The following information was assembled from numerous sources and cannot be used directly as proof of Qualifying Service or Lineage.
It is considered a research aid and is intended to assist in locating sources that can be used as proof.
In addition to the grave headstone, there is a memorial stone at the base of the cemetery hill at 714 E Francis Ave, Connellsville, PA erected by the SAR in 1957. It reads as follows: Zachariah Connell / 1741 - 1813 / Founder of Connellsville / Erected by the SAR / 1957
Directions to Cemetery / Gravesite:
From Connellsville take State Route 119 N. Exit at E Crawford Ave. (State Route 711). Geibel Catholic High School is located at 611 E Crawford Ave. Across from high school on the west side is E Francis Ave. Appromately 0.1 mi traveling west on E Francis Ave is 714 E Francis Ave. The Connell Family Cemetary is on a hill overlooking Connellsville. It can not be seen from the road. At the base of the hill are 28 steps to the top and a memorial stone to Zachariah Connell. There are 13 graves in the Connell Family Cemetery
Author: COL Ernest Loran Sutton MC
Zachariah Connell, the founder of Connellsville, was one of the earliest settlers in the region. Born in 1741 near Winchester, Frederick County, Virginia, he settled in present day Fayette County, Pennsylvania, sometime after 1770. This area was known as the District of West Augusta and was claimed by both Virginia and Pennsylvania. Zachariah Connell served as a gentleman justice for Yohogania County, District of West Augusta, as well as a justice of the peace.
During the Revolution he was a captain in the Pennsylvania militia and a Ranger of the Frontier in William Perry's company, Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, Rangers of the Frontier, 1778-1783. He also served as a member of the Virginia Court of Gentlemen Justices of Yohogania, County, (1776-1777).
As a surveyor and land agent for Governor Dinwiddie of Virginia, Howard of Maryland, and the Chew family of Philadelphia, Zachariah Connell was an able and highly respected judge of land.
He surveyed a tract of land on the east bank of the Youghiogheny River containing 147 acres, which he called "Mud Island." This piece of land became a natural stopping-place for emigrants & travelers to build rafts to float down the river. He decided that this important route to the west would be an excellent site for a city. Zachariah Connell surveyed a town of 180-quarter acre lots and secured a charter on March 21, 1793 for the town he called Connellsville.
His kindness and generosity were illustrated by the charter, which gave the town residents permission to make use of the stone quarry, coal bank, and adjacent timber & springs. He also donated land for a public building, churches, schools, and a graveyard.
Zachariah Connell, a son of James and Ann Williams Connell, married (1) Rebecca Rice and (2) Margaret Wallace. He died Aug 26, 1813, and is buried in the Connell Family Cemetery on a hill overlooking Connellsville at 614 Francis Street. During the centennial of Connellsville in 1906 at special head stone was placed at his grave. Then on Oct 6, 1957, the Youghiogheny Chapter, SAR, dedicated a memorial to him leading to the cemetery.
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