Simon B. Conover graduated from the medical department of a prominent university and served as an acting assistant surgeon in the Union Army during the Civil War. He held various state-level positions, including delegate to the state constitutional convention, state treasurer, and member of the Republican National Committee. Conover transitioned to the U.S. Senate, where he chaired the Committee on Enrolled Bills. He also practiced medicine and held leadership roles in educational institutions, including president of the board of regents of an agricultural college and school of science.

Simon B. Conover's political identity is marked by a blend of medical expertise and state governance, with a surprising commitment to accessible healthcare rooted in his Civil War service. His involvement in multiple state constitutional conventions reveals a calculated approach to shaping governance, while his leadership in higher education suggests a forward-thinking stance on regional development. Conover's career juxtaposes his military service with a dedication to state-level educational advancement, hinting at a nuanced, ideologically agile strategy.