William Conklin

As printed in 1902

WILLIAM CONKLIN.

For forty-two years William Conklin has been a resident of Springfield, and his worth as a citizen in public affairs and as a representative of business interests is widely acknowledged. At the present time he is living a retired life, in the enjoyment of a rest which he has truly earned and richly deserves. He was born in Somerset county, New Jersey, August 18, 1827, and was educated in the subscription schools, while 1> was reared upon the home farm of his parents, William and Cornelia (Goltry) Conklin, both of whom were natives of New Jersey and were of English ancestry. The father was a well known farmer, and died at the home of his son in Springfield at the age of seventy-nine years. He was a man of strong constitution, and in his busiaffairs was energetic and peters mined, acquiring all that he possessed. When the country became involved in the second war with England, in 1812, he joined His political support In his family ness the army as a private. was given the Democracy. were six children, but only two are now living: William, who was the eldest, and Mrs. Elizabeth Trowell, of Franklin, Indiana. Those who have passed away are: John, who was a well known grocer of Springfield and for four years served as a soldier in the Civil war; Stephen; James, who made his home in Springfield for a time; and Augusta, who was the wife of Granville Winger.

William Conklin was educated in the subscription schools and remained upon the home farm until sixteen years of age, when he went to Brooklyn, New York, where he learned the mason’s and plasterer’s trade, serving a four years’ apprenticeship. He afterward worked in that city as a journeyman, and in 1859 he located in Yellow Springs, Greene county, Ohio, where he began doing contract work. In 1863 he came to Springfield and has since continuously resided in this city. He located at his present home in 1865, it being a country residence at that time. He purchased property and built for himself thirty-three dwellings in this city. He was also one of.the pioneer mason contractors and employed many men, for a large share of the business in his line.

was awarded him. He was generally engaged as a plasterer, and during the busy seasons had a force of ninety workmen. His exterfsive operations and capable management made him well-to-do, and at length he retired with a handsome competence. His own home, which he erected, was one of the first built in the neighborhood. The last contract which he took was on the Savings Bank in 1899, and since that time he has lived retired from business cares. He was one of the prime movers in the purchase of the plant now operated by the Trump Manufacturing Company, and since the incorporation of this company he has been its vice-president. He is also one of the directors of the Lagonda National Bank and of the Champion Coal & Ice Company.

Mr. Conklin has been twice married, On Long Island, on the 3d of January, 1854, he wedded Mary Selleck. who died in Springfield, March 20, 1863. She had four children, of whom three died in infancy, while Anna is the widow of Charles Atkinson and has two children, Charles Dewitt and George Harry. In March, 1865, Mr. Conklin was again married, his second union being with Emily E. Cole, who was a school teacher in Springfield. She was born in Pulaski, Otsego county, New York, in October, 1833, pursued a public school course and in 1855 came to this city, where for eight years she was closely and actively associated with educational work, being one of the most capable instructors in the schools here at an early day. She has always had considerable influence along such lines and has been a popular member of social circles where true worth and intelligence are received as the passports into good society. When she was a little maiden of twelve years she went with an uncle in 1836 to Racine county, Wisconsin. This was during,the territorial days of the state and her uncle, Albert G. Cole, engaged in the practice of law there and was one of the delegates who framed the’ constitution when the state was admitted to the Union. His efforts, too, were effective in securing its admission, and he was a prominent and influential citizen. Mrs. Conklin remained in Wisconsin for nine years. By her marriage she became the mother of two children: Alexander C. and Emily C., but both died in early childhood.

Mr. Conklin has been a member of the city council, and for eleven years was a member of the board of education. He has never sought official honors, being of a modest and rather retiring disposition, but these were conferred upon him by his fellow townsmen, who recognized his worth and ability. He belongs to Springfield Lodge, No. 33, I.

As printed in A Biographical Record of Clark County Ohio (1902). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.