Last year, the McHenry County Historical Society & Museum celebrated 60 years of collecting, preserving, and sharing its county's history with the public. To commemorate this anniversary, our featured exhibit, “60 Years, 60 Objects: Stories from McHenry County,” remains on display through October 2024. This exhibit highlights sixty artifacts from the historical society’s collection. Object #42 is a n American bow back Windsor desk chair with a woven cane seat. Known as the “Squire’s Chair,” it was owned by William McConnell of Richmond. William McConnell was born March 20, 1810, at Williamsport, Pennsylvania. His parents were John McConnel and Agnes Scott McConnel, and his siblings were Thomas, John, Charles, and James. The additional "L" was added in the next generation. William arrived in Richmond, Illinois, on May 10, 1837. Here, he selected a homesite and built a cabin. In 1838, he returned to Pennsylvania, married, and brought his new bride and belongings bac...