James Converse facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Converse
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|---|---|
| Speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representatives | |
| In office 1699, 1702 – 1704 |
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| Member for Woburn in the Massachusetts House of Representatives | |
| In office 1680 – 1706 (intermittent) |
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| Selectman in the town of Woburn | |
| In office 1680 – 1706 (intermittent) |
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| Town clerk of Woburn | |
| In office 1689 – 1700 (intermittent) |
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| Personal details | |
| Born |
James Converse
November 16, 1645 Woburn, Massachusetts |
| Died | July 8, 1706 (aged 60) |
| Spouse |
Hanna Carter
(m. 1689) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  England |
| Branch/service | .svg){kind=small} Provincial troops and militia of Massachusetts Bay |
| Years of service | 1689?-1706 |
| Rank | Major of provincial forces Lieutenant colonel of militia |
| Commands |
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| Battles/wars | King William's War
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James Converse (born November 16, 1645 – died July 8, 1706) was an important person in early Massachusetts. He was a farmer and a soldier. He also held many public jobs. James Converse was known for being a strong military leader during the French and Indian Wars. These were conflicts between the British colonies and the French, often with their Native American allies. He also served as the Speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representatives, which was like being the leader of the government's law-making group.
Contents
Military Adventures
James Converse became a captain in the military around 1690. He was in charge of soldiers in the Maine area. These soldiers were part of the provincial forces, meaning they were from the colony itself.
Protecting the Frontier
In 1691, Converse helped defend Wells, Maine from attacks by Native American groups. The next year, he led the defense of Wells again, this time against an even larger enemy force. He also led groups of soldiers to find and stop hostile Native American groups in Maine.
Leading Colonial Troops
When a new war, Queen Anne's War, started in 1702, the governor of Massachusetts chose James Converse to lead all the colony's soldiers in the field. This shows how much trust people had in his leadership skills. He was a brave and important figure in protecting the Massachusetts frontier.
Public Service and Leadership
Even though James Converse was famous for his military actions, he also spent a lot of time helping his community. He held many important public jobs in his hometown of Woburn.
Town and Colony Roles
He served as a selectman in Woburn for many years. A selectman was like a town council member who helped manage the town's daily business. He was also the town clerk, which meant he kept official records for the town.
Converse represented Woburn in the Massachusetts House of Representatives. This was the main law-making body for the colony. He served in the House for many years between 1680 and 1706.
Speaker of the House
One of his most important roles was serving as the Speaker of the House in 1699 and again from 1702 to 1704. As Speaker, he was the leader of the House of Representatives. He helped guide discussions and make sure laws were passed. This shows he was a respected and influential leader in Massachusetts.
