Biography - John Greene
John GREENE, banker, Raymond. The grandfather of our subject was a native of Kentucky. In 1819, he sought a home in the then far West, and became a resident of Greene County, Ill. In many ways he will be long remembered as one who helped materially toward making Greene County one of the most flourishing counties in the State, and which was named in honor of himself and his brother John. His death occurred in 1828. He was the father of five children, of whom Nelson, the father of our subject, was the fourth child. He was born in the year 1822, and grew up to be a stout and vigorous boy, early becoming inured to the hard work of a farm. He was married in 1847, to Ann E. GANO, a daughter of John S. GANO, a Virginian. In his own language - "I borrowed the clothes I wore to the marriage" - and subsequently borrowed many of the household utensils that formed the simple furniture of his cabin; but he worked hard, and thus paved the way for future success. He is the owner of 120 acres of land in one of the best townships of Greene County; is a whole-souled, liberal gentleman, and enjoys the confidence of his many friends. He was twice elected Justice of the Peace, serving eight years. He is the father of eight children, namely: Emily, wife of N. M. PERRY, Jr., at Olathe, Kan.; Mary, wife of Luther SNELL, of Carlinville, Ill.; Sarah, wife of Scott GREENE, of Tallula, Ill., a prominent farmer and stock-raiser; Lucy, Herschel, Robert, Clarence, and John, the subject of this sketch, who was born on the old farm homestead April 15, 1847, receiving a liberal education from the common schools of his native place. His first venture in business was made with Mr. N. M. PERRY, in the town designated as Old Kane, where a general merchandising business was done. Subsequently, Mr. GREENE purchased the interest of Mr. PERRY, and conducted a successful business for a number of years. In September, 1880, he opened a general banking business at Raymond, and, in addition to the duties of this business, he is Township Collector, elected by the Democratic ticket. He was married August 31, 1870, to Miss Emma E. PERRY, who was born in Greene County December 26, 1846. They have two children - Mabel, born August 18, 1871, and Morrison, born December 26, 1877. Mrs. GREENE was a daughter of Col. N. M. and Eliza (HILL) PERRY. He was born in Orange County, Va., November 30, 1806, and was the sixth child of James and Ann PERRY, who were of English descent. In 1864, he was nominated and elected as a candidate of the Democratic party to a seat in the legislature of Illinois, and in that responsible position acquitted himself with honor. His death occurred in 1875, and that of his wife in 1861. Mr. GREENE is a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity, Blue Lodge, Chapter and Commandery. He is a man of unsullied reputation, and well worthy of the high esteem in which he is held by the community at large.
Extracted 20 Nov 2016 by Norma Hass from 1882 History of Bond and Montgomery Counties, Illinois, Part 2 Biographical Department, page 220.
