[5][6][7] In 1872 Converse was selected as the Republican nominee for governor even though he was over 70 years old, was not an active candidate, and had not campaigned for the position.

[8] His nomination was regarded by observers as a way to block the candidacy of railroad magnate Frederick H. Billings, who had only recently returned to Vermont from California, and the renomination of incumbent John W. Stewart, which would break the Republican party's Mountain Rule.

Converse won the general election and served as governor from 1872 to 1874, afterwards living in retirement.

In 1873 Converse married 31-year-old Jane Martin (born North Stratford, New Hampshire, March 24, 1842 - died Lowell, Massachusetts, June 22, 1916).

[14] Converse died on August 16, 1885, aged 86, while vacationing in Dixville Notch, New Hampshire.