OBIT: Edmund McCONNELL, 1936, Altoona, Blair County, PA 

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RETIRED ENGINEER EXPIRES AT HOME

Edmund McConnell, Pioneer Altoona Resident and Veteran of the Pittsburgh 
Division Succumbs at 85

  Edmund McConnell, a pioneer resident of the city and a veteran locomotive 
engineer of the Pittsburgh division, Pennsylvania railroad, died at the home 
of his daughter, Mrs. Adelaide Kelly, 325 Logan avenue, at 5:20 o'clock 
Saturday afternoon. Death was caused by infirmities due to advanced years and 
came suddenly. He had been confined to his room as the result of a fracture 
of the left thigh and was fairly well until a few days before his demise.

  Mr. McConnell had been a resident of the Fifth ward for almost a half 
century, residing at 1926 Tenth avenue. He was one of the early settlers in 
that section, where he was held in high esteem and was active in its 
upbuilding. He took part in political and civic affairs and some years ago 
represented the ward for several terms in the old common council.

  Mr. McConnell was a son of Frank and Anna McCoy McConnell and was born at 
Newry on August 2, 1851. He was reared and educated in his native town and 
remained there until July 2, 1869 when he came to Altoona and entered the 
service of the Pennsylvania railroad as a locomotive fireman on the 
Pittsburgh division. He was promoted to passenger engineer on Nov. 25, 1871, 
and continued in that position until he retired on Jan. 1, 1919 with a 
service record of fifty years.

  The veteran was well known to numerous high officials of the Pennsylvania 
railroad, a number of them having gained railroad experience in riding his 
engine. He was the father of seven sons, all of whom entered the 
transportation service of the company and became engineers. Edward A. 
McConnell, a son, met death in an accident at Gray's station on June 16, 1926 
and another son, William, a fireman, was injured in the same accident.

  Mr. McConnell was united in marriage with Miss Anna V. Attig of Pittsburgh 
in St. John's church, Johnstown, on Feb. 27, 1876. They took up their 
residence at 1926 Tenth avenue, where they resided until the death of Mrs. 
McConnell, since which time Mr. McConnell had made his home with his 
daughter. He was a member of St. Leo's Catholic church in the Fifth ward for 
many years, but since moving to Llyswen had attended St. John's Catholic 
church at Lakemont.

  Surviving are five sons and two daughters, John K., Thomas B., Mrs. Anna 
Farabaugh and George S. McConnell, all of the city: William S. of Pittsburgh 
and Mrs. Kelly and Walter A. McConnell of the city; forty-one grandchildren 
and ten great-grandchildren.

  The body may be viewed at the Kelly home. The funeral will be held tomorrow 
morning with requiem mass at 10 o'clock in St. John's church, South Lakemont. 
A grandson, Rev. Edward McConnell of Renovo, PA will celebrate the mass. 
Interment will be made in St. John's cemetery.

Archie Claar Obituary Collection, Vol. 5 (1936), page 112.

NOTE: St. John's, Altoona, Hollidaysburg, PA: Blair County Genealogical 
Society, 1982, page 62 - McCONNELL, Edward A. - interred 10/11/1936, aged 85 
years, Section E, Lot 85
McCONNELL, Anna V. - w/o Ed. - b. 3/6/1857 - d. 2/9/1918, Section E, Lot 85