Editing Roscoe Conkling (section)

===Childhood===
At the suggestion of [[William H. Seward]], the Conkling family moved to [[Auburn, New York]], via the [[Erie Canal]] in 1839. At his new home, Conkling enjoyed horseback riding, which became a lifelong pursuit. He did not take to academic study, but had a retentive memory.{{sfn|A.R. Conkling|pp=11–14}}

In 1842, Roscoe was enrolled in the Mount Washington Collegiate Institute in [[New York City]]. While in New York, he also studied oratory with his elder brother Frederick. They often practiced their speaking together.{{sfn|A.R. Conkling|pp=11–14}}

After a year at the Mount Washington Institute, Conkling entered the Auburn Academy and remained there for three years.{{sfn|A.R. Conkling|pp=11–14}} Even as a schoolboy, Conkling's intimidating appearance and intellect demanded attention. A childhood friend said young Roscoe "was as large and massive in his mind as he was in his frame, and accomplished in his studies precisely what he did in his social life — a mastery and command which his companions yielded to him as due."{{sfn|A.R. Conkling|pp=11–14}}

Conkling first became interested in politics during his time at Auburn. Since his father was a leading member of the upstate [[Whig Party (United States)|Whig Party]], Conkling became acquainted with some of the most prominent men of the era, such as Presidents [[Martin Van Buren]] and [[John Quincy Adams]], Governor [[Enos Throop]], Supreme Court Justice [[Smith Thompson]], [[James Kent (jurist)|James Kent]], and [[Thurlow Weed]].{{sfn|A.R. Conkling|pp=11–14}} Fellow Auburn resident [[William Henry Seward]] was a friend of Conkling's father and soon of Conkling as well.{{sfn|Jordan|1971|p=5}}