MARTIN VAN BUREN CONKLIN. Probably the most important member of the community of Mapleton in business and political affairs, is the gentleman above named, who carries on the only large mercantile business therein. He is still quite a young man, having been born July 15, 1858, but has already pushed himself to the front by reason of energy and good business qualities. He was born in Mason County, in the little town of Bath, where he lived until reaching man’s estate. He is a son of Henry and Eliza (Nott) Conklin, who were natives of the Empire State. Henry Conklin had been left an orphan at an early age, and he and his wife died when our subject was but ten years old. During the summer the latter worked for money with which to pay his board while attending school in the winter and so secured for himself a fair education.

When twenty-one years old Mr. Conklin was united in marriage with Miss Jennie E. Hardin, a native of the same county as himself and a daughter of James and Martha (Micklen) Hardin. Her ancestors were of English origin, the Hardins being of the old Maryland stock. The young couple went to Johnson County, Neb., where Mr. Conklin purchased a farm and lived seven years. He became the owner of a second farm in the same county prior to the expiration of that period, when he sold out and returned to Mason County.

Embarking in the mercantile business in the village of Kilburn, Mr. Conklin continued in trade there about three years, when in 1886 he removed to Mapleton, Peoria County, and bought out the business of James Walker, together with the fine residence and store occupied by that gentleman. Since locating here he has been interested in coal mining, but has recently disposed of his mining stock and now devotes himself entirely to his mercantile business. He carries a full line of all goods sold in a general store and is working up a fine trade for a village of this size.

When Mr. Conklin bought out Mr. Walker he also took full charge of the post-office, which he kept for two years or more. In the spring of 1889 he was elected to the office of Township Supervisor for the short term, and in the spring of 1890 was re-elected for the long term. He has been an active Democrat since Grover Cleveland was first nominated for the Presidency, and since removing to Mapleton has done much for the party in Hollis Township. He belongs to Phoenix Lodge No. 663, A. F. & A. M. He and his good wife have four children, named, respectively, Gertrude, Ollie May, Fay, and Hardin Guy. They form an interesting group whose growth and intelligence delights the hearts of their parents, whose object it is to fit them for useful and honorable careers.

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