John Conklin
John Conklin, deceased, was born in Pennsylvania in 1800, and he was raised in his native State, where he married Jane Andrew, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1803. In 1830, they with three children came to Madison County, Ohio, and bought a farm of 160 acres, one mile north of the present site of Jefferson. The family lived in New Hampton a few weeks, while a log house was being constructed. In the fall of 1831, he assisted Col. Millikin to survey the lots of Jefferson, and be saw it grow from a hazel brush patch to a good-sized business town. He worked hard, was economical, and at his death owned 285 acres of land, which he had mostly cleared. He and wife lived together until October, 1873, when his death severed the union; she died in February, 1881. Their children were eight in number, four are now living, viz., Mary, wife of F. Waddle; Emily, D. S. and Amos. Emily was born on the farm where she now lives in 1833; she was raised and cared for by her parents and remained in single life at home; she now owns a part of the farm and resides on it. D. S. was born on the farm in 1845, has ever resided in this township, and has followed farming for a livelihood. He now owns a good farm and raises a fair class of horses, cattle and sheep, and is one of the well-to-do farmers. He received a common-school education, which enables him to appreciate the cause of public schools, with which he has been officially connected for several years. He was married, May 1, 1872, to Frances Carter, by whom he has two children – John and Jessie. Amos, the youngest, was born in 1848, was raised to farm life and remained at home until 1868, when he engaged as baggage master on the Little Miami Railroad, which he followed five years. He then resumed his boyhood occupation, farming on the old homestead, a part of which he now owns. He was married, to Miss Jennie Carter, October 18, 1877.
From HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY - W. H. Beers [Chicago, 1883]