rattled off a few Greek words, which so completely nonplussed his opponent that he was glad to play quits.
He has had several debates since. Two with the Tunkers, one of which was reported and published. Three with Sabbatarians, one with the Wesleyan Methodists, and one with an Infidel. His labors for the thirty-four and a half years have been almost exclusively in Iowa, though he has temporarily visited and preached in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Kansas, Missouri and Arkansas. He was at one time connected with the Evangelist published in this State; has ever been connected with the Educational and Missionary enterprises of the church, and has been ever intrusted with the most important positions in them, such as Trustee of College, State Evangelist, President of the State Convention, and of the Ministerial Association, which position he holds at this time.
As an able and uncompromising defender of the truth, none surpasses him. He has ever been characterized by independence, firmness, and courage to utter his convictions regardless of consequences from men. Is possessed of fine physique, commanding appearance; keen black eyes that flash fire when aroused; a strong, logical inquiring mind, and great power as a speaker. His sermons are compact, logical, and severely scriptural. Weighing about 190 pounds, and standing six feet in height, with a well proportioned body and a bald head, he at once impresses you that he possesses superior ability.
He is the only living representative of our "pioneer preachers," yet actively at work, among whom were such men as Aaron Chatterton, Arthur Miller, Jonas Hartzel and Levi Flemming, who have gone to their reward. Bro. Martindale still lives, but is not able to preach. And with the exception of him, Bro. McConnell is left alone to represent the grand men whose labors have wrought such glorious results.
Although having seen hard service, his native force seems unabated and his resources inexhaustible.