James Conklin

James Conklin (June 12, 1831 – February 27, 1899) was an Irish American coal merchant, Democratic politician, and Wisconsin pioneer. He was the 19th and 23rd mayor of Madison, Wisconsin, and served four years in the Wisconsin Senate, representing Wisconsin's 26th Senate district from 1885 to 1889. He is the namesake of Conklin Street in Madison.

Early life and business career Conklin was born on June 12, 1831, in Burlington, Vermont. During his childhood, his father was janitor for Vermont State University. In 1849, his father was hired as the janitor at the new University of Wisconsin, and the entire family moved west to Madison, Wisconsin.

Shortly after arriving, James Conklin, then 18, was hired to carry mail between Madison and and Monroe, Wisconsin. He then worked as a teamster for a year. By 1854, he had saved enough money to start a small merchandise business, buying wheat and selling coal. After 10 years of growing his business, he was taken on as a business partner by Neely Gray. After Gray's death in 1867, his sons continued in partnership with Conklin. The business grew steadily and expanded to acquire larger yards and warehouses. He was elected to his fourth term as mayor while still serving as state senator but did not run for another term as senator in 1888. His obituary in Madison's Wisconsin State Journal opined that he could have served forever as mayor if he desired it.

Electoral history Wisconsin Senate (1884)