JANE L. (LAMPHERE) CONVERSE

jane Lamphere ConverseJane (Lamphere) Converse
(Photo by Ancestry.com contributor “mepcain”)

Jane L. (Lamphere) Converse gravestone
(Photo by Vernon B. Paddock)

B. July 20, 1830 in Gainesville, Wyoming County, NY
D. June 6, 1913 in Volo, Lake County, IL
Find A Grave memorial (click here)

  • Father: Henry Lamphere born in 1804 in Massachusetts; in 1850 lived in Wauconda, Lake County, IL; Henry died December 11, 1861 in Strawberry Point, Clayton County, IA; buried in Ross Cemetery, Clayton County, IA
  • Mother: Eunice Lamphere born about 1813 in Massachusetts; Eunice died January 1, 1850 in Wauconda, Lake County, IL; buried in Hope Grove Cemetery, Lake County, IL “Eunice, wife of Henry Lamphere, died 1850, ae 45 yrs, 1 mo, 11 d”
  • Husband: Jason S Converse born December 21, 1821 in Brookfield, Orange County, VT, son of James A Converse (1775-1828) and Lucinda (Smith) Converse (1779-1869); married Jane Lamphere on August 11, 1849 in Lake County; Jason died January 3, 1901 in Wauconda, Lake County, IL (See section pertaining to Jason S. Converse buried in the Fort Hill Cemetery)
  • Children:
    1. Cyrus R. Converse born June 1851 in Illinois in Fremont Center, Lake County, IL; married Bell C. Parks (1862-1938) on September 26, 1878 in Lake County, IL; Cyrus died July 13, 1922 in Deuel County, SD; buried in Grandview Cemetery, Gary, Deuel County, SD
    2. Alma Lucretia (Converse) Walton born August 30, 1853 in Grant Township, Lake County, IL; married John Henry Walton (1848-1937) on December 28, 1875 in Volo, Lake County, IL; Alma died April 3, 1923 in Wauconda, Lake County, IL; Alma and John are buried in Volo Cemetery, Wauconda, Lake County, IL

According to the McHenry Plaindealer (McHenry IL) Thursday, April 12, 1923, page 4:

“DEATH OF MRS. ALMA WALTON
——–
OCCURRED AT HER LATE HOME
AT VOLO APRIL 3
——–

   Mrs. Alma Lucretia Walton, nee Converse, was born in Grant township, Lake county, Ill., August 30, 1853.   She was reared in this community and lived here all her life, which was 69 years, 7 months and 4 days.
   On Jan. 5, 1875, she was married to John Henry Walton, who survives and mourns the temporary separation, but rejoices over her victorious Christian life.  They were a devoted couple and his tender ministry during her illness was beautiful to see.
   To this union were born five children, all of whom are living and were present.  Jason, who resides at home; George of Libertyville, Mrs. Jennie Dillon of Volo, Mrs. Maud Kautenberg of Waukegan, Mrs. Elsie Krueger of Wauconda.  There were fourteen grandchildren, of whom thirteen are living.  There remains of deceased’s family one brother, Elam Converse of Nashville, Tenn., and one sister, Cynthia Conway of Three Quick, Idaho.
   Sister Walton joined the church when she was young, thus dedicating her life to God, to her family and to the community.  She was the president of the Ladies’ Aid society of Volo and always a very active worker for the church while she had the health and strength.  She belonged to Relief Corps, No. 38, of Wauconda and rendered valuable assistance there.
   For nineteen years she managed the cemetery, collecting the money, employing the mowers and cleaners and took pride in keeping the resting place beautiful.  On memorial days she was the one who collected the flowers and decorated the graves, thus keeping fresh the memory of loved ones who had passed before.
   As a mother everyone knows how devoted she was to her family and how beautiful to see the children with loving hands returning the tender care that she had exemplified.  As a neighbor and friend, many can testify to her sympathy and help in their hour of need.
   About two years ago she was taken sick and went to Chicago for treatment, then to Lake County hospital for an operation and from that time up to her death she suffered with cancer, which suffering increased as she reached the end of her earthly life, when she was translated on April 3, 1923.
   Servant of God, well done,
      Thy glorious warfare’s past,
   The battle’s fought, the race is won,
      And thou art crowned at least.
   Let faith exalt her joyful voice,
      And now in triumph sing,
   O grave, where is thy victory?
      And where O death thy sting?
   Life’s labor done, as sinks the day,
      Light from its load the spirit flies,
   While heaven and earth combine to say,
      How blest the righteous when they die.

