The Hillsdale Standard

Execution of H. B. Conklin for Murder in the First Degree!!

The unfortunate Conklin was executed at a quarter past 11 o'clock this A. M., and was attended by Rev. P. H. Fowler, of the First Presbyterian Church of this city, of which, Conklin's mother is an exemplary member, and has been his spiritual adviser. He attended him during the morning also, and offered the consolation of the Gospel in his last moments.

The prisoner ever since his conviction has exhibited a proper spirit. He has been very much broken in heart for his past misdeeds, and has looked with hope and confidence for forgiveness. His conversation with regard to such as he thought had wronged him, has all been in the most Christian spirit. His last night he declared to have been the happiest of his life. He often and again protested he would choose to die rather than to live the life he had lived.

Rev. Mr. Fowler informs us he conceived that no man in his circumstances could act better than he had done since his conviction. The instrument of death was a lever, with its larger end about two feet longer than its shorter, and erected in the yard at Whitesboro. To the lower end were attached 356 lbs. weight--from the shorter end the prisoner was suspended. The longer arm was fastened with a cord to a beam, and by cutting the cord the weights were made to fall, and the other end was suddenly raised about 6 feet. In the enclosure were about 200 persons--Jurymen, Special Deputies, and officers. The Utica Citizen Corps and the Waterville Corps were on duty at 11 o'clock.

DEATH WARRANT

Signed by Judges Gridley, Root, Evans, and Pennfield, 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 he was brought from his cell accompanied by Rev. Mr. Fowler. He was dressed in a black dress coat and pants, his arms were bound behind him. On his head was the death cap, and on his neck was the fatal rope. He was placed on a chair beneath the gallows. Rev. Mr. Fowler said; Conklin wished me to say for him that he had nothing to add that he had not already committed to paper, but he prayed that this awful example may be sanctified to all present, and prayed that it might be a warning to all to shun his course, and to prepare yourselves for the certain death that awaits you all. He entreats that you may all be ready at the appointed hour. He was placed on the chair beneath the gallows. Rev. Mr. Fowler then offered a fervent prayer for the pardon of the prisoner, and that he might be with Christ that hour in Paradise. Conklin said, "The Lord Jesus receive my Spirit," and Mr. Fowler said, Lord have mercy on your Soul.

The prisoner was calm, and met his death as though he looked for a brighter prospect beyond the tomb. While Under Sheriff Ostram was adjusting the rope, Conklin once or twice repeated--"Lord Jesus receive my spirit!"-- The death-cap was pulled down; the rope cut; and Conklin was raised some 6 feet. His neck was not broken, but the jerk rendered him insensible, and he suffered no pain; although his pulse was observed by Drs. Smith, Talcott and Cobb to beat for 13 minutes!

He died by strangulation, and easy, though life lingered long. He was left hanging thirty minutes. His body was cut down and placed in a coffin, and brought in a hearse to the residence of his father in this city.