Zachariah Connell
Zachariah Connell (1741–1813) was a Revolutionary War soldier and the founder of Connellsville, Pennsylvania, United States. Birth and early life Born near Winchester, Frederick County, Virginia in 1741, the son of James Connell (son of Thomas Connell of St. Mary's County, Maryland and Mary Ogden) and Anne Williams. Zachariah's earliest "Connell" ancestor to settle in America was James O'Connell (d. 1700) who emigrated from Ireland in 1678 and settled in St. Mary's County, Maryland. Growing-up in Frederick County, Zachariah's family was acquainted with the Washington's. In 1771, George Washington' brother, Samuel Washington, purchased 212 acres, near the "North Mountain" from Zachariah. Margaret Wallace, a Virginian and Zachariah's second wife, was also acquainted with the Washington family. During the American Revolution, Zachariah was appointed captain of the Yohogania County militia in 1776 and a member of the Virginia Court of Gentlemen Justices Yohogana, Co. (1776-1777). During the Revolution, he also served as associator, frontier ranger and soldier. Zachariah Connell: The Individual It is much to be regretted that no picture or silhouette of Zachariah exists. He was described as a typical Scotch Sandy with red hair, brown eyes and a florid complexion. He stood about five feet, nine inches tall, straight