The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1881-01-12
Poor Conklin.

The Sentinel published a short dispatch
on Christmas Day, giving brief account OF
the dastardly murder of A. NJ. Conklin, at
one time on the reportorial staff of this
paper, and at the time of his death the
editor of the Socorro New Mexico) Sun.
The Las Vegas Optic brings 10 hand the
following account of the tragedy:
"SoCoRRo. y. Mex, Dec. %, 1Ss0.-A. NJ. Conk-
lin, editor of the SOcorro SUM- was shot dead upon
the steps of the Church in this place last night.
At was upon the occasion of a Christmas tree. and
Methodist Church to enjoy the Christmas festiv-
tiles The Church was densely packed
with the leading American families OF
the distribution Of presents from the Christmas
tree, couple of young Mexicans OF the Baca
family. not related to the family of that name re-
selves in an unbecoming manner. Mr.. Conklin's
attention was called 10 their disgusting actions,
and he, at the instance of some ladies, who were
to Quiet hem thereby mourning Their III %
This was noticed by Mr. .C0nklin's friends sitting
near. but nothing serious was anticipated.
Chnrch ar the concIusior Of the entertainment
and while Mr.. Conklin, accompanied by his
happy wife and two friends, were elbowing their
S way y through crowded Doorway he was seized
COnklin's friends endeayoring to part them,
another Mexican seized Conklin's other arm, and
the third Mexican fred three shots at him. The
first missed, and either the second third took
effect in the poor mans heart. He died instantly
without uttering gr0an. His stricken wife was
following Immediately behind him when he fell
a victim to the assassins bullet, and she was at
once carried into the Church in a fainting condi-
| ton. The ladies at once gathered around her,
and the scene that followed beggars description.
Tine Church. which was so lately place of re-
joicing, such as was never before witnessed in
Soeorro, was converted into house of weeping
and waillng.
murders are at a house in Chihuahua, bad To-
cality and guarded by 1000 Mexicans. posse OF
citizens are procuring arms and will make an at
tack upon the house tonight. Winchester rifles
and shotguns will be the principal weapons, and
effective work
Rug KILLING
may result unless the murders are given up II
the posse fails to capture them the Governor will
be called upon to send troops at once The feel
ing against the Americans Is very strong and
they. as matter of necessity, will organize TO
Mr.. Conklin is well-known in Las Vegas, where
he made his home for about a year. at times being
connected with the Herald and Gazette. He was
an outspoken, fearless man, but his writings were
always guarded, and never gave offense. Upon
his recent visit to Las Vegas, about ten days ago
he called at the Optic office: and in the presence
of friends recited the hardships he had endured
in the endeavOr TO establish a newspaper in New
Mexico, but at last his bark was sailing smoothly
upon the journalistic waters and he felt sure that
he had found n town where he could succeed in
building up live, paying paper. However, his
life work Is done A. NJ 6onklin is no more.
May IT be well with him.
The Optic has the following to say edi-
torially:
A. NJ. Conklin. editor of the Socorro Sun, who
so brutality assasslnated at Socorro on Christ
mas Eve for resenting an insult to some ladies in
attendance at q Christmas tree, was one OF the
hard working well-posted aud highly-esteemed
journalists OF New Mexico Possessed of scanty
means only. yet his indomitable energy and per-
severance; MS force of character. sterling integ
rity enlarged capacity and sagacity, good. sound
judgment. great common sense and special
adaptation TO the newspaper business would have
enabled him to make success of the paper which
he had but succeeded in getting on its feet A.
NJ. Conklin's word considered as good as
his bond, and he was very prompt III all his deal
ings Kind and courteous in his manner, he won
the friendship of all acquaintance, and the sor-
rowing friends whom he has left behind him In
the battle of life will remember him for his many
charming qualities of mind and heart, and will
long cherish the memory of many pleasant hours
spent In his agreeable company.
As public-spirited man, he was always willing
to do anything in his paper, or assist in any way
any deserving enterprise. At the hour OF his
death, no one man was striving harder TO bring
the mines In the locality OF socorro TO the atten-
tfon of the outside world. He was man of re-
markable cheerful disposition, and his courtesy
and affability were the sunshine of many social
gatherings. His last words were: God, have
mercy on my SOUL"
The funeral was largely attended, and the
heartfelt sympathy Of many old. longtime friends
in Las Vegas go out to the afflicted wife OF the
dead journalist In this the hour Of her sad and
dark bereavement.