NJGenWeb ~ Morris County, New Jersey

The branch of the CONKLIN family of which this review is one which has been identified with the life of the State of New Jersey in various ways for many years. The earlier members of the family settled in the State in the early part of the nineteenth century, and have borne their share faithfully in the upbuilding of the communities in which the various branches have lived. Joseph H. CONKLIN, a well known painter and business man of Chatham, Morris county, New Jersey, is the son of John J. and Sarah E. (DAY) CONKLIN, the former engaged in agriculture throughout the active years of his life.

Joseph H. CONKLIN was born at Balderalt Hills, Summit, New Jersey, January 7, 1858. At the age of five years he removed with his parents to Chatham, Morris county, New Jersey, and until the age of ten years attended the public schools of Chatham and East Madison. He was then obliged to assist in the cultivation of the home farm, and could only attend the schools during a few of the winter months for the next five years. However, he was an earnest and industrious student during the time he was able to devote to the acquisition of knowledge, and he acquired a sound, practical education in spite of obstacles he was obliged to contend with. At the age of nineteen he was apprenticed to learn the trade of painting, under John TYSON, of Chatham, and worked for him for two years after his apprenticeship had expired. He then decided to establish himself in the same line of business with which he has been successfully identified for the past twenty-five years. He has earned a reputation for careful and reliable work, and his patrons take pleasure in recommending him as a man whose work is of the highest standard.

Mr. CONKLIN married, in Morristown, New Jersey, March 31, 1882, Lydia A., daughter of Edward and Anna (TYSON) DAY, of that city. They have had no children. Recognizing the advantage to be derived from a good education, Mr. CONKLIN has always been especially interested in this field, and has served continuously as a member of the board of education in Chatham for a period of seventeen years. He is in office at the present time, and his term has still two years to run. He is a member of the three branches of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Junior Order of the United American Mechanics and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He keeps well abreast of the times on all matters of public interest, and is considered a man of intelligence and intellectual ability. He is a member of Chatham volunteer fire department and has been active in that organization for fifteen years. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and has served as trustee for twenty years.

Transcribed by John Cresseveur (1949-2003)

Copyright ©1999-2018 by Brianne Kelly-Bly, all rights reserved.