Source:  Daily Ohio Statesman
Date: 1851 - 11 - 15
EXECUTION of J. H. B. Conklin, for the First Degree. - Utica, Nov. 23.
     The unfortunate Conklin was executed at quarter past 11 o'clock this morning, and was attended by Rev. P. S. Fowler, of the 1st Presbyterian Church of this city  - of which Conklin's mother is an exemplary member - who has been his spiritual adviser.  He attended him during this morning, also, and offered the consolations of the gospel in the last moments.  He has been very much broken in heart for his past misdeeds, and has looked with hope and confidence for forgiveness.  His conversation in regard to such as he thought had wronged him, has been in the most Christian spirit.  Last night he declared to be the happiest of his life.  He again and again protested that he would choose to die rather than live the life he had lived.
     Rev. Mr. Fowler informs us, that he cannot conceive that a man, in such circumstances, could act better than he has done since his conviction.
     The instrument of death was a lever, with one arm about two feet shorter than the other, erected in the yard at Whitesboro'.  To the longer were attached 365 pounds weight; from the shorter the prisoner was suspended.  The longer arm was fastened by a cord to a beam, and by cutting the cord the other arm of the lever was suddenly raised about 6 feet.
     In the enclosure were about 200 persons - jurymen, special deputies, and officers. The Utica Citizen's Corps, and the Waterville Corps were on duty.  At 11 o'clock, the death warrant, signed by Judges Gridley, Root, Evans and Penfield, was read by the District Attorney to the prisoner in his cell.  He listened to it calmly, and then shook hands with those about him.  At a quarter past 11 o'clock the prisoner was brought from his cell.  He was dressed in a black dress coat and pants; his arms were bound with a cord; on his head was a death cap, and around his neck the fatal rope.  He was placed on a chair beneath the gallows.  Rev. Mr. Fowler said:  Conklin wishes me to say for hi that he has nothing to add to what he has already committed to paper, but he prays that his awful example may be sanctified to all present, and that it may be a warning to all to shun his course, and to be prepared for the certain death which awaits you all.  He entreats that you may all be ready at your appointed hour to meet him in judgment.
     Rev. Mr. Fowler then offered a fervent prayer for the pardon of the prisoner, and that he might be with Christ that hour in Pradise.
     Conklin said - Lord Jesus receive my spirit.
     The prisoner was calm and exhibited no signs of fear, but met death like one who saw a brighter prospect beyond the tomb.  While under Sheriff Astram was adjusting the rope, Conklin once or twice repeated the words, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit."
     The death cap was pulled over the unfortunate man's face, the rope was cut, and Conklin was raised several feet from the ground.  His neck was not broken, but the jerk rendered him insensible, and he probably suffered no pain afterwards, although his pulse was observed by Drs. Smith, Talcott and Cobb, who were in attendance, to beat for twelve or thirteen minutes after he was suspended.  He died by strangulation, and comparatively easy, though life lingered long.  As he rose he clenched his fists, and then scarcely made another movement.  After a while, a few convulsions, and all was over.
     After hanging about thirty minutes, his body was cut down, placed in a coffin, and brought in a hearse to the residence of his father in this city.

     In a canvass of some of the prominent Republicans of this place as to their choice for President, and; For Sherman, 12; Blaine, 9; Grant, 4;  Inger__l, 1; Garfield, 1; Evaris, 1.  This fully represents the sentiment of the voters here, and many of the __ soldiers would not support Grant if nominated, and most are opposed to the third term.

FRANKLIN - Rev. A. C. Powell, of Riverside, and Rev. John Shannon, of Oxford, are visiting friends here.

Miss E. Rush, daughter of Rev. Mr. Rush, pastor of the Christian Church, will be married this evening to a Mr. Phontz, of Dayton, O.  The ceremony will be performed at the church.
     The marriage of Miss Effie Rush, daughter of Rev. and Mrs. H. T. Rush of this place, and Mr. Daniel H. Pfoutz will be solemnized this evening at the Christian Church.  They will commence the new year together, and may it be a happy one.

    
(Transcribed from Genealogy Bank by Sharon Wick on 6/7/2009)