Obituaries Australia

John McConnel, n.d.

from Australasian Pastoralists' Review, 15 February 1899

A Brisbane telegram recently announced the death of Mr. John McConnel, "the oldest squatter in Queensland," who expired at his residence, Grafton Lodge, Lutwyche, Brisbane, on the 27th ult. Although over ninety years of age, the deceased gentleman was enjoying good health right up to the day of his death, suffering only from prostration by the heat of the previous week. Mr. McConnel was born in Manchester, 3rd October, 1806, and arrived in Sydney in the year 1842, accompanied by his brother, Mr. Frederick McConnel. Shortly after his arrival in Australia he entered into partnership with his brother, Mr. David McConnel, who was then the owner of Cressbrook Station, on the Upper Brisbane, Queensland. The brothers became interested in other station properties, and in 1863, the subject of this sketch took up his residence at Durundur Station. Here Mr. McConnel lived for thirty years, devoting himself to the management of his property, and especially to the improvement of his cattle herds. The brothers McConnel are credited with importing some of the finest Shorthorn cattle that have come to Australia. The deceased gentleman was for some time in partnership in pastoral pursuits with the Hon. H. C. Wood, M.L.C. (Queensland). He leaves one son, Mr. Arthur John McConnel, of Conway Station, near Bowen, Queensland.