McConkey, Cobane 1822-1896

MCCONKEY, REED, GATES, GRAHAM, MUNN, BEATTY

Posted By: Barbara Hug (email)
Date: 7/24/2003 at 11:49:55

Died – at his home in this city, on Monday morning, April 13, 1896, Mr. Cobane McConkey, age 74 years, 2 months and 5 days.

Cobane McConkey was born in Harrison County, Ohio, February 8, 1822. At the age of 30 – October 21, 1852, he was married to Miss Sarah Jane Reed, in the old Campbell mansion in Bethany, W. Va., by the Sage of Bethany, Alexander Campbell. They went to housekeeping in Hopedale, Harrison County, Ohio, and lived in this historic town, so full of memories of the noble pioneers in the great movement for the restoration of primitive Christianity, till their removal to Scott County, Iowa, in 1854. Two years later they came to Jasper County, and settled in the neighborhood of the College farm, where they lived for forty years, till their coming to Newton last fall.

When 21 years of age he united with the Christian Church, at Hopedale, being baptized by Uncle Cyrus McNeely. His faithful wife was a member of the same congregation from her girlhood, and in the faith and defense of the simple Gospel of the Apostolic Church, they both have lived and labored ever since.

When the Christian Church was organized in the old courthouse in Newton, they became charter members, and faithful in his love for it, Mr. McConkey has been to the day of his departure.

Ten children were given them as a heritage from the Lord, six of whom survive their father, and while they mourn his going, they have a blessed memory of his godly life as a cheering example, and treasured inheritance, that no experience of earth can take away.

Four of his daughters and two sons all live in or near Newton, and their hands ministered to him to the end of his sickness, and they sadly follow his body to the grave. Their names are: Mrs. S. E. Gates, Mrs. Frank Graham, Mrs. J. W. Munn, Mrs. Bert Beatty, Chas. and Will McConkey.

About two months ago he was attacked by the grip, which aggravated the disposition to consumption long present, and from this latter disease he died.

In the death of Mr. McConkey a quiet life of unfailing integrity and unobtrusive goodness has gone out. Such lives are so precious that we wonder more of them do not spring up and flourish among the children of men.

The funeral services occurred at the Christian Church, at 10 o’clock Tuesday morning, conducted by the pastor, Rev. Sumner T. Martin, assisted by Revs. Harrah and Durant, after which the remains were taken to the Wittemberg Cemetery for interment. ~ The Newton (IA) Record, Friday, April 17, 1896, Page 1, Column 2