A. L. CONVERSE, M.D., whose sketch now claims attention, was born in Painesville, Ohio, June 29, 1842, being the son of Henry and Niana J. (Priest) Converse, natives of New Hampshire and Vermont respectively. They were married in the State of New York, after which they moved to Alabama and then to Ohio at an early date. The father was a farmer and also an oil manufacturer, and came to Illinois in 1846, locating in Springfield and at a later date purchasing the home where our subject resides. He engaged in farming and stock-raising, being a very prosperous man and one highly respected by all who knew him. For a period of nine years he was a member of the Board of Supervisors, and he was also a member of the Baptist Church. His death occurred in Springfield January 24, 1889, after he had attained his eighty-second year. His wife died in 1882 from the effects of an accident, two years after having celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary, leaving two children, viz: our subject and William O., who makes his home in Springfield. Henry Converse took an active interest in the educational and religious advancement of this city and was of great benefit, being a man of much influence and great popularity.

The subject of our sketch came to Springfield with his parents in 1846, and here received a first class education, after which he read medicine with Dr. Charles Ryan, and finally attending lectures at the Medical Department of the Northwestern University, graduating with the Class of 1864. For ten years he followed his chosen profession in Macon and Sangamon Counties, after which he commenced to devote his time and attention to farming and stock-raising on the home place. In company with his brother he farms eight hundred acres of fine land and they have a large number of valuable horses and raise fine stock, devoting special attention to thoroughbred and Percheron horses and having many important horses of great value. Indeed, they have one of the finest stock farms in the surrounding country, training and selling stock constantly.

Dr. Converse married Miss Henrietta Thompson September 6, 1864. She is a daughter of Aaron Thompson of Springfield. Of this union were born six children, four of whom are now living: Florence, born in 1865 and died at the age of sixteen; Anais, born in 1867, and the wife of Dr. Frank B. Smith of Springfield; Olive, who died when nineteen months old; Henry A. born in 1875; Albert E. in 1881; and Henrietta, in 1890. These children were favored by witnessing the fiftieth marriage anniversary of their grandparents on both sides.

The subject of our sketch has been Supervisor for three years, and Chairman of the Board two years. He was a member of the Thirty-fourth and Thirty-fifth General Assembly of Illinois, being an active Democrat. He served on Revenue, Agriculture, Sanitary and Appropriation Committees during the first term and in the last term on the same with with the addition of Joint Revenue committee. He is faithful member of the Baptist Church, of which he is Trustee, and for several years President of the Sangamon County Sunday-school Convention, and an active worker in Sunday-school matters.

Dr. Converse owns an elegant home at No. 1340 North Eighth Street and a farm adjoining just north of the city, where he carries on farming. His farm is located near the rolling mills, watch factory and water works. Our subject is a far-sighted and wide-awake business man who allows no opportunity to escape his notice, and one who in advancing his own interests takes pride in advancing those of the city in which he resides and of which he is justly proud.