My Genealogy Hound

JOHN L. CONKLIN. For a number of years, Mr. Conklin, who is now deceased, was numbered among the business men of Springfield, Clark County, and he was possessed in a marked degree of those traits of character which made him universally popular among the young and old. Affable, generous and high minded, no man could point to an unworthy act of his, and when passing away he was mourned not only by his immediate family, but by hosts of friends. As a business man he was more than ordinarily successful, and left to his family a fine estate, including an elegant home, with all of the comforts and luxuries of modern life.

A native of Morris County, N. J., Mr. Conklin was born February 2, 1842, being the son of William Conklin, a native of the same county, and a descendant of one of four brothers who were early settlers of Spring Valley, N. J. William Conklin was one of four sons, and was reared to agricultural pursuits, which he followed in his native State, and remained a resident there until about two years before his death. He then sold his farm and went to Springfield to visit his sons, and died at the home of his son William.

The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Cornelia Galtra. She survived her husband many years, and died at the home of her son, John L., at the advanced age of eighty-two. Mr. Conklin, of whom we write, was reared and educated in his native county, and when a young man entered the employ of the Government as a clerk at the Brooklyn navy yard. He held that position until 1871, then removed to Springfield, and embarked in the grocery business. He was possessed of sound judgment and fine business abilities, was courteous to his customers, and thus made many friends, acquiring a large trade. In fact he became the leading groceryman of the city, and continued the business until the illness which terminated in his death, January 5, 1885.

The marriage of John L. Conklin and Miss Helen Parcells, was celebrated at the bride’s home in Brroklyn, N. Y., April 25, 1870. Mrs. Conklin was born in the latter city, September 24, 1850, and is the daughter of William Parcells. a native of Morris County, N. J. Her paternal grandfather was born in Mendon, that State, where his father, who was a farmer by occupation, spent his last years. Grandfather James Parcells, also followed agricultural pursuits, and died at Mendon. William Parcells was reared in his native State, and when leaving there went to Brooklyn, N. Y., and became a wholesale dealer in building stone, remaining there until his death. He married Miss Catherine, daughter of William Willis. The latter was a native of England, and a son of John Willis, likewise of English birth and parentage, and who upon emigrating to New York City engaged in the mercantile business.

Grandfather Parcells followed in the footsteps of his honored father, and also became a merchant of New York City, where he spent his last years. Mr. and Mrs. Conklin became the parents of five children, namely: Augusta, William R., John L., Roscoe, deceased, and Helen E. Mr. Conklin as is also his widow, was a devoted member of the First Presbyterian Church, which has received liberal benefactions from them, and of which Mrs. Conklin is still a regular attendant. Mr. Conklin was prominent as a member of Clark Lodge, No. 101, A. F. & A. M., and Palestine Commandery, No. 33, K. T. Mrs. Conklin occupies the beautiful home left her by her husband, and is a lady who holds a high position in the community.