Randolph County, Indiana
Levi W. Green
The true measure of individual success is determined by what one has accomplished, and as taken in contradistinction to the old adage that a prophet is not without honor save in his own country, there is particular interest attached to the career of Levi W. Green, since he is a native son of Randolph county, where his entire life has been passed; and he has so directed his efforts and ability as to gain recognition as one of the representative citizens of the locality, being one of our leading agriculturists, stock men and bankers, and a worthy scion of a sterling pioneer family.
Mr. Green was born February 6, 1861, on a farm six miles west of Winchester in White River township, Randolph county. He is a son of Levi and Elizabeth (Bowers) Green, both now deceased and sleeping the sleep of the just in Maxville cemetery.
Levi W. Green was reared on the home farm in his native community and there assisted with the general work during the crop seasons when he became of proper age, and he received his early education in the district schools there. He began life for himself as a teacher, which vocation he followed several years in the common schools of his native county during which time his services were in great demand. Between terms he worked on the home farm, remaining under his parental roof tree until his marriage, December 7, 1897 to Ida Main, a daughter of Henry and Magdalena (Collinsworth) Main, a highly esteemed family of Henry county. The father is deceased, having spent his life successfully engaged in general farming. His widow survives.
Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Green, namely: Ruth, Mary and Joseph R.
Levi W. Green has remained a resident on the old homestead where he has continue farming. He and his brother, John E. Green, are now owners of over five hundred acres of valuable, well-improved and productive land, and they carry on general farming and stock raising on an extensive scale, raising large numbers of thoroughbred shorthorn cattle for breeding purposes, for which there is a great demand at fancy prices, these superior cattle being purchased in all parts of the country. They have been frequently exhibited at county and state fairs, and have always taken premiums. The herd at this writing consists of seventy-eight head. Mr. Green is the largest breeder of shorthorn cattle in the county. He has been very successful in a financial way and is one of the substantial men of the county. He is president of the First National Bank of Farmland, which position he has filled since the death of F. L. Shaw in 1905. He was one of the organizers of this sound and popular institution and its pronounced success has been due for the most part to his able and conscientious management. He is also a stockholder and one of the promoters of the Parker Banking Company. He is a stockholder in the Goodrich Grain & Elevator Company. He was one of the promoters of the Farmland Telephone Company and is a heavy stockholder in the same.
Politically, Mr. Green is a Republican and while he has always been deeply interested in public matters he has never sought to become a politician, never asking or holding office, having no ambition whatever in this direction, preferring to devote his attention exclusively to his large personal interests.
Fraternally, he is a member of the Knights of Pythias lodge at Farmland. He was reared in the Methodist faith, and the elegant new church edifice now tinder course of construction at Maxville was made possible by the handsome donations of himself and brother. He is a member of the building committee, and is treasurer of the same. The church will probably cost when completed seven thousand dollars. Mr. Green is a member of the National Shorthorn Breeders Association, in which he is a stockholder. He is active and prominent in the affairs of the same and attends its meetings. He has been a member for the past twelve years. He is a man of large affairs, keen foresight, sound judgment, never failing honesty and courtesy and is foremost in advocating all that pertains to the general good of the community honored by his residence.
Past and Present of Randolph County, Indiana, 1914.
Contributed by Gina Richardson