A number of years back Converse Elementary’s school mascot was changed from Bordermen to the Cougars, a name that persists to this day. Understandably this was met by disappointment from many and outrage by a few.
Bordermen had been the nom de guerre of Converse High School for decades and was adopted by Converse Elementary after the incorporation of Oak Hill United Schools.
The reason for the name change was given that no one knew what a Borderman was.
The obvious answer is that, while the majority of Converse is in Miami County, a portion also lies in Grant County, and the town rests on or near the borders of Howard and Wabash as well.
Converse is a border town. But “Borderman” has a deeper meaning as well, tied the rich and noble tradition of the Indiana Rangers.
In the early part of the 19th century, the Indiana Rangers were a mounted militia formed to defend settlers in the Indiana Territory from attacks by Native Americans. At their peak, these “bordermen”, as they were called, numbered over 400 men.They fought at the Battle of Tippecanoe, served during the War of 1812, and inspired the formation of the Texas Rangers.
The 151st Infantry Regiment of the Indiana National Guard traces its lineage back to the Indiana Rangers formed in 1807. They were the only National Guard Unit to serve intact during the Vietnam Conflict.
Bordermen were instrumental in the safety and security of the people who made Indiana their home, both before and after Statehood. No one knows what a Borderman is? If not for these “bordermen” you wouldn’t even be able to ask that question.
To me, stripping the Borderman nickname from the students of Converse was disrespectful to the heritage of this town and the people who bore that name proudly for so many years.
I have always considered myself a Borderman first, holding that honor above being an Eagle. I always felt there was a healthy rivalry between all the local communities that made up Oak Hill. Even that has faded as the elementary schools became integrated.
Change may be inevitable, but it is not always for the better.
—Bob Freeman
The Converse Journal 
I appreciate the history of Converse! When and why did the name change from Xenia to Conerse? I have heard reason but want to hear from an ‘expert”. Also where was the Presbyterian church and when did it disappear? Thanks very much. Susan Warnock Marshall
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Not an expert by any means, but Xenia, Ohio and Xenia, Indiana were on the same rail line and mail was getting confused between the two. The Ohio town was older so got to keep its name and our town was told to make a change. Converse was chosen, honoring local entrepreneur, J. N. Converse.
Not sure what year the Presbyterian Church shuttered its doors, but I believe it was located at the end of North Street, which is now better known as Water Street. I’ll look into it and see what I can find out.
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