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The Writings of Sam Konkel – A Voice of the Plains Part 1
Introducing Sam Konkel – Pioneer Journalist of the High Plains
A Life in Print: Who Was Sam Konkel?
Few figures have captured the early history of southeastern Colorado with the depth, wit, and detail of Sam Konkel. A newspaper editor, historian, and passionate advocate for the settlement of Baca County, Konkel’s writings provide a rare firsthand perspective on the struggles and triumphs of frontier life. Whether chronicling the rise and fall of Old Boston, the challenges of dry farming, or the political battles of the early 20th century, Konkel’s voice remains an essential thread in the tapestry of High Plains history.

Right: Sam Konkel, “The Writer” of the 1918-1919 recollections
of the Wild West town of Boston Colorado.
Born in the late 19th century, S. M. (Sam) Konkel was drawn to the newspaper industry at a time when small-town editors played a critical role in shaping public discourse. He cut his teeth in journalism during the late 1800s and early 1900s, serving as editor for multiple newspapers, including The Boston World (1886–1889), Lyons Democrat, and the Springfield Herald (1913–1919) and the Springfield Democrat Herald (1920ish – 1930). His work extended beyond local news, as he also contributed articles on farming and social issues to widely circulated agricultural magazines such as Farm & Fireside.
Konkel’s writing is notable for its direct style, descriptive language, and often wry humor. He did not shy away from political commentary, engaging in sharp exchanges with rival editors and officials. At the same time, he had an undeniable appreciation for the settlers who braved the harsh conditions of the High Plains, and he took it upon himself to document their stories with a journalist’s keen eye for detail.
The Boston World: A Newspaper at the Edge of Civilization
Konkel’s first major editorial endeavor was The Boston World, founded in 1886 in Old Boston, Colorado. At that time, southeastern Colorado was a land of opportunity and lawlessness, where town boosters and land speculators sought to create new settlements on the plains. Boston quickly became a hub of economic activity, but like many boomtowns of the era, it was short-lived. By 1889, a combination of economic downturn, harsh environmental conditions, and outlaw activity—including a notorious shootout involving members of the Jennings gang—led to the town’s decline.

Throughout this turbulent period, The Boston World was a lifeline for settlers, providing news, business updates, and political discourse. It was also one of the only sources of recorded history for the region. Decades later, Konkel would revisit these early days in a 64-part series of articles written for the Springfield Herald in 1918–1919, chronicling the rise and fall of Old Boston and offering a detailed account of frontier life.
The Springfield Herald: A New Era of Journalism
In 1913, after years of writing for various newspapers in Kansas and Colorado, Konkel returned to southeastern Colorado and purchased the Springfield Herald, the only surviving newspaper in Baca County at the time. In his salutatory address to readers, Konkel reflected on his past, noting that it was fitting for him—having founded the first newspaper in the region—to now take ownership of its last remaining publication. He changed the name of the Springfield Herald to the Springfield Democrat-Herald sometime in 1920
Under Konkel’s leadership, the Herald became an essential voice in Baca County, covering local events, political issues, and agricultural developments. Unlike many editors of his time, Konkel did not use his platform merely as a political mouthpiece; instead, he positioned the Herald as a newspaper that would serve the broader interests of the community. He openly invited correspondents from different parts of the county to contribute news, helping to keep settlers connected despite the vast distances between homesteads.
Politically, Konkel was a progressive Democrat, aligning himself with figures like William Jennings Bryan and Woodrow Wilson. He made it clear that while the Herald would support Democratic policies, it would not be a blindly partisan publication. Instead, he promised fair coverage and a commitment to truth, emphasizing that his newspaper would hold officials accountable regardless of party affiliation.
A Chronicler of the High Plains
Beyond journalism, Konkel was a historian at heart. His writings provide a unique glimpse into life on the High Plains, from the challenges of dry farming to the social customs of early settlers. In his many articles, he documented the transformation of Baca County from a sparsely populated frontier to a growing agricultural community.

One of his most compelling essays, Baca County Ten Years Ago and Now, captures the dramatic changes in the region between the late 1800s and early 1900s. He describes how, in the early days, the county was thought to be unsuitable for agriculture, dominated instead by cattle ranchers who believed the land could never support farming. By the time of his writing, however, innovations in dry farming had changed that perception, and Baca County was experiencing an agricultural boom.
Konkel also had a deep appreciation for language and historical context. He often reflected on the linguistic diversity of early America, noting how different immigrant groups influenced the way people spoke and wrote in newspapers. His writing style, rich in historical references and colloquialisms, preserves a way of speaking and thinking that has largely disappeared from modern journalism.
Legacy and Ongoing Influence
Though Konkel passed away decades ago, his writings remains significant. His detailed accounts of early Baca County provide some of the most reliable historical records available on the settlement of southeastern Colorado. His journalism helped shape public discourse during a transformative period in American history, offering insights into rural life, agricultural development, and political change.
His stories serve as a bridge between the past and present, reminding us of the resilience, struggles, and ingenuity of those who first carved a life out of the High Plains.
As this series unfolds, we will dive deeper into Konkel’s work—his historical narratives, political writings, and reflections on agriculture. Through his words, we will see the evolution of a region, a profession, and a man who dedicated his life to recording the world around him.
Since we are writing about Sam, we might as well use one of his closings… Right at this point we find we have “overdrawn” on our space account, so we will squirt some embalming fluid into the rest of the yarn to keep it from spoiling, and will give it to you the next time.
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