Person:Henry Greenman (1)

In Milton, Wis., Oct. 18th, 1863, of dysentery, Henry Giles Greenman, Esq., aged 53 years, 5 months, and 28 days. Mr. Greenman was a grandson of the late Eld. Henry Clarke. His early life was spent mostly in Brookfield, N. Y. He afterwards removed to Allegany Co., N. Y., residing in the towns of Genesee and Alfred, and for a time taking charge of the financial affairs of Alfred Academy. Some fifteen years ago, he removed to Milton, Wis., where he was quite successful in his business, and had come to exert an extensive influence. He was a genial companion, and a man whose co-operation in every good work could be relied upon. His counsel will be much missed in the community, in the school of which he was a trustee, and in the religious society with which he was associated.

HENRY G. GREENMAN, was born in Brookfield, Madison, Co., N.Y., April 21, 1810; he was the son of a farmer and remained with his parents upon the farm until his 17th year; during this time, he received his education at the common school; in his 18th year, he went to Utica, N.Y., where he learned the shoemakers' trade. Mr. Greenman married Mary B. Maxson, of Unadilla Forks, Otsego Co., N.Y., Jan. 16, 1831. In 1834, Mr. Greenman, with his family, removed to Alfred, Allegany Co., N.Y., then regarded as a new country, where he was engaged in farming for a period of ten years; during a portion of this time, Mr. Greenman served as Superintendent of Schools and Justice of the Peace in the township where he resided. In 1846, the financial management of Alfred Academy (now Alfred University) was placed in his hands and was successfully managed until his resignation four years afterward; during his administration of the affairs of the institution, through his personal influence, a loan of $10,000 was obtained from the State of New York, which amount was subsequently donated to the institution. Mr. Greenman came to Milton, in July, 1851; he commenced business as a lumber merchant soon after his arrival, in which occupation he was engaged during the remainder of his life. He was not a politician, yet, as a Republican, he took a lively interest in the political problems of his time; he was Justice of the Peace during a greater portion of his life, and his extensive experience, thorough knowledge of the law, and his excellent judgment rendered his services of much value in magisterial duties; he was for several terms elected Chairman of the County Board of Supervisors. Mr. Greenman was active in promoting the material interests of the community in which he resided, and was especially active in promoting educational enterprises. Though identified with the Seventh Day Baptist denomination, his religious principles were broad enough to be in sympathy with religious sentiment wherever found. Mr. Greenman died Oct. 18, 1863, having been successful in the business ventures of his life, and must esteemed for his manliness and moral worth. He had four sons - Charles H., born in Plainfield, N.Y., March 11, 1832 (now residing in Mauwatosa, Wis.); William B., born in Sangerfield, N.Y., Nov. 23, 1833, died at Milton, Wis., Sept. 3, 1853; John M., born in Hornellsville, N.Y., April 15, 1835 (now practicing law in Austin, Minn.), and Reynolds J., born in Hornellsville, N.Y., July 24, 1840 (a lumber merchant of Milton Junction).

HENRY GILES GREENMAN, deceased, was one of the early settlers of Milton, Wis., and for many years was prominently identified with its history. He was a native of New York, born in Brookfield, Madison County, on the 21st day of April, 1810. The days of his boyhood were spent upon his father's farm, and his education was received in the common schools, which he attended until seventeen years of age. At that time he left the parental roof and started out in life for himself. Going to Utica, N.Y., he learned the shoemaker's trade in that city, which occupation he followed for a livelihood until his removal to Alfred, Allegheny County, in the same State, where he engaged in farming for a period of ten years. For four years while residing in Allegheny County he held the position of financial manager of Alfred Academy - now a University - during which time he secured for that institution a loan from the State of $10,000, which was later presented to the academy as a gift. He was several times elected Town Superintendent of Schools and also held the office of Justice of the Peace.
On the 16th day of January, 1831, Mr. Greenman wedded Miss Mary B. Maxson, who was born in Newport, R.I., March 27, 1808. They became the parents of four children, all sons. Charles H., the elder, is proprietor of a nursery at Chatfield, Minn.; William B. died at Milton on the 3d day of September, 1853; John M. is a lawyer at Austin, Minn., where he has been several times elected District Attorney, and is now City Attorney; Reynolds J., the fourth son, of whom a sketch will be found elsewhere in this volume, is a lumber dealer and editor of the Milton Junction News. The children, following the teachings of their parents, are now respected men and leading citizens of the several communities where they reside.
In July, 1851, Mr. Greenman came to Milton and established a lumber yard, continuing in that business until his death, which occurred Oct. 18, 1863. He was prominently identified with the Seventh-day Baptist Church, though not a member, and was widely known and respected for his integrity of purpose. During the greater part of his residence at Milton, he filled the office of Justice of the Peace, was Chairman of the Town board for several terms and for one term was Chairman of the County Board of Supervisors. In his death Rock County lost a valued citizen, one who always did what he could for the furtherance of her interests. Mrs. Greenman, who survives her husband, is living in Milton, and held in high esteem by a large circle of acquaintances.