Biographical Sketch of

John S. Greene

Transcribed by Joan Benner for the Marquette Co WI Pages



Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, 
published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 538 - 539

 
John S. Greene, who is engaged in general farming and stock-raising on 
section 28, Berlin Township, Green Lake County, is a native of New York. 
He was born in Madison County, on the 26th of December, 1825, and is a 
son of Rowland and Joanna (Teft) Greene. Both parents were of English 
descent and the father was a distant relative of Gen. Greene of 
Revolutionary fame. He made farming his life occupation, engaging in 
that pursuit in the Empire State until 1843, when he came ot the West. 
His first place of abode was Rock County, Wis., but after a short time 
he removed to Dane County, where for fifteen years he operated a farm. 
At the expiration of that time he became a resident of Waushara County, 
where he purchased a farm upon which he passed the remainder of his days, 
his death occurring in 1862. A week had not yet passed when his wife was 
called to her final rest and they were laid side by side in the cemetery 
in the village of Dakota. They were well known citizens of the community 
where they resided and were greatly respected by all.

Our subject was one of a fmaily of nine children but has only one sister 
yet living, Mercy, who is now the wife of Russell Thompson, a resident 
of Chippewa County, this State. The early life of Mr. Greene was passed 
in much the usual manner of farmer lads. Working and play occupied his 
time and in the common schools of the neighborhood he received his 
education. He has resided in Wisconsin since his eighteenth year, and 
like his father has followed farming throughout his business career. 
He remained with his parents until twenty-six years of age and like a 
dutiful son assisted in the cultivation of the farm. He then left home 
and purchased 120 acres of land in Dane County, to which he afterward 
added 120 acres, operating the same for a few years, when he sold out 
and removed to Minnesota, where he again farmed for six years. At the 
end of that time he returned to Wisconsin, settling in Waushara County, 
upon his father's farm, which he operated, caring for his parents until 
their death. About four or five years were there spent, after which he 
sold out, buying a farm of 150 acres in Berlin Township. Since that 
date, 1866, he has there resided. It is patent to the passer-by that 
Mr. Greene is a man of insustry and enterprise, for his farm with its 
highly cultivated fields and many improvements indicates ceaseless 
activity and enterprise.

The year previous, our subject has enlisted in the service of his 
country as a member of Company C, 52nd Wisconsin Regiment for one year, 
but the rigor and hardships attendant upon war undermined his constitution
causing his discharge on the 24th of May, following. He then returned 
home and resumed his former occupation. Years of experience have made 
him a practical farmer and in accordance with his progressive ideas he 
always keeps abreast of the times. He is not, however, only well informed 
on matters pertaining to his business, but manifests a deep interest in 
the affairs of the country and is specially active in promoting the 
enterprises which are calculated to benefit the county.

Mr. Greene was first married in 1850, when Miss Elizabeth Blake became 
his wife. Five years of happy wedded life were passed by that worthy 
couple and then sorrow darkened the home, Mrs. Greene being called to 
her final rest. He was again married in 1863, the lady of his choice 
being Elizabeth Patrick. One child was born unto them, Rowland W., who 
is now a resident of Crown County, Dakota. Death again visited the home 
in 1879. The dread disease consumption had fastened itself upon the wife 
and mother and in that year she passed away, her remains being interred 
in the cemetery of the Seventh Day Baptist Church in Berlin Township. The 
two succeeding years Mr. Greene was unblessed with the companionship of 
a wife. He was then married April 27, 1881, to Julia L. Post, daughter of 
Eldad and Louisa (Palmer) Post, the former a native of New York, the 
latter of Vermont. The family came to Wisconsin in 1855, and in 1877, Mr. 
Post removed to Dakota Township, Waushara County, where he is now engaged 
in  farming and stock-raising, having followed that business throughout 
his entire life. Both Mr. and Mrs. Greene are members of the Seventh Day 
Baptist Church in Berlin Township, and are earnest Christian people who 
well merit the high esteem in which they are held. In politics, he is a 
stalwart Republican, having advocated the principles of the great 
National organization since its formation. He has displayed much ability 
in the management of his affairs and made the most of his opportunities, 
for beginning life in limited circumstances, he has acquired a competence 
which will enable him to pass his declining years in rest from all labor.     
  





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