J. E. Conklin

J. E. Conklin (November 23, 1889 – July 31, 1965) was a Democratic politician from Nebraska who served as a member of the Nebraska Legislature from the 22nd district from 1943 to 1947.

Early life Conklin was born in Hubbell, Nebraska, in 1889. He grew up in Hubbell, attending public schools there and Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter, New Hampshire. Conklin served in the military during World War I, and was a banker, serving as president of the Hubbell State Bank in 1924 after the death of his father. As a farmer, he pioneered soil conservation efforts in Thayer County.

Nebraska Legislature In 1942, Conklin ran for the Nebraska Legislature from the 22nd district, challenging State Senator J. Lyndon Thornton for re-election. In the general election, Conklin defeated Thornton, winning 52 percent of the vote to Thornton's 48 percent. Conklin placed first in the primary by a wide margin, receiving 67 percent of the vote to Lamb's 33 percent. Conklin defeated Lamb in a landslide in the general election, winning his second term, 71–29 percent. and Army Air Force veteran Dick Karabatsos. Conklin won 44 percent of the vote in the primary election, and advanced to the general election with Steele, who placed second with 36 percent. In the general election, Steele defeated Conklin with 57 percent of the vote. However, the "understanding" between Conklin and Hill ended; Hill ran for a third term, and Conklin challenged him. Hill placed first in the primary election, receiving 53 percent of the vote to Conklin's 47 percent, and defeated Conklin by a wider margin in the general election, winning 59 percent of the vote.

Death and legacy Conklin died on July 31, 1965.