Edward “Red” McConnell
Red McConnell was married to Dr. Luella Day on 27 September 27, 1898 by the Anglican minister, Reverend Bowen. Red McConnell was very well known in Dawson.1) In October of that year, McConnell & Parker were set up as dealers in general merchandise in a blue tent at the corner of First Street and Third Avenue. They paid cash for stampeders’ provisions and sold all kinds of merchandise.2) McConnell owned Bonanza property, city property and had a half interest in the steamer Willie Irving. In October 1898, a Dawson newspaper described him as exceptionally successful as his investments are made with shrewd perspicuity.3) McConnell built the Melbourne Hotel in Dawson, a log building three stories high containing twenty-seven rooms. Luella ended up owning the Melbourne before 1900. 4)
The McConnells purchased the property on Magnolia Avenue in St. Augustine, Florida but Ed McConnell soon disappears from the reports as Luella appears in town minus her jewels, her fortune, and her husband.5) Luella McConnell was known as Diamond Lil in St. Augustine where she founded her tourist attraction and where she arrived with a diamond embedded in her front tooth.6) After she died in a car accident, Ed McConnell returned to St. Augustine to claim her possessions.7)