Conover, Fred W. D. D. S. 1859 - 1930

CONOVER, BIGELOW, SHEETS, HEIVLY

Posted By: Bill Waters (email)
Date: 4/19/2014 at 11:46:00

FRED W. CONOVER, D. D. S.

Dentistry may be said to be almost unique among occupations, as it is at once a profession, a trade and a business. Such being the case, it follows that in order to attain the highest success in it one must be thoroughly conversant with the theory of the art, must be expert with the many instruments and appliances incidental to the practice of modern dentistry and must possess business qualifications adequate to dealing with the financial side of the profession. In all of these particulars, Dr. Fred W. Conover is well qualified and therefore has attained prestige among the able representatives of dentistry in Decorah and throughout the state. His birth occurred in Allamakee county, Iowa, on the 16th of November, 1859, his parents being Firman and Mary (Bigelow) Conover, who are natives of New York and Connecticut respectively. The father, an agriculturist by occupation, came to this state in 1856, settling in Allamakee County, where he operated a rented farm and also taught school. Failing health caused him to return to New York, but he soon retraced his way back to Allamakee county, Iowa, and resumed farming. Again broken in health, he went back to his native state, disposing of his Iowa property, and embarked in the butchering business at Daynesville, Lewis County, New York, remaining there until the spring of 1871. He then came to Winneshiek County, where he bought a farm, which he operated until 1895, when he disposed of the same, removing to Frankville, where he lived until 1906. He then put aside the active work of the fields, taking up his abode in Decorah, where he lived retired until death claimed him, at the ripe old age of eighty-three years. His wife is still living at the age of seventy-two.

Fred W. Conover obtained his early education in the schools of Allamakee county, Iowa, Connecticut, New York, and Winneshiek county, Iowa, accompanying his parents on their various removals. Subsequently he entered the Upper Iowa University at Fayette and later attended Breckenridge Institute at Decorah. Afterwards he followed the profession of school teaching for nine years, spending the last two years of that time as principal of West Decorah schools. Determining to become a practitioner of dentistry, he entered the Philadelphia Dental College and was graduated from that institution in 1890. He first opened an office for practice in Decorah but at the end of six months disposed of his interests here and removed to Sioux City, where he remained for fourteen months. On selling out there he returned to Decorah and has here practiced his profession continuously since. He enjoys an extensive and lucrative patronage that is indeed well merited. While teaching school he also learned telegraphy and for one year worked as extra man. For the past fifteen years he has been a stockholder and director in the Citizens Savings Bank and is likewise a stockholder in several other banks, while of the Building & Loan Association he has acted as vice president and director for twelve years. His is a handsomely equipped office and he also owns a fine residence at No. 412 West Broadway.

On the 12th of November, 1891, Dr. Conover was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary R. Heivly, a daughter of Henry and Mary (Sheets) Heivly, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. The father, a miller by trade, came to Decorah and here purchased a flour mill which he operated for some years, being at the same time engaged in the mercantile business. He passed away in 1901 but is survived by his widow, who has now attained the age of eighty-three years and resides with our subject. Dr. and Mrs. Conover have one son, Harry W., who is in the service of a lumber concern.

In politics Dr. Conover is independent, supporting men and measures rather than party. He has ably served as a member of the city council. He is prominent fraternally, being a past noble grand of the Odd Fellows lodge and a past exalted ruler of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, serving twice in the latter capacity and also as representative to the grand lodge. Dr. Conover is also prominent in Masonry, having attained the thirty-second degree in that organization. He is a past master of the blue lodge, a past high priest of King Solomon's Chapter, and eminent commander of Beausant Commandery, as well as a member of the Shrine. In the Knights of Pythias he is a past chancellor and is likewise identified with the Brotherhood of Yeomen. His friends find him always a genial, courteous gentleman, who has true appreciation for the social amenities of life, and while never too busy to be courteous, is not too courteous to be busy.

Source: History of Winneshiek County, Iowa Vol. II Chicago the S. J. Clark publishing Company 1913

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