Card of Thanks

   We wish to thank all our friends and neighbors for their kindness during the sickness and death of our mother; for the beautiful flowers, also the singers and pastor.
   John Walton, Husband.
   Jason Walton.
   Mr. and Mrs. G. Walton.
   Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Dillon.
   Mr. and Mrs. A. Kautenberg.
   Mr. and Mrs. H. Krueger.”

3. Elam Converse born January 4, 1857 in Wauconda, Lake County, IL; married Emma Frances Laurens on May 29, 1883; former resident of Nashville, Davidson County, TN; Elam died January 20, 1943 in Buhl, Twin Falls County, ID; buried in Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery, Twin Falls, Twin Falls County, ID; Emma is buried in Glen Forest Cemterey, Yellow Springs, Green Count, OH

According to the Times-News (Twin Falls ID) Sunday, January 24, 1943, page 12:

“LAST RITES HELD
FOR E. CONVERSE

   Private funeral services were held Friday for Elam Converse at the Reynolds funeral home chapel with Rev. L. S. Oliver, of the Nazarene church, officiating.
   Mr. Converse, formerly of Tennessee, came to Buhl three and one half years ago to visit at the home of his sister, Mrs. Cynthia Conway, where he fell ill.
   Music furnished by a quartet consisting of Rev. and Mrs. Oliver, Miss Ninah Bell Crowson, and Earl Daugherty.  Members of the family served as pall bearers.
   Interment was in Sunset memorial park under the direction of the Reynolds funeral home.”

4. Katharine Bingham (Converse) Dowell born July 31, 1857 or 1859 in Fort Hill, Lake County, IL; married James Dowell, Jr. (1857-1896) April 10, 1883 in McHenry County, IL; Katharine died November 20, 1896 in Wauconda, Lake County, IL; Katherine and James are buried in Volo Cemetery, Wauconda, Lake County, IL

According to the McHenry Plaindealer (McHenry IL) Wednesday, November 25, 1896, page 5:

   “Mrs. Catharine Dowell, widow of the late James Dowell, died at her home, about five miles east of this village, on Friday last, after a short illness.  Her husband died about five months ago.”

5. Cynthia Ann (Converse) Conway born October 6, 1869 in Volo, Lake County, IL; married Lewis Albert Conway; Cynthia died January 12, 1965 in Twin Falls, Ada County, ID; buried in Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery, Twin Falls, Twin Falls County, ID

According to the Times-News (Twin Falls SD) Tuesday, January 12, 1965, page 2:

“FORMER BUHL
WOMAN DIES
AT AGE OF 95

   Mrs. Cynthia Ann Conway, 95, a former Buhl resident, died Tuesday morning in Magic Valley Memorial hospital of a short illness.
   She was born Oct. 6, 1869 in Waukegan, Ill., and moved to a ranch at Three Creek in 1905 where she resided for 30 years.  She then moved to Buhl and later moved to Filer in 1957.  She has lived at Sky View manor for the past four years.  She was married to Lewis Conway Sept. 12, 1894, in Roseberg, Ore.  He died in 1911.  She was a member of the Buhl First Christian church.
   Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. May Jewitt and Mrs. Martha Jones, both Filer; three sons, John Conway, Shoshone, Paul Conway, Jerome and Roscoe Conway, Sacramento, Calif.; 12 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren and on great-great-grandchild.
   Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Thursday at the Twin Falls mortuary chapel with the Rev. Frank Schweissing officiating.  Final rites will be held in Sunset Memorial park.  Friends may call Wednesday and until 1 p.m. Thursday at the mortuary.”

