Conkling

Conkling, ROSCOE, American politician, born in Albany, New York, 30th October 1829, was admitted to the bar in 1850, sat in congress as a Republican in 1858-62 and 1864-66, and was elected to the United States senate in 1867, 1873, and 1879. He was now an influential member of his party; in 1876 he received ninety-three votes for the presidential nomination, and, in 1880, by his support of Grant, and his personal opposition to Blaine, divided the Republicans into two sections. In 1881 he and his colleague suddenly resigned from the senate, owing to a dispute with President Garfield on a question of patronage, and sought re-election; but after a warm canvass, both were rejected, though vigorously supported by Vice-president Arthur. Conkling afterwards practised law in New York city. He died 18th April 1888.