WILLIAM J. CONKLING, attorney-at-law in Springfield, is probably the oldest Notary Public in the State, having been appointed June 1, 1857, by Gov. Bissell, and re-appointed by each successive occupant of the Gubernatorial chair. He received the appointment January 18, 1876, of Public Administrator from Gov. Beveridge and this appointment has been renewed from time to time by the succeeding governors. Mr. Conkling is also engaged in prosecuting claims against the Government. His life presents a picture of energy and perseverance under difficulties which make it worthy the emulation of all young men who are ambitious to gain knowledge and reach a high standing in their life's labor.

Stephen Conkling, the father of our subject, was born October 22, 1786, in New Jersey, and married September 1, 1818, Sarah Belknap, of Newburg, Orange County, N.Y. He was engaged in merchandising and other pursuits in New York City until 1831, when he removed to Mt. Vernon, Ohio. While living at that place he was a witness of the wonderful phenomenon familiarly known as the falling of the stars. In August, 1839, the family removed to LeRoy, McLean County, Ill., and our subject, although a youth not yet grown to manhood, began farming, aiding by his industrious efforts in the support of the family. He continued in his agricultural work as well as in teaching school until he had nearly attained to the age of twenty-two years. He then went to Oberlin, Ohio, and entering the famous college there, advanced his knowledge during four years of close application to his books.

The birth of our subject had taken place in New York City November 21, 1826, and in September, 1850, he entered college. After completing his literary studies he came to Springfield, January 18, 1853, and began the study of law with his brother, James C. Conkling. He was admitted to the bar October 14, 1854, and soon afterward, November 15, formed a partnership with Erastus Wright, one of the oldest settlers in the county, for the transaction of real estate business. The two gentlemen were connected in business until May 23, 1857, and it is probable that no resident of the city has done more in that line than our subject. He traveled all over the State for his brother and also closed out Mr. Wright's large business. He has entered, bought and sold real estate from that time and still has a large amount of outside property. He has also engaged in building and at the same time has been active in the practice of his profession.

Mr. Conkling was married to Miss Olivia Jennette Holton, of Thetford, Orange County, Vt., September 11, 1855, at the residence of Orange B. Heaton, M.D., near Virden, Macoupin County, this state, the bride being a sister of Mrs. Heaton. Mr. and Mrs. Conkling have three children living. The eldest, Ella G., is the wife of Henry P. Buckley, of Springfield, to whom she was married March 9, 1876, and their family consists of six children - William T., Mary Alice, Harry M., Edgar H., Ralph C. and Julia Jeanette. William H., the second child, is engaged with C. D. Roberts, dealer in gentlemen's furnishing goods in Springfield; he married, May 29, 1884, Miss Sarah J. Thompson, of Jacksonville, and has two children - Ella Grace and Jeanette Amy. Grace H., the youngest child, was married June 18, 1885, to George W. Leaverton, of Springfield, an extensive dealer in boots and shoes, and has two children - May Jeanette and William John.

Mr. Conkling is a member of the Republican party and before its formation was a Whig. As will be seen from the above paragraphs he possesses indomitable energy, is able to carry to a successful issue more than one line of work, and it may also be said of him that he is temperate, courteous and self-respecting.