HON. JAMES C. CONKLING, A.B. It is with pleasure that we trace the history of the principal events of his past life. We cannot follow it in detail through every changeful year but can only record the chief incidents in a life that has extended over a period of more than seventy years - years which since maturity have been passed in useful labors for his family, his neighbors and his country. He is one of the few who have lived in Springfield for more than half a century, during which period he has been a conspicuous figure in legal circles, social life and public affairs.

In New York City October 13, 1816, a child was born to Stephen and Abigail (Cook) Conkling, upon whom was bestowed the name James C. The lad received his academic education at Morristown, N.J., continued his studies at Princeton College and was graduated therefrom in 1835 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. The logical bent of his mind and his powers of expression gave promise of success in the legal arena, to which his tastes led him. He came to this State in November, 1838, at once locating in Springfield where he was admitted to the bar. He has continued his practice to the present time with the exception of the period devoted to public affairs in positions to which he has been called by the people. He ranks among the ablest lawyers in the city and is by many regarded as the most eloquent member of the bar of Springfield. Some of his oratorical efforts are considered equal to any production of Edward Everett and none who hear him will hesitate in according him high praise.

In 1845 Mr. Conkling was elected Mayor of the city. In 1851 he was a member of the Legislature and again in 1867. For several years Peoria, Springfield, Bloomington and other towns had been contending for the location of the seat of Government and the vexed question was one of the important issues during the election in 1866. When the Legislature assembled Mr. Conkling presented a bill providing for the erection of a new State Capitol at Springfield and after such delay as is common the bill was referred back by the Committee on Public Buildings and with some slight changes passed both Houses and was approved by Gov. Oglesby. This bill practically settled the question as to the permanent seat of Government. Mr. Conkling being a member of the Committee on Public Buildings had opportunity to do efficient work in behalf of the measure and thus won the gratitude of all who chose Springfield as the center of the Commonwealth.

In politics Mr. Conkling has been active, earnest and efficient. He was a member of the Bloomington Convention in 1856 when the Republican party was formed in Illinois. John M. Palmer was president of that convention, Owen P. Lovejoy was also a member, and a large number of the prominent politicians of the State were in attendance. Mr. Conkling was also a member of the Committee on Resolutions which framed the platform. In the year 1860 he was a Lincoln Elector and also in the year 1864. He has frequently attended the National Conventions, Philadelphia, Cincinnati and Chicago being visited by him when he was President in the conventions and he has generally taken part in "stumping" the central portion of the State during the campaigns. His clear and logical presentation of the vital issues has done much to open the eyes of the people and bind closer together the ranks of his chosen party.

During the Civil War Mr. Conkling was appointed State Agent by Gov. Yates for the purpose of settling with the State for moneys advanced by it and he assisted Gov. Yates in organizing the troops that were sent forward. He attended many meetings with the people for the purpose of securing volunteers and forming regiments and did noble work in aid of the Union cause. In 1867 he was made one of the fourteen members of the Lincoln Monument Association and is one of the two original members still holding membership, the other being Gov. Oglesby. March 18, 1890, Mr. Conkling received from President Harrison the appointment of Postmaster of Springfield and has twenty-one men under his control and direction. He belongs to the Second Presbyterian Church in which he has been an Elder since 1858. A personal character above reproach, a mind keen and cultured, and the manners of a gentleman give Mr. Conkling prominence and his actions weight over all with whom he comes in contact. Even those who are opposed to him in politics and in the legal arena pay him the measure of respect due to his genuine merits.

At Baltimore, Md., September 21, 1841, Mr. Conkling was united in marriage with Miss Mercie Levering, a daughter of Capt. Levering who fought at the battle of Bladensburg. The bride was born in Georgetown, D.C., November 21, 1817, and still enjoys the pleasures of life by her husband's side. Mr. and Mrs. Conkling are the parents of five living children - Clinton L., Annie V., Charles, James, Jr., and Alice.

The eldest is an attorney-at-law in Springfield; Annie is the wife of Dr. Fred L. Mathews of the same city. Mrs. Conkling is a lady of culture and refinement and the sons and daughters have had such advantages of example and training as to fit them for the best society.