6. Emma Converse born about 1869 in Illinois

  • Siblings:
    • Hannah (Lamphere) Smith born in 1828; married Ephraim W. Smith (1813-1890) on April 12, 1847 in Lake County, IL; Hannah died March 4, 1901 in Hebron, McHenry County, IL; Hannah and Ephraim are buried in Richmond Cemetery, Richmond, McHenry County, IL
    • Hiram Lamphere born about 1830 in New York; In 1880 he resided with his sister, Almini (Lamphere) Weatherly in Scottsburg, Douglas County, OR.
    • Julia (Lamphere) King born about 1835 in New York; married John Fish on May 1, 1856 in McHenry County, IL
    • Charles Lamphere born March 30, 1837 in New York; married Naomi Smith (1839-1923) on August 4, 1858 in Lake County, IL; Civil War veteran Private in Company L, 6th Regiment, Iowa Cavalry; Charles died October 11, 1900 in Kensington, Smith County, KS; Charles and Naomi are buried in Olive Branch Cemetery in Kensington, Smith County, KS

According to the Kensington Mirror (Kensington KS) Thursday, October 18, 1900, page 7:

“DIED.

   Charles Lamphere of this city died at his residence after a brief illness, last Thursday night, while his dear wife and devoted family were by his bedside.
   Deceased was 63 years of age, being being in York State (Catonopus county) on March 30, 1837.  When 3 years of age he traveled west with his parents to the State of Illinois; and afterward to Iowa.
   In August 1858 Mr. Lamphere was married to Miss Namoi Smith in Iowa.  Finally they came to Osborne county, Kansas, in 1872.
   Thee sons and two daughters were the issue of their union; two of whom left this world before their parent.
   A widow, two sons and a daughter survive, who herewith tender their thanks to all who helped in the interment of their parent and counsellor.  Funeral services were held at the Christian church, conducted by Rev. D. Rees, where many friends gathered to pay the last tribute of respect.
   It is hard to break the tender cord
      When love is bound the heart;
   It is so hard to speak the words
      That we on earth must part.
   Dearest husband and loving father
      We have laid thee in the peaceful grave
   Embrace but they memory will be cherished
      ‘Til we see they heavenly face.”

    • Almina (Lamphere) Weatherly born July 26, 1840 in Genesee County, NY; married Hiram Weatherly (1838-1915) on January 3, 1860 in Lake County, IL. He was a veteran of the Civil War, a Fifer in Company F&S, 96th Regiment, Illinois Infantry; Almina died November 8, 1917 in Scottsburg, Douglas County, OR; Almina and Hiram are buried in Scottsburg Cemetery, Scottsburg, Douglas County, OR
    • Perry S. Lamphere born about 1843 in Illinois; married Ruth Smith on May 14, 1869 in Lake County, IL
    • Henry Lamphere born about 1845 (or 1840) in Illinois; Civil War veteran Private served in Company I, 17th Regiment, Illinois Calvary; married Abigail (1848-1942) in 1873; Henry died February 7, 1926 in Clayton County, IA; Henry and Abigail are buried in Ross Cemetery, Clayton County, IA
    • George E. Lamphere born about 1849 in Illinois; 1870 lived in Cass, Clayton County, IA, single, with brother Charles and his family plus brother Henry; 1880 lived in Kirwin, Phillips County, KS, farmer, single (possibly George E. Lamphere died about 1890 in Kansas

Additional Information:

According to the 1850 U.S. Census for the Town of Wauconda, Lake County, IL the household members were:

“Jason Converse, age 29, occupation: farmer; born in Vermont; Jane Converse, age 19, born in New York”

According to the 1860 U.S. Census for the Town of Goodale with a Forksville, post office the household members were:

“J. Converse, age 38, occupation: farmer, born in Vermont; Jane Converse, age 28, born in New York; Siras Converse, age 9, born in Illinois; Alena Converse, age 7, born in Illinois; Elem, age 4, born in Illinois; Kate, age 2, born in Illinois”

According to the 1870 U.S. Census for the Town of Grant with a Fort Hill post office the household members were:

“Jason S. Converse, age 49, occupation: farmer, born in Vermont; Jane Converse, age 39, born in New York; Cyrus R. Converse, age 19, born in Illinois; Alma L. Converse, age 16, born in Illinois;  Elam Converse, age 12, born in Illinois; Kate Converse, age 11, born in Illinois; Emma Converse, age 1, born in Illinois”

According to the 1880 U.S. Census for the Town of Grant the household members were:

“Jason Converse, age 58, born in Illinois, father born in England, mother born in New York; Jane Converse, age 48 in New York, parents born in New York; Cynthia Converse, age 10, born in Vermont, daughter, single, parents born in New York”

According to The Osage County Sentinal (Quenemo KS) Friday, November 14, 1890, page 1:

“In the District Court of Phil-
lips Co in the State of Kan.

