Person:John Conklin (14)

John Newton Conklin, son of Felix and Mary Linda (Frazee) Conkling was born on 4 July 1840 in Liberty, Union county, Indiana. John enlisted in the Union forces (19th Indiana Light Artillery) on 11 August 1862 at the age of 22. He mustered out on 10 June 1865. In the 1880's he claimed injury ("hit in head") at Atlanta on 27 July 1864. John married Phoebe Jane Tappen. Phoebe was born in 1843 and died in 1922. The 1919 Wayne County Directory of Farmers and Breeders lists John and his wife Phoebe as having a son, John. John Newton Conklin died on 2 April 1926 and is buried with his wife at Riverside Cemetery in Cambridge City, Indiana.

Research Notes

From Cambridge City Tribune:

• 1875 Jun 24, p 3 - On last Thursday evening, while J.N. Conklin was talking to his wife in front of his father's residence, Maggie Devenney, a servant in the family, came out and requested him to come in the house. This, we are informed she done at the request of Mrs. Conklin. At this Newt. became enraged and in a threatening manner started for Maggie. She seeing that he was very angry, started to run. Newt. following her in close pursuit until he stumbled and fell. The fall only added fuel to his rage, and he got up and succeeded in catching her out on the porch, and at once proceeded to demonstrate the superiority of the male sex over the weaker vessel by a vigorous exercise of muscle. The heavy blows and the cries of murder from Maggie soon brought the neighbors to the scene of action, and in a short time all was quiet. We don't know whether Maggie deserved a licking or not, but if she was naughty, Newt. should have told his ma on her instead of doing as he did.
• 1898 Mar 10, p 3 - Newton Conklin says parties were firing dynamite in the river along his farm a few nights ago, killing fish by the hundreds.
• 1904 Mar 8, p 3 - The Citizens' Telephone Co. now has 825 local phones in use, and are adding to the number almost every day. Monday they put in three - one for J. N. Conklin and two at Milton. The time will be when every home of any pretense will be connected with the rest of the world by telephone.
• 1912 Jun 6, p 2 - The surviving members of the famous 19th Indiana battery will rendezvous at thsi place on Tuesday, August 20, and proceed to the farm of J. Newt Conklin, where they will be entertained. On that date 50 years ago this battery was mustered into service at Indianapolis. It was recruited largely in this part of the State, and was camped on Capital Hill for several weeks. On the Sunday previous to leaving for Indianapolis, the citizens of Cambridge City gave the boys a big dinner and farewell social at the camp at which Lafe Develin and others made speeches. Of the 150 members, only about 40 are living and these are widely separated. It is thought that at least 25 will be present at the reunion.
• 1926 Apr 1, p 7 - J. Newton Conklin, the aged war veteran, who has been in feeble health for the past year, is fast approaching the end. He has been unconscious since Sunday.
• 1926 Apr 8, p 5 - John Newton Conklin, an aged veteran of the Civil war and an officer of the 19th Indiana Battery, died last Friday night following several years of illness, at his home north of Cambridge City. He was born at Liberty, Indiana, July 4 1840, and has lived in this community the greater part of his life. Funeral services were held at the home Monday afternoon, conducted by Rev. J. J. Rea. The W. R. C. and the American Legion of this city and Dublin took part in the ceremonies at the home and the grave. Burial in Riverside cemetery. Obituary next week.

1. ↑ ^1.0 1.1 Birth and death dates from tombstone info.
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1 2.2} Cambridge City Tribune. (Cambridge City, Indiana)
   p 3, 15 Apr 1926.

   John Newton Conklin, youngest son of Felix and Mary Frazee Conklin, was born at Liberty, Union county, Indiana, July 4, 1840. He being the youngest, is also the last of his father's family. He attended the public schools of his home town, was later a student of Miami University. Leaving there he entered the service of the Union army, serving with the 19th Indiana Battery from August 20, 1862, until the close of the war, receiving an honorable discharge July 6, 1865.
   His great pride and joy was talking with his comrades of war, and the last rites are given in accordance with his wishes.
   On October 17, 1877 he was united in marriage to Phoebe Tappen of Brookville, who died July 18, 1922. To this union one son, John, was born. Surviving Comrade Conklin are his son and wife, three grandchildren and two sisters-in-law, together with a host of friends who knew him and loved and respected him.
   He had been a great sufferer for a number of years, being confined to his bed and room for almost three years. At last, whn (sic) life's trials were over, he closed his eyes and entered into a peaceful rest. And thus a good man, a good neighbor, father and friend is gone.