Biography - Harry Converse
HARRY CONVERSE, M.D., successfully engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery in Greenfield, where for sixteen years he has devoted his time and energies to the alleviation of human suffering, is a native son of Greene county, his birth having occurred here on the 25th of October, 1864. His father, Uriah Converse, is one of the honored pioneer settlers of the county, represented on another page of this work. The son began his education in the public schools, advancing through consecutive grades until he had completed the work of the high school in Greenfield. Desiring to enter professional life he took up the study of medicine under the direction of Dr. Stiffefeld, one of the leading practitioners of Greene county. Subsequently he pursued a course of lectures in the Missouri Medical College, which he entered in 1885. He remained a student in that institution for three years and was graduated with the class of 1888. He then located for practice in Greenfield and has since maintained an office in this place, having a good patronage from among the best families of the city and surrounding districts. His ability has long since been demonstrated in his careful handling of important cases and in the excellent results which have attended his administrations to the sick and suffering.
On the 30th of September, 1891. Dr. Converse wedded Miss Florence Smith, a native of this county, reared and educated in Greenfield, and a daughter of James H. Smith, well known as Judge Smith, one of the prominent business men of Greenfield. Dr. and Mrs. Converse have one daughter, Madaline, now a student in the Greenfield schools.
Politically Dr. Converse is a stanch Republican, always giving earnest support to the principles of the party, yet never desiring or seeking office. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and he is a Royal Arch Mason. His interests have always been identified with the county and his efforts in its behalf have been or far-reaching and beneficial effect, although his professional duties leave him little time to engage actively in public affairs. In a calling wherein advancement depends upon individual merit he has made for himself an honorable name and won gratifying success.
Extracted by Norma Hass from Past and Present of Greene County, Illinois, by Ed Miner, published in 1905, page 368.
