How Everton Conger helped start the American Red Cross

I’ve been busy the past few weeks going through about 1,000 pages of documents surrounding Everton Conger’s suspension in 1883 from the Territorial Supreme Court bench in Montana, so I haven’t had time to do much in the way of blog work. But since I feel like I need to carry my weight here a little better, I’m taking a break from that, but not from Conger.

One thing that constantly surprises me is how many famous people Conger’s path crossed. He was good friends with Rutherford B. Hayes before the Civil War, and Hayes actually suggested that Conger raise his own cavalry company after Conger’s first stint with the 8th Ohio Infantry didn’t pan out. Conger was mentioned by John Fremont in his report on the 1862 Shenandoah Valley Campaign due to Conger’s near capture of Turner Ashby near Mt. Jackson. Of course, Conger will forever be known to history for his role in capturing John Wilkes Booth.

But one of the most interesting roles that Conger played in our nation’s history came with his role, and that of his brother, in the founding of the American Red Cross. After the Wilson-Kautz Raid in 1864, where Conger received his second war wound, he was cared for by none other than Clara Barton, who was traveling with the Army of the James and who enjoyed a friendship with Ben Butler, who heartily welcomed her to the service.

Years after the war ended, Barton was traveling in the halls of Congress trying to drum up support for America adopting the Geneva Convention and the creation of an American Red Cross. Her pleas received little interest from either representatives or senators until she chanced upon meeting Omar D. Conger, senator from Michigan and Everton’s older brother.

At first Omar listened politely but uninterested until Barton asked him “you wouldn’t by chance be related to Col. Conger, would you?” Omar’s eyes brightened. “I am his brother,” he replied. She explained how she tended to Everton’s wounds after the Wilson-Kautz Raid and how much she grew to like and respect Everton. From that point, Omar became one of the strongest supporters of the organization, holding an organizational meeting in his Washington home on May 12, 1881. Omar’s strong and vocal support for the organization helped pave the way for its success. In 1882, President Chester A. Arthur signed the Geneva Convention and the Red Cross was born.


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4 responses to “How Everton Conger helped start the American Red Cross”

  1. Evan Reed Avatar

    Found your article on Everton Conger of much interest. Am also related to Col. A.L. Conger who can be found in the Summit County Ohio history and was my great great Uncle. If you would like any information on this Conger I would be glad to provide it to you. This Conger became head of the national Republican Party and helped get McKinley Elected whose entire cabinet stayed with him at his house in Akron.
    Yours in History,
    Evan C. Reed

    1. Ian Conger Avatar
      Ian Conger

      Evan Reed = Hi Cousin, I’m the Great Great Grandson of Sen. Omar D. Conger.
      if you see this plz feel free to connect with me on Facebook.

  2. Kelly Humphrey Avatar
    Kelly Humphrey

    Thank you for your interesting post! My husband’s grandfather was Omar Conger Humphrey, who was named after his aunt’s husband, Senator Omar Conger. Everton’s story is fascinating!

    1. Ian Conger Avatar
      Ian Conger

      He Kelly, I guess you’re a cousin in law! Would really like to connect with you as there are ALOT of gaps in my family history. I know nothing about my great Grandfather, who was Franklin Barker Conger, son of Sen. Omar D. Conger. I think your husband must be a cousin of my father, Omar D. Conger III. 2nd cousin?

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