Howard's Story
Birth: July 29th, 1860 | male | in Toms River Township, Ocean, New Jersey
Death: September 12th, 1861 | 1 year old | in Parleys Park, Summit, Utah
Memorial: Stone 10 | left column | 6th name
Howard’s parents were John Henry Conk and Lucy Ann Bennett, both of New Jersey. Howard was the second out of eleven children born into this family.
The Conk's traveled west to join the Ira Eldredge Company with other Saints to come to the Salt Lake Valley in Utah. The company left July 1.
When the company was 1 day away from entering the Salt Lake Valley, little Howard passed away. There was no information found as to why he passed away. Little Howard was the 10th and last death in the company's travels.
1 year old Howard is buried in Parley’s Park in Utah.
According to his father's journal of the journey, he says:
“Sept 12 Travelled 5¾ h{.} nooned on Silver Creek Very pleasant Good Road. Afternoon 1¾ h and Camped astride Parleys Park.”
The company journal said:
“Listed as tenth death in the trail notes of the company they came across the plains in, see father's notes for full record. #10. Howard R Conk; age 13 months 12 d; Country: America; Date and Place of Death: 12 Sept 61; Nature of Disease: Canker; Name of Father: John H[enry]. Conk; Maiden Name of Mother: Lucy A[nn] Bennett; Remarks: Buried Parley Park”