The life and legacy of James Cook Conkling, a 19th century political and government official, will be the Springfield Historical Society program presented by Allicent Smith. Conkling served as Springfield mayor, member of the Illinois House of Representatives, presidential elector who cast votes for Lincoln in 1860 and 1864, and a State Agent during the Civil War. Smith researched his legacy through letters written during and after the civil war. Smith is a retired Springfield District 186 teacher who served on the Dana Thomas Foundation for six years.