Person:Benjamin Conkling (3)

Biography

Benjamin Conkling, son of Joseph and Rebecca (Ross) Conkling was born on 29 May 1811 in Cincinnati, Ohio. He first married Alice Eliza Harris, daughter of George and Elizabeth Harris in 1832 Alice Eliza was born in Dayton, Ohio on 14 April 1815. By 1828, Benjamin's family was living in the town of Vandalia (Wayne County), Indiana where he clerked in a store run by William Conwell, (brother of his brother-in-law, Isaac) for several years. Eventually, Benjamin bought the store and continued there until 1838. It was probably in Vandalia that Benjamin's first wife died on 9 November 1836. She was buried in Vandalia, but was removed to Riverside Cemetery in Cambridge City, Indiana in 1895. Benjamin was a successful entrepreneur and worked as a merchant and mill owner. In 1837, Benjamin moved to Cambridge City, Indiana where he and his family continued to live for almost 100 years. It was here, that Benjamin married a second time in 1838. His wife was named Harriet E. and she was born on 25 September 1825. The dates of both of his marriages are recorded in the Conklin family bible. In his obituary, Benjamin is referred to as one of the pioneers of the city. He is best remembered for his involvement in the Whitewater Canal project. The Indiana legislature of 1841-42 granted a charter to The Whitewater Valley Canal Company to build a canal from the National Road to Cambridge City. Members of the company included Benjamin Conklin, William Conwell, Abraham Conwell, and James Conwell. Benjamin prospered as a merchant and entrepreneur and built a magnificent brick home in 1840 which still stands at the corner of E. Main Street and S. Lincoln Drive in Cambridge City. In the mid-1990’s the Conklin door knocker was still on the door of that home. He operated his mercantile business on the first floor and the family lived above. His children continued to live in the home until 1936. He valued his real estate at $49,000 in the 1850 census and at $15,000 in the 1860 census. His name frequently appears as a buyer and seller of land in Wayne County. On 31 December 1859 he purchased mill property from John Kepler. An 1865 directory states that he owned Eagle Flouring Mills. Benjamin died on 16 August 1883 and his wife, Harriet died on 4 December 1899, in Cambridge City. Benjamin left no will. His estate was probated in Wayne County on 19 March 1888. Heirs were: Harriet E. Conklin, Henry F. Conklin, Lillie E. Conklin, Harriet G. Conklin, Alice and William Medsker, Aurelia Conklin, widow of son, James and their children Charles and George B. Conklin. Benjamin is buried with both of his wives in his family plot at the Riverside Cemetery in Cambridge City, Indiana.

An interesting note is that the son and grandsons of Benjamin and his first wife are never identified as family members by any of the children of Benjamin and his second wife or in any family obituaries, Yet the two wives were sisters.

Resources

• Library of Congress: Photo collection contains a series of photos of the Benjamin Conklin house and its contents

Benjamin Conklin portrait (Library of Congress [1])

Benjamin Conklin House, 1975

1. ↑ Cambridge City Tribune. (Cambridge City, Indiana)
   3, 30 Oct 1879.

   LAST week we stated, on what seemed to be good authority, that John Richey, in 1833, sold goods in the only house then standing on either side of the river. We have since learned from Benjamin Conklin who resided in the neighboring town of Vandalia in 1826, that the house where he now lives is the oldest house in town. it was built by William Conwell in 1833, and was by him kept as a house of entertainment before the laying out of the town. The house to which we referred last week, was built during the same year, but later than Conwell's. Mr. Conklin is the earliest citizen of Cambridge now living: and no doubt knows whereof he affirms.

2. ↑ ^2.0 2.1 Death notice, in Cambridge City Tribune. (Cambridge City, Indiana)
   2, 23 Aug 1883.

   BENJAMIN CONKLIN, one of the early pioneers of our town, died on Thursday, August 16th, 1883, at 12 o'clock noon. He had been confined to his home for several months past, and was failing from the beginning of his illness. Mr. Conklin was born in Butler county, Ohio, May 29th, 1811, and was therefore 72 years, 2 months and 18 days old at the time of his death. He was the first merchant in the village of Vandalia, having located there in 1826 - ten years before Cambridge City was laid out. He was identified with many of the early improvements of this place, having built several residences, business houses, and manufacturing establishments that are still in existence prominent among which is the Eagle Mill, built in 1847-8. When engaged in active life he conducted a large business, and was an enterprising citizen, but during his later years he became embarrassed, and his financial troubles had much to do with his late illness and death. He was a kind and indulgent husband and father, and will be sadly missed by his sorrowing family and friends.
   The funeral services were held at the family residence on Saturday afternoon, and were conducted by Rev. J. W. Bailey in that gentleman's usual impressive manner. His remains were interred in Riverside Cemetery.
   A more extended biography of Benj. Conklin's life, written by a personal friend of the family, will be published in the TRIBUNE at an early date.