Converse Family Genealogy & History

Connie Converse, born Elizabeth Eaton Converse, was an influential American singer-songwriter known for her pioneering work in the singer-songwriter genre during the 1950s in New York City. Despite not gaining recognition during her lifetime, her music received acclaim posthumously, particularly after being featured on a 2004 radio show. A compilation album, "How Sad, How Lovely," was released in 2009, highlighting her contributions. Beyond music, Converse had a notable career as an academic, writer, and editor, working for the Journal of Conflict Resolution at the University of Michigan.

Connie Converse was born in Laconia, New Hampshire, and raised in a strict Baptist family in Concord. Her father was a minister, and her mother was musically inclined. She had two brothers, Paul and Philip Converse, the latter becoming a prominent political scientist.

Frank Converse, an accomplished American actor born on May 22, 1938, in St. Louis, Missouri, boasts a rich theatrical and screen career. Notably, he graced Broadway with performances in "The Philadelphia Story," "Design for Living," "A Streetcar Named Desire," and "Lady in the Dark." Converse starred in TV series like "Coronet Blue," "N.Y.P.D.," "Movin' On," "The Family Tree," and "Dolphin Cove." He appeared in the TV movie "Dr. Cook's Garden" with Bing Crosby and portrayed Morgan Harris in "Anne of Green Gables: The Sequel." His film credits include "Hurry Sundown" and "Hour of the Gun." Converse's TV guest roles spanned popular '70s shows such as "The Love Boat" and "The Bionic Woman."

Peggy Converse, born Velma Randall, was a prominent American actress with a career spanning seven decades in stage, film, and television. Starting at 16, she graced Broadway in productions such as "Infernal Machine" and "The Comedy of Good and Evil." Her film career began in 1942 with "My Sister Eileen," culminating in "The Accidental Tourist" in 1988. Converse also appeared on numerous TV shows from the 1950s to the 1980s, including "Perry Mason" and "Days of Our Lives." She was known for her versatility, playing over 100 roles across North America alongside her second husband, Don Porter.

Philip Ernest Converse (1928–2014) was a distinguished American political scientist recognized for his pioneering research in public opinion, survey research, and political behavior. As a professor at the University of Michigan, Converse co-authored "The American Voter" using data from the American National Election Studies, significantly influencing the field of political science. He served in leadership roles at the University of Michigan's Survey Research Center and Institute for Social Research, and later directed the Center for Advanced Study in Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University. Converse was celebrated for his insights into ideology, partisanship, and political representation, earning him a fellowship with the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 1969.