First Generation 1. Gov. Julius CONVERSE was born on 27 Dec 1798 in Stafford, Tolland, Connecticut.1-3 He died on 16 Aug 1885 in Dixville, Notch, New Hampshire.4 Martin Genealogy, Descendants of Lieut. Samuel Martin of Wethersfield, Conn., Compiled by Thomas Arthur Hay, Private Printing, 1911, D.P.I., Volume I. p. 241. His family, which was of French origin, emigrated from England in 1630 with Winthrop's colony. His grandfather and great-grandfather made records for themselves in the Indian wars of Massachusetts. His father and family removed to Randolph, Vt., in 1801, where he entered land and cleared a farm. Young Converse was educated at the Randolph Academy, alternating the study of law with working on his father's farm; was admitted to the Orange County Bar in 1826. He practiced his profession a few years in Bethel, Vt., and in 1840 removed to Woodstock, Vt. His legal ability was recognized throughout the State, particularly as a cross-examiner; excelling in chancery practice. While residing in Bethel, Vt. he represented his town several times in the State Legislature; was State Senator for Windsor County from 1836 to 1839; was elected several times to the Legislature from Woodstock County, Vt., and was elected Lieutenant Governor with Gov. C. K. Williams in 1850-51. While traveling outside the State in 1872, he was brought forward by his friends for Governor without his knowledge, and was elected by a majority of 25,000 votes over his opponent, ex-Lieut. Gov. A. B. Gardner. As Chief Executive of the State he performed all his duties conscientiously, and was respected by his supporters. After the close of his term he was seen no more in public life. The Illustrated Historical Souvenir of Bethel, Vermont. Complied and Arranged by Fred Cox. Bethel, Vermont. 1895. p. 28. Julius was educated at the district school and Randolph Academy, studied law with William Nutting, and was admitted to Orange County Bar in 1825. He opened an office and began the practice of his profession in Bethel until 1840, when he removed to Woodstock, which was his home for the remainder of his life. While in Bethel he owned and occupied the leaders of the Vermot Bar. At Bethel he was partner of the Hon. Augustus P. Hunton, and at Woodstock of the Hon. Andrew Tracy and the Hon. james Barrett, ad later of teh Hon. Warren C. French. Mr. Convrse was distinguished for the affability of his manner and his uniform and unvarying courtesy. He was a man of large frame, strong and vigorous, and maintained his metal and physical faculties unimpaired to an extreme old age. He held many public offices, respresented the towns of Bethel and Woodstock in the General Assembly, and was Governor of Vermont from 1872 to 1874. Illustrated Historical Souvenier of Randolph, Vermont, Compiled & Published by Nickenson & Cox, Published Randolph, Vermont 1895, p. 55. He was the fouth son in a family of twelve children, of Joseph and mary Converse. In 1801, the father moved to Randolph where he thereafter lived and died in 1826. The early life of Julius was spent on his father's farm, working summers and going to school winters until he entered Randolph Academy, then taught by Rufus Nutting. Mr. Converse studied law with William Nutting, and was admitted to the bar of Orange County in 1825. In 1826 he opened an office in Bethel, Vermont, and never returned to Orange County. He moved to Woodstock in 1840, where he spent the rest of his long and honorable life. He was elected Governor of Vermont in 1872. Gov. Julius CONVERSE and Melissa ARNOLD were married in 1827.5 Martin Genealogy, Descendants of Lieut. Samuel Martin of Wethersfield, Conn., Compiled by Thomas Arthur Hay, Private Printing, 1911, D.P.I., Volume I. p. 242. They had no children. Melissa ARNOLD (daughter of Henry ARNOLD) died on 14 Dec 1872.6 Gov. Julius CONVERSE and Jane Alvira MARTIN were married on 12 May 1873 in Columbia, Coos, New Hampshire.1 Jane Alvira MARTIN (daughter of Joseph Austin MARTIN and Elvira LYMAN) was born on 24 Mar 1842 in North Stratford, Coos, New Hampshire.7 Gov. Julius CONVERSE and Jane Alvira MARTIN had the following children: 2 i. Luna Belle CONVERSE was born on 13 Jun 1874.8 Martin Genealogy, Descendants of Lieut. Samuel Martin of Wethersfield, Conn., Compiled by Thomas Arthur Hay, Private Printing, 1911, D.P.I., Volume I. p. 173. Resides with her mother Mrs. Converse, at Woodstock, Vt. Sources 1. Martin Genealogy, Descendants of Lieut. Samuel Martin of Wethersfield, Conn., Compiled by Thomas Arthur Hay, Private Printing, 1911, D.P.I., Volume I. Book Source: Denver Public Library, G929.2 M364hay, Vol. 1. p. 173 - Date & location. 2. The Illustrated Historical Souvenir of Bethel, Vermont. Complied and Arranged by Fred Cox. Bethel, Vermont. 1895. SLC FHL US/CAN 974.366/B3 H2c, p. 28 - Date & location. 3. Illustrated Historical Souvenier of Randolph, Vermont, Compiled & Published by Nickenson & Cox, Published Randolph, Vermont 1895, p. 55 - Date & location. 4. Martin Genealogy, Descendants of Lieut. Samuel Martin of Wethersfield, Conn., Compiled by Thomas Arthur Hay, Private Printing, 1911, D.P.I., Volume I. Book Source: Denver Public Library, G929.2 M364hay, Vol. 1. p. 242 - Date & location. 5. Ibid., p. 242 - Year. 6. Ibid., p. 242 - Date. 7. Ibid., p. 168 - Date & location. 8. Ibid., p. 173 - Date.