George A. Converse

George Albert Converse (13 May 1844 – 29 March 1909) was a rear admiral in the United States Navy, who was noted for his contributions to naval engineering. He saw service in the Spanish–American War.

George Albert Converse
George A. Converse
Born13 May 1844
Norwich, Vermont
Died29 March 1909 (aged 64)
Washington, D.C.
Buried
Allegiance United States
Service/branch United States Navy
Years of service1861–1906
RankRear admiral
Commands heldUSS Montgomery
USS Illinois
Chief of the Bureaus of Equipment, Ordnance, and Navigation
Battles/warsSpanish–American War
RelationsLaura Shelby Converse (wife)

Early life

Converse was born in Norwich, Vermont.[1] He attended Norwich University and was a member of Theta Chi fraternity.

Military career

Converse was appointed midshipman 29 November 1861. He was a pioneer in the use of electricity on board men-of-war, in experimentation with and introduction of smokeless powder in the Navy, and in development of torpedo boats. In command of Montgomery (C-9) from 1897 to 1899 he took an active part in operations off the coast of Cuba with Admiral William T. Sampson's squadron during the Spanish–American War. Commanding officer of USS Illinois (BB-7) from her commissioning in 1901 to 1903. From 1903 to 1906 he served successively as Chief of the Bureaus of Equipment, Ordnance, and Navigation, continuing as Chief of the latter Bureau for a year after his retirement in 1906. He died in Washington, D.C., 29 March 1909. Converse and his wife Laura Shelby (1851–1934) are buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Section #2 Plot #967.[2]

Namesake

Two destroyers have been named USS Converse in his honor.

References

  1. "Norwich, Vermont". City-Data.com. Retrieved July 3, 2014.
  2. Burial Detail: Converse, George A – ANC Explorer
This article incorporates text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.


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