"Capt. Solva Converse, son of Capt. Solvin, was born on April 1, 1790, in Stafford, and received only limited educational advantages. Reared on a farm, he followed agricultural life only for a period as he saw a larger field of operation. In his young days there were no railroads, and freight of all kinds was brought to and from Hartford or other points, by teams, and in this business, in connection with his brother Parley, he engaged largely. For thirty or more years he was also extensively interested in the lumber business, and conducted a most successful meat business also, supplying the whole surrounding country with fresh meats.

"Mr. Converse was one of the founders, and one of the largest holders of stock in, the Mineral Springs Manufacturing Company's first woolen mill, erected in the village of Stafford Springs, in 1839, and he became the company's first agent, a position he held for some time, later succeeding to the presidency of the company, holding that position for some years, and under his guidance a great and prosperous business was developed. Beginning life with very little, Mr. Converse through his great industry and good management, coupled with rare judgment and fine ability, forged his way to position and wealth, leaving at his death a good name, and probably the largest estate ever accumulated in this town. Mr. Converse possessed good sense, was far-seeing in business matters, and his counsel was often sought and his advice followed, as it was considered safe. In public matters in his town, he frequently served as selectman, and about 1840 he represented the town in the State Legislature. Always public-spirited, he did much for the town, and a large portion of the borough of Stafford Springs stands today as monuments to the name of Converse—to the names of Solva, Parley and Julius Converse....

"Capt. Converse, a title also acquired by his father, and two of his sons, from their service as commanders of companies in the old militia, was a member and a liberal supporter of the Methodist Church of Stafford Springs, and he was among the first to contribute to the building of the first edifice of that denomination in 1832, and again to the erection of the building in 1866, which replaced the former one.

"In 1812 Capt. Solva Converse was married to Esther Blodgett, who was born Oct. 12, 1790, and died July 5, 1880. She was a daughter of Deacon Alden Blodgett, and a granddaughter of Joshua Blodgett, said to be the first white child born in Stafford, whose father and his brother were among the first settlers of the town, coming from Woburn, Mass. To this marriage were born: Adeline, who died in childhood; Almeda, who married L. H. Whiton; Alden S., who died in young manhood; Orrin; Josiah; Julius, who married Mira C. Lord; Hannah B., who married M. H. Washburn; and Francis E., Henry S., Washington and Welcome, all died in infancy. Capt. Solva Converse, the father of these children, died Nov. 22, 1877, and the mother passed away in 1880."

--Commemorative Biographical Record of Tolland and Windham Counties Connecticut Containing Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens and of Many of the Early Settled Families, Chicago: J. H. Beers, 1903, p. 45.