Semi-weekly herald., 1912-03-04
FRIENDS PAY LAST TRIBUTE
TO MEMORY OF F. CONNER

associates and friends of the late
Frank Conner as well as people who
knew him, not intimately, but as a
respected resident of this city for
many years.
The center portion of the church
was reserved for the family of the
departed, for the members of the Du-
range band, who attended in body
for the B. P. o. Elks, and the Wood
men of the World, large representa-
ton from both of the last two named
being present.
The pail bearers were Messrs. A. M.
Anheier, F. S. Balster, N. F. Cooke,
M. Harrington, John Morlock and Will
liam Iredale. The casket was covered
with flowers, most of them being set
pieces from the organizations to which
the departed belonged, and from per-
sonal friends.
Rev. W. s. Crozier, pastor of the
Presbyterian church was in charge of
the service, which consisted of pray
er, and readings from the Scriptures
with an obituary:
Frank Xavier Conner was born in
the city of Luxemburg, Germany, on
the third of May, 1860, being the
youngest of family of three, and
the only son. His parents were Mr..
and Mrs. Paul Conner, the latter dying
when Frank was quite small.
After the lapse of some years. Mr..
Conner married again and with his
second wife is still living in Luxem-
burg. Both daughters are married,
one residing in Luxembourg, the other
in Berlin.
The first seventeen years of the
boys life were spent in the city of
his birth, where he was carefully edu-
Gated, being destined for the priest
hood, since his family were devout
Catholics. The life did not appeal to
the lad and he rebelled. Paul Conner,
like the heads of so many German
families, was rigid disciplinarian,
and gave his son his choice between
! the-c church and the army as future
career. Since Frank cared for neither,
and some of the things he might do,
were not agreeable to the family, his
father consented to his making a trip
to the United States with an uncle,
who is at present located in California.
Doubtless the elder Conner thought
that the boy would, after a time, grow
tired of this country and, returning
to his native land, would serve his
time in the German army as all able
bodied youths must do, and then set
tie down to one of the possessions.
But Franks preistidice aeainst serv-
. ..issn~'.hs German army was deep
seated, more so than his father knew
as events proved, for he never re-
turned to serve the allotted time.
The subject of our sketch remained
with his uncle for year or two after
reaching the United States, and then
struck out for himself, visiting num-
ber of different cities and finally drift
ing to Albuquerque, thence to Du.
range.
1t was in the late '80s that he OBJ.
tanned position on the Home ranch
in the Animas valley, at that time
owned by Mr.. Archdeakin. Later he
went into the express business in Du.
range in which he was engaged for q
couple of years.
In 1889 W. H. Roberts came to Du
range from Clinton, Mo-, and Opener
photograph gallery. Mr.. Come
studied the business with Mr.. Robert
first as assistant, then partner, an
finally when Mr.. Roberts returned
Clinton in 1891, becoming sole owne
of the business. He was actively er
gagged in conducting photograph
studio in Durango, continuously sine
that time, and did some remarkabl
and beautiful work. His studies {
children and pictures of scenery re
ceived special commendation.
On June IT, 1891, Mr.. Conner wa
married to Miss Hattie Estelle Rol
erts, daughter of the w. Fl. Robert
mentioned above, charming girl
Southern descent, with a delightf'
personality and gifted above the az
erage.
Three children were born to M
and Mrs. Conner. Two Of these, Hel
ry Paul, and Dorothea Constance, al
still living. The third died in infanc
Young Mrs. Conner passed ava
June 8, 1897.
The departed was member Of d.
range lodge 607 B. p. o. Elks I
which organization he was past el
allied ruler. He also belonged to A.
tee camp No. 30, Woodmen Of Il
World, and was member of the
M. C. Mr.. Conner was always ver
fond Of music and for a number {
years played In the Durango band.
The music was furnished by a cho
under the direction Of Mrs. George I
Hend, the services commencing wit
tie singing Of Nearer, My God, 7
Thee," and the hymns "Come Ye Di'