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Dr. Willis Duff Green was born in Danville, Ky., January 18, 1821. His father, Dr. Duff Green, an eminent physician of that place , was the eldest son of Willis Green, who emigrated to Kentucky from the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia about the year 1780. He is a brother of Judge W. H. Green, of Cairo, Ill. He was educated primarily at Center College, in his native town and was a classmate of Gen. John C. Breckenridge. Upon relinquishing college life, he began the study of medicine with his father, remaining under his preceptorship for a period of two years. He then, at the expiration of this time, attended the Medical Department of the Transylvania University, and graduated from the Medical College of Ohio. He then began the practice of his profession at Hartford, Ky., where he resided for a year and a half. He afterward practiced for two years in Pulaski, Tenn., removing subsequently, in 1846, to Mount Vernon, Ill., which has since been his home, and where he has been constantly and successfully occupied in the practice of his profession, which extends over the entire southern portion of the State. In politics, he has invariably and consistently supported the principles and platforms of the Democratic party, and as the Breckenridge candidate for Congree, was defeated with the head of the ticket. He is a prominent member of the Odd Fellows of Illinois, and has officiated as Grand Master, also as a Representative to the Grang Lodge of the United States. He is noted for his generosity in charitable enterprises, and has always been an active and a zealous member of benevolent societies and organizations. He was President of the Mt. Vernon Railroad Company, until it was merged in the St. Louis & Southern Railroad, and in the performance of the important functions attendant on that office evinced the possession od admirable administrative powers. He is a man of Scholarly attainments, a skillful and reliable physician, and a useful member of the community amid which he is an esteemed and loved townsman. He was married, in 1844, to Corinne L. Morton, of Hartford, Ky.
Source: History of Jefferson County Illinois WILLIS DUFF GREEN who for nearly lalf a century has been recognized as the leading physician of Mt. Vernon, is well worthy of representation in this volume, and we feel assured that many will receive this record of his life with interest. A native of Danville, Ky., he was the eldest son of Dr. Duff and Lucy Green. He received his classical education in Center College, in his native town, and fitted himself for his profession in Transylvania University, of Lexington, Ky., and the