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Contact Info
Home Town Norwich, VT
Last Address Washington D.C.
Date of Passing Mar 29, 1909
Location of Interment Arlington National Cemetery (VLM) - Arlington, Virginia
George Albert Converse was noted for his contributions to naval engineering. He saw service in the Spanish-American War.
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 the development of torpedo boats.
USS Converse (DD-291), a Clemson-class destroyer commissioned in 1920 and decommissioned in 1930.
USS Converse (DD-509), a Fletcher-class destroyer commissioned in 1942 and decommissioned in 1946; later transferred to Spain as Almirante Valdés (D23); scrapped in 1988.
Born 13 May 1844 in Norwich, Vermont, where he also attended Norwich University and was a member of Theta Chi Fraternity. Converse was appointed Midshipman on 29 November 1861.
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, Construction and Navigation, continuing as Chief of the latter Bureau for a year after his retirement in 1906. He died in Washington, D.C., on 29 March 1909.
1858-1861, Norwich University
FromYear 1858
ToYear 1861
College Norwich University
Major Engineering
Patch
Norwich University Details
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Last Updated:Dec 31, 2010
Personal Memories
Best Friends Born 13 May 1844 in Norwich, Vermont,where he also attended Norwich University and was a member of Theta Chi Fraternity. Converse was appointed Midshipman 29 November 1861.
Other Memories George Albert Converse (1844-1909) was an officer in the U.S. Navy who is remembered for his contributions to naval engineering; he was a known expert on ordnance especially torpedoes. He was a pioneer in the use of electricity on men-of-war, experimentation with smokeless powder in the Navy and the development of torpedo boats. Converse was born in Norwich, Vermont, May 13, 1844, the son of Shubael and Luvia Morrill Converse. From 1858-1861, he attended Norwich University, where he obtained a B.S. degree in 1863. He was appointed midshipman November 29, 1861 and attended the United States Naval Academy, graduating first in his class in 1865. Commissioned an ensign on December 1, 1866, he advanced through the ranks to rear admiral, effective November 8, 1904. Converse married Laura Shelby on December 9, 1871, and they had four daughters.
