GREEN, Hansel J. - 1900 - Fountain County INGenWeb Project

Sunday morning at 3 o’clock Hansel J. Green, one of Attica’s leading citizens, died after a sickness of only one week. Hansel J. Green was born in Glouchestershire, England, Feb. 23, 1829. He was the youngest son of Thomas and Mary Ann (Phelps) Green. In 1842 the family emigrated to America and settled in Portage county, Ohio. Mr. Green was reared a farmer and obtained his education at the Atwater Academy. In 1846 they moved to Mahoning county, and there at the age of 17 he was apprenticed to the tinner’s trade. In 1819 he went to Millersburg, Holmes county, and took charge of a stove store for a Mr. Holcomb, of whom he learned his trade. Next year he came to Lafayette, Indiana, where he had worked at the tinning business two years, and then settled permanently in 1852 in Attica. Purchasing a small store, step by step, he went up the road of prosperity, by his honorable delays he soon had the confidence of every one and enjoyed their patronage. In 1866 he built the block now occupied by his son and in it put the largest stock of hardware that had ever been seen in this part of the state. In 1885(?) he retired from the Hardware business being succeeded by his son, who as continued the business in the steps outlined by his father. Mr. Green was married to Mary M. Merrick, in New Haven, Conn. Feb. 17, 1857, and to them were born two children, LaMonte M. and Emma, wife of Albert Schoonover Mr. Green’s death is the first to break the family circle and the family have the sincere sympathy of the entire county. Mr. Green has been identified with the best interest of Attica. From a penniless boy, he, by his wisdom, was able to become wealthy and he has ever used his wealth for the interest of his town and the public good. He was a true friend all he asked was that a man be honorable. There are many monuments of enterprise and progression in the city of Attica that are due to the wisdom of H. J. Green. He was a safe counselor and a valuable citizen, and during the 40 years of his active business life in the county, no man can say that he ever misjudged him. The funeral was held Tuesday afternoon: the service Vice was conducted by Rev. William Wilmer assisted by Rev. H. G. Ogden after which the remains were laid to rest in the beautiful Riverside cemetery. Every business house in the city was closed through respect and the city officials with whom he had been identified for many years attended in a body. Thus one by one the men who made the county are passing away. – jlr