F.A. Gary, Plaintiff,
            vs
Charles Lamphere, Hannah Smith, Hiram Lamphere, Jane Converse, Almina Weatherby, Julia King, Perry Lamphere, Henry Lamphere, and the unknown hears of George E. Lamphere deceased, and George Noble as administrator of the estate of the said George E. Lamphere deceased, Defendants.

   “The above named defendants – all nonresidents except Charles Lamphere and George Noble, administrator, as above named – and each of them will take notice that the said plaintiff, F. A. Gary did, on the 10 day of November 1890, file his petition in said district court within and for the county of Phillips in the state of Kansas, against the said defendants, and that the said defendants must answer thereto on or before the 27th day of December, 1890 or said petition will be taken as true and judgement rendered in said section against the estate of the said George E. Lamphere deceased for the sum of six hundred dollars, with interest thereon at the rate of 12 percent per anumn from the 17th day of May 1888 and for cost of suit and a decree entered against each and all of said defendants,  Charles Lamphere, Hannah Smith, Hiram Lamphere, Jane Converse, Almina Weatherby, Julia King, Perry Lamphere, Henry Lamphere as heirs of George E. Lamphere deceased, and George Noble as Administrator, aforesaid, for the foreclosure of a certain mortgage executed by the said George E. Lamphere, deceased, during his life time, upon the following described property viz: the south west ¼ of the n e ¼ and n w ¼ of the s e ¼ and the s ½ of the s e ¼ of section eighteen (18) in township four (4) south of range sixteen (16) west, situated in the said Phillips county Kansas and adjudging that the said plaintiff’s said mortgage be declared a first lien on said premises to the amount for which judgement will be taken as afforesaid; and ordering the sale of said premises and the application of the proceeds thereof to the payment of the amount due plaintiff and the costs of suit; and forever barring and foreclosing said defendants, and each of them of an from all right, title, estate, interest, property, and equity of redemption in or to said premises of any part thereof.”

Attest Don Callos & Son,
J.D. Matheson Attys for Plaintiff
Clerk of Dist. Court”

According to the 1900 U.S. Census for Grant Township the household members were:

“Jason Convers (sic Converse), head, born December 1821, age 78, married 50 years, born in Vermont, father born in New York, mother born in Connecticut; occupation: retired farmer; Jane Converse, wife, born July 1831, age 68, married 50 years, 6 children born, 5 children living, born in New York, parents born in New York; Abby J. Convers, granddaughter, born July 1879, age 20, single, born in Illinois, parents born in Illinois, occupation: servant; Siras R. Convers, son, born June 1851, age 49, married 22 years, born in Vermont, father born in Vermont, mother born in New York, occupation: farmer”

According to the McHenry Plaindealer (McHenry IL) Thursday, June 12, 1913, page 5:

   “Mrs. Jane Converse died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. John Walton, Friday, June 6, 1913, after a lingering illness.  Burial at Fort Hill.”

According to The McHenry Plaindealer (McHenry IL) Thursday, June 19, 1913:

“MRS. JASON CONVERSE

   “Mrs. Jason Converse was born in New York state on July 20, 1831, coming to Illinois with her parents in her girlhood days.  On September 9, 1859, she was married to Jason Converse and has lived on the old homestead in Lake county ever since.  Mrs. Converse passed away on Friday morning, June 6, at the age of 82 years, 10 months and 19 days.  She was the mother of six children, four of whom live to mourn her death.  Besides the children there are also left to mourn seventeen grandchildren and twenty-two great-grandchildren.”

According to the Lake County Independent (Libertyville IL) Friday, June 13, 1913:

“Obituary.

   Jane Lamphere Converse died Friday, June 9, 1913, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. John Walton in Volo at the age of 83 years.  She was married to Jason Converse Sept. 9, 1849.  Mr. Converse died Jan. 3, 1901.  Five children were born to them, Cyrus Converse of Gray, S. D.; Alma Walton of Volo, Elam Converse of Tennessee, Katharine Dowell, deceased; and Cynthia Conway of Wyoming.
   She has been a sufferer from cancer for a long time and death came as a great relief to the sufferer.  The funeral was held at the house Sunday afternoon, June 8.  Rev. Williams of Volo, preached the funeral sermon.  The body was laid in the Fort Hill cemetery beside her husband.”