The story of northern Illinois pioneer William A. McConnell and his rural farm, this book is a fascinating look at how the 19th century unfolded across time and geography. The authorsÑone of whom owns McConnellÕs farmÑdiscovered that McConnell took part in many of the 19th centuryÕs key events: creating a "frontier" town, church building, railroading, wildcat banking, the Civil War, and the rise of IllinoisÕ dairy business in the 1860Õs. In addition, Montelona Farm presents both William and his wife, Elizabeth BodineÕs, interesting genealogies which offer readers insight into the Dutch Huguenot settlement of Manhattan in the 1600Õs, Quaker immigration via William PennÕs ships to Pennsylvania, and the Scots-Irish diaspora of the 1700Õs.
The book continues the farmsteadÕs story into the present day by describing the creation of the surrounding Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge. In full color with numerous photos, maps and illustrations.