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The prominent and well-known businessman William "Bill" McConnell was elected Princeton's twenty-forth Mayor in November 1959 and took his place in office on January 1, 1960.
McConnell has been a life long resident of Gibson County. He was born in Francisco, Indiana on November 1, 1921 to R.B. and Elta (Martin) McConnell. In 1941 William McConnell moved to Princeton and on November 29, 1941 he married Jessie M. Yeager. Bill served in the Navy during World War II.
McConnell owned and operated several successful businesses in Princeton, including a grocery store, hardware and lumberyard, and
the Emerson Hotel and Cafeteria.
McConnell, a proud Republican, held his first office in 1952-1956 as City Councilman. In 1959, McConnell made a successful run for Mayor and would become a fixture in the Mayors office for the next 12 years.
During McConnell's terms in office we saw the opening of the Brumfield overpass, the Spring Street bypass, a new 500,000 gallon water tank north of the City, a new fire truck and garbage truck, and numerous water and sanitary sewer extensions and the purchase of the City Annex building next to the old City Hall.
In 2004, Bill McConnell continues to be active in politics and currently holds the office of County Councilman.
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