CLINTON L. CONKLING. This name will be at once recognized by all who are acquainted with the legal affairs of the county, as that of one of the most eminent lawyers in Springfield. Mr. Conkling was born in this city October 16, 1843, being a son of Hon. James C. Conkling, the present Postmaster, whose history is given elsewhere in this volume. His early education was received in the local schools and he then entered Yale College, from which he was graduated in the class of 1864. Having determined to follow in his father's footsteps, he read law under the latter's direction and was admitted to the bar of 1867.

Immediately after that event the law firm of J.C. & C.L. Conkling was formed and continued in existence until 1874. The father then engaged in manufacturing and the son abandoned his practice for three years and aided his father in the new enterprise. Young Conkling then resumed his professional labors, gathering up the business which the old firm had laid down. During the year 1881 he was in partnership with Judge W. L. Gross, then practiced alone until July 1, 1886, when he formed a partnership with Joseph M. Grout. The general business of the firm is incorporation and municipal law. They also do a large amount of civil and chancery business and in matters connected with the settlement of estates and trusts.

Mr. Conkling practices in both State and Federal Courts. He and his partner have been counsel for the city of Springfield, and general attorneys for the St. Louis & Chicago Railway Company and other corporations in the State. During a portion of the time since the firm was organized, mr. Grout has been City Attorney. Mr. conkling is especially well versed in corporation law and has one of the finest and best selected law libraries in the city. He has not been interested in politics, but is a prominent member of various social organizations and much interested in the educational institutions of the city. He has been a member of the Board of Education for four years and is now serving his third term as President. The interest of the public is safe in his hands, as all who visit the schools of this city will acknowledge.

For some years Mr. Conkling was a member of the Board of Directors of the Public Library, but resigned because he could not discharge the duties which devolved upon him in that body and the Board of Education at the same time. He was largely instrumental in the founding and organization of the city library and has never lost his interest in it. He has been a member of the Board of Supervisors for four years. Mr. Conkling belongs to Springfield Lodge No. 465, I.O.O.F., in which he has passed through the various chairs. He also belongs to the Knights of Pythias, the Order of Elks, the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and the Masonic fraternity, in the latter being a Knight Templar. He is also one of the directors of the Ridgely National Bank.

The lady whom Mr. Conkling won for his wife is a native of Brooklyn, N.Y., and bore the maiden name of Georgiana Barrell. She was living in this city at the time of her marriage, which was solemnized at the home of her parents, March 12, 1867. Mrs. Conkling is a lady of refinement and fine character and is highly regarded by a large circle of friends. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Conkling consists of two children - Georgie B. and Katherine. Both parents are members of the Second Presbyterian Church, with which our subject has been identified since 1865. For fourteen years he was Treasurer, for the past twenty years has been an Elder, and he likewise acted as Assistant Superintendent of the Sunday school for a number of years.