Death Of J. S. Conover

End Came Peacefully Sunday Morning. Distinguished Mason. Masonic Funeral Attended by All Masonic Bodies, at Coldwater, on Wednesday. Jefferson S. Conover, of Coldwater, grand secretary of the F. & A. M. of Michigan, is dead. His brave struggle for life ended in resigned defeat at 1:35 Sunday morning. He was brought to the University hospital Feb. 21, and underwent an operation for gallstones. He rallied from the shock and appeared to be making satisfactory progress until Saturday, when he suffered a relapse. In spite of everything that could be done, he weakened steadily until the end. Mr. Conover was a native of New York state and came to Michigan in 1866. The honors of his fellow Masons were lavished upon him. His Masonic career began in 1880, and two years after his initiation, he was elected master of the Coldwater lodge, serving continuously for six years. He took all the degrees and in 1883 became a member of the Scottish rite. He successfully filled the chair in chapter, council and commandery, and also served as commander of the grand commandery. In 1892 he was elected secretary of the Michigan grand lodge and has since held that office, also serving as recorder of the Michigan grand chapter, R. A. M., and recorder of the grand council, R. & S. M. Grand Secretary Conover will be mourned by the thousands of Masons throughout Michigan to whom his was a well known figure. He had a large printing establishment at Coldwater, managed recently by his son, Charles. The deceased was 62 years of age. At the annual gathering of the grand chapter in Detroit last January, Grand Secretary Conover was elected emeritus grand high priest of the chapter, an honor never before conferred by the order on any person in this state. The remains were taken to the residence at Coldwater Monday and the funeral was held Wednesday at 3 p.m.