Charles H. W. Conover was also known as Charles Henry Conover. Charles H. W. Conover was born on 31. Jul. 1840 at Freehold, Monmouth County, New Jersey. He was the son of
William Ebenezer Conover and
Charlette Baker. Charles H. W. Conover married
Cordelia Vaughn, daughter of
Samuel Vaughn, on 13. Nov. 1865. Charles H. W. Conover married
Cordelia Vaughn, daughter of
Samuel Vaughn, on 23. Nov. 1865.
Charles H. W. Conover was shown in the census on 1. Jun. 1880 as a manufacturer, planning mill.
Charles H. W. Conover and
Cordelia Vaughn appeared on the census of 1. Jun. 1880 at Flint, Genesee County, Michigan.
Charles H. W. Conover was shown in the census on 11. Jun. 1900 as a foreman in a planning mill.
Charles H. W. Conover and
Cordelia Vaughn appeared on the census of 11. Jun. 1900 at Flint, Genesee County, Michigan,
; 4 children, 3 living.
Charles H. W. Conover was shown in the census on 24. Apr. 1910 as an inspector, city side walks.
Charles H. W. Conover and
Cordelia Vaughn appeared on the census of 24. Apr. 1910 at Flint, Genesee County, Michigan,
; 4 children, 3 living.
Charles H. W. Conover and
Cordelia Vaughn appeared on the census of 2. Jan. 1920 at Flint, Genesee County, Michigan.
Charles H. W. Conover and
Cordelia Vaughn appeared on the census of 3. Apr. 1930 at Flint, Genesee County, Michigan,
; real estate value 11,000.00. Charles H. W. Conover died in Feb. 1931 at Flint, Genesee County, Michigan, at age 90.
Charles H. W. Conover, of Flint, Michigan, was born in Monmouth county, New Jersey, on the site of the battle of Monmouth, July 31, 184o. His great-grandfather, Louis Kovenhoven, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and was in active service at the battle of Monmouth, and records show that he rendered distinguished service to General Washington throughout the war. There are many Conovers in that part of the state of New Jersey, and the family name is one of the oldest and most distinguished in that section of the state. The name, Kovenhoven, is the forerunner of the name of Conover and is traceable to Dutch origin.
Charles enlisted in the regular United States service in 186i. He was with McClellan in his famous campaign, and took part in many of the exciting experiences incident to the war. He assisted in the destruction of Yorktown and helped blow up the bridge at Savige station. He was confined to the hospital for a period and later contracted malaria fever while in the vicinity of the Chickahominy. His health was so impaired that complete recovery never fully returned to him. After the close of the war he spent two years in New York city and later became engaged in the oil business in Ontario, following, this for a while. In 1867 he came to Flint, having heard of it as a place of growth and enterprise. It was then on the "boom" and Governor Crapo had just built his large sawmill. Mr. Conover bought an interest in the planing mill, the firm being Beardslee, Gillies & Company, and continued till 1896, at which date the business was discontinued.
Thus for twenty-nine years Mr. Conover had given his attention to the details of the work, turning out lumber, sash, doors, etc. The mills turned out a tremendous quantity of their product, and Mr. Conover's mechanical and practical skill were invaluable to the business. He assumed charge of most of the important departments of the work, which employed from thirty to forty men.
Since 1896 Mr. Conover has operated with other manufacturers, including other interests. He has been an active participant in the city's growth and development. He served as alderman from the fifth ward, and was a member of the water works commission when the water plant was purchased, and, with others, measured the twenty-eight and a quarter miles of water mains. He has served as supervisor for his ward during 1906-07.
Politically a Republican, his first stand is for clean and upright official service. He is not a political aspirant, but takes a hand in the party's activities, serving as delegate frequently to important conventions. His present neat and attractive residence was erected in 1876, and stands today a favorable illustration of its Wilder's taste and discretion.
He was married at Monmouth, New Jersey. to Miss Cordelia Vaughn, also a descendant of a worthy line of ancestors. As a result of this union there were born three daughters and one son. as follows : Charlotte, wife of Dr. C. H. Bailey, a dentist of Detroit. and a graduate of the State University Estella V., at home, and bookkeeper in the employ of Frank Algoe Charles V., a graduate, also. of the State University, and now a civil engineer located at Washington and one daughter, Frances, who died in childhood.
Mr. Conover is an enthusiastic member of the Grand Army of the Republic, of course, and also of the National League, and has often visited many of his old comrades. He is a member of the Congregational church, in which he has been a deacon for many years. He rendered much practical help in the building of the new Congregational church, being a member of the building committee. Thus in a varied and manifold manner he has contributed generously to the sum total of the city's progress and development. He was at one time a member of the school board for three years, and was treasurer two years of the three.
Biographical History of Genesee County, Michigan.
CHARLES H.W. CONOVER. The gentleman whose name is above has been connected with the firm of BEARDSLEE, GILLIES & Co., prominent lumber dealers and manufacturers of sash and doors, for the past twenty-four years. Mr. CONOVER was born in Freehold, Monmouth County, N.J., July 31, 1840. He is a son of William E. and Charlotte (BAKER) CONOVER, the former being one of the oldest residents of that historic town. Our subject's great-grandfather, Lewis COVENHOVEN, lived within a few miles of his grandson's birthplace and served in the War of the Revolution. His son, Ebenezer, changed his name too CONOVER and remained in that locality as a farmer. The father of our subject was also a farmer and died August 24, 1891, at the age of seventy-six years. During his life he held many positions of trust and was on the township committee many years. He reared a family of nine children too maturity and of these our subject was the only one away from home. The mother died some years ago.
Charles CONOVER received his education in his native town. In October, 1861, he enlisted in the regular engineer corps of the army, and served in that capacity for one year. After being discharged for disability he went too New York City and was their engaged as clerk in a ship-yard. From their he went too Ontario and engaged in the oil business for one and a half years, being Superintendent of an Eastern oil company. Coming too Michigan and settling in Flint in 1866, he entered the employ of the firm of which he one year later became a member. Of the workings of this business house we refer the reader too the sketch of Mr. GILLIES in another portion of this volume.
Mr. CONOVER has been a member of the School Board for three years and Treasurer of said Board for two years of the three. He has never given much time or attention too politics, but is a believer in the policy of the Republican party.
Our subject was married too Miss Cordelia VAUGHAN of Monmouth County, N.J., November 22, 1865. She is a daughter of Samuel VAUGHAN, an old resident of the same county. Mr. and Mrs. CONOVER are the parents of three living children--Charlotte, Estelle and Charles. The family are members of the Congregational Church and our subject has been Deacon in the same for about ten or twelve years. Mr. CONOVER is a man who is held in the highest esteem by all who know him and the fact that he has maintained this position for so many years and has been identified with so important an industry, speaks more for his integrity of character than any words we can add.
1892 Portrait & Biographical Album of Genesee, Lapeer & Tuscola Counties, Chapman Bros.