Green - Samuel John - Montgomery InGenWeb Project

Samuel John Green (my father) was born in Cambridge, Washington County, New York, Jan. 4, 1817, and died in Ocala, Florida, Dec. 25, 1894.

The subject of this little sketch with an elder brother, William Green, in the spring of 1839, graduated as physician and surgeon in the old Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia, Pa. The following July the two brothers, with their parents, came to Miles, Cayuga County, N. Y., where Dr. Samuel John Green was married to Mary Ann Abbott, daughter of Chauncey and Mary Abbott. Soon after marriage they visited a sister, Mrs. James Gillmore, in western New York, and from there started on horseback for Indiana to seek their fortunes, leaving the bride of a few weeks with her parents. On account of a dislocated hip, the younger brother had to lift the elder brother on and off his horse the entire distance, but they were young and hopeful, and made the best of all hardships attending the long journey. A little black dog was a cheerful companion; when he became foot sore and tired, he was carried in their arms until rested. He survived for years, enjoying many hunting expeditions in the wild woods of Indiana. They reached Crawfordsville, Montgomery County, Indiana, some time in November, and there among the pleasant people of that college town made their new home.

The following spring, Samuel John (my father) returned to New York for his bride. She, with buoyant spirit, all the good wishes and prayers of kindred and friends, started with him for the ‘far west,’ leaving behind a home of wealth and refinement, to share the uncertain fortunes of a young doctor just starting in life a new country.

In Crawfordsville the people were most hospitable, and the young doctor prospered. It was there that their first child, Sarah M., was born and christened. After a few years they removed to Middletown, near Waynetown, ten miles west, and theer with a younger brother, George, invested in farm and mill property, which they managed most successfully, aside from Samuel John doing an immense practice in his profession, indeed, there were weeks at a time, that he never was at home, to take off his clothes and retire for the night, only snatching such rest as he could in the house of a very sick patient, or as he jogged along on the back of his weary horse. In these early days, the fever and ague raged along Coal Creek. My father’s practice extended over many miles of territory. The roads were miserable, the only mode of travel, the greater part of the time, being on horseback, with pill bags strung across the saddle, and leggins strapped on as a protection against the cold and mud. In his absence on these long trips, my capable mother took his place, issued medicine to the home patients, and visited the sick, carrying delicacies and comforts of all kinds with her. To my mother’s activity and help my father owed much of his success in his profession. He and a few other faithful men and women built the first Methodist Church in the town. Ever since I can remember my father’s house was open and free to everybody. There was always a place at the table and a corner at the fireside and a welcome for all, to stay as long as they pleased. It was the home of the itinerant minister. In these early days the circuits were large and required two ministers, an old one and a young one. They made my father’s house their home, sure of sympathy and welcome to stay until ready to depart. Many a gray haired minister in recalling these weary days in his life work will testify to what I say. My father was generous to a fault, as all his old friends can testify. No one in affliction, no matter how lowly his condition, ever asked of him in vain. If they were needy his pocketbook was open, if in sickness, never too weary in body or too dark the hour of night for him to go at their call. Very many of these long, dark trips were made to people in distress, from whom he could never hope to get a cent.

My father was a most indulgent parent, bereft of our mother in early life; he seemed to us children more like a tender, sympathizing elder brother than a parent. We never thought of being afraid to go to our father at all times. He was steadfast in his friendship—once a friend, always a friend.

There was no sacrifice too great, no hardship too severe for him to make for a friend. His large, loving hart took in all that was good, and cast aside the faults of all whom he loved.

In the summer of 1859 his Christian wife and help-meet was called to her home above, leaving five children. Many years he enjoyed the confidence and patronage of the surrounding people. Under so much exposure and hardship his health finally gave way, and he was advised to seek a warmer climate. So in the year of 1882, he with his elder brother, William, and second wife, Emma Newton Green, and their two children, moved to Florida in the search of health. Twelve years he enjoyed the fruits, the flowers, the birds, the beautiful sunshine, and the absolute rest of that tropical home, until Christmas Day, 1894, when he peacefully passed to the ‘bright beyond,’ and was buried beneath those sunny skies, by the hands of loving friends, and a minister of his own beloved church.

Sarah Green Hayden