WHO WAS RICHARD ASHTON CONOVER?

Richard Ashton Conover was born in Morgan county, Illinois, December 28, 1831. Received his literary education in Eureka, Illinois. He and his wife, Sarah Fisher Conover, were founding faculty members of Eureka College.  Unusual for her time, Sarah taught women’s studies. In 1856 Richard began the study of medicine, and graduated from

St. Louis Medical College in 1858. He practiced medicine in Eureka from 1858 until the beginning of the Civil War.

 

Conover entered the service in August, 1862, as Assistant Surgeon in the 108th Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry. In 1863 he was promoted to Surgeon and served in that capacity until the close of the war. He was a pioneer physician in western Missouri when he moved with his family to Peculiar, Cass County, Missouri, in 1868. He practiced his profession there for 16 years, when, his health failing, he lingered two years, then passed away with heart disease, February 15, 1886. At the time of his death, he was president of the Medical Association of Kansas City District.