J. H. McConkey died at his home in Blunt, Dakota, August, 25, 1885, aged 31 years, 9 months, and 19 days.

He was born in Niagara, N. Y. His mother was a sister to Wm. S. Ercanbrack, and died when J. H. was but a few months old. His father, John McConkey moved with his children to Minnesota. He afterwards went to Wisconsin, where he died of consumption, in 1865.

J. H. McConkey gave his heart to God in his early days, and united with the Baptist church in St. Paul. He subsequently moved to Byron, where he was united in marriage with Miss Carrie Hoffman in the fall of 1875, and on March 26, 1876, (s)he was called to her eternal home, consumption being her disease. About the year 1877 he joined the Congregational church in Byron. He was also a Charter member of the Sons of Temperance.

He was again united in the holy bonds of matrimony to Miss Alice Rood Dec. 19, 1879, and in May 14, 1883 went to Dakota in company with Geo. Rood to seek a home in the far west. Stopping in Blunt, he worked at the carpenter trade, and at such other employment as came to his hand until the fall of 1884 when, he contracted a severe cold while helping to fill an ice house, which culminated in consumption.

Frequently during his illness he expressed a desire to be spared to his family, to which he was strangely attached, but was willing to leave the result in the hands of Him who doeth all things well. He bore his sufferings uncomplainingly and died quietly.

He leaves a wife, two small children, one sister and two brothers to mourn their loss. The funeral services were held at his residence, Thursday Aug. 27.

Byron Express, Sep. 18, 1885, p. 1