Converse, Jesse, 1861-1939.

Nelson Jesse Converse (1861-1939) was a Laramie, Wyoming, businessman and community leader. He was born in Anamosa, Iowa. His father died before he was six, and his mother, Mary, later married W.E. Wilcox. The family moved to Laramie, Wyoming, in 1867, where Wilcox operated a jewelry store. Mary Wilcox was a member of the 1870 jury which was famous as the first petit jury to include women. Converse took over the jewelry business from his stepfather in 1881 and retired in 1906 to build and operate the Converse office building in Laramie. He served one term as Albany County Representative to the Wyoming State Legislature in 1909. Converse also served as a trustee of the Albany Mutual Building Association from 1893 to 1918 and was active in several fraternal organizations. He was named Most Eminent Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of Wyoming Royal Arch Masons in 1910. In 1887 Converse married Katherine Reynolds. Katherine’s sister Laura married Harvey Chaplin (whose brother, William, was editor of the Laramie Republican ), and the Chaplin and Converse families maintained close ties.

From the guide to the Jesse Converse papers, circa 1860s-1939, (University of Wyoming. American Heritage Center.)

Nelson Jesse Converse (1861-1939) was a Laramie, Wyoming, businessman and community leader. He was born in Anamosa, Iowa. His father died before he was six, and his mother, Mary, later married W.E. Wilcox. The family moved to Laramie, Wyoming, in 1867, where Wilcox operated a jewelry store. Mary Wilcox was a member of the 1870 jury, which was famous, as it was the first petit jury to include women. Converse took over the jewelry business from his stepfather in 1881 and retired in 1906 to build and operate the Converse Office Building in Laramie. He served one term as Albany County Representative to Wyoming State Legislature in 1909. Converse also served as a trustee of the Albany Mutual Building Association from 1893 to 1918 and was active in several fraternal organizations. He was named Most Eminent Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of Wyoming Royal Arch Masons in 1910. In 1887, Converse married Katherine Reynolds. Katherine's sister Laura married Harvey Chaplin (whose brother, William, was editor of the Laramie Republican), and the Chaplin and Converse families maintained close ties.

From the description of Jesse Converse papers, 1861-1939. (University of Wyoming, American Heritage Center). WorldCat record id: 35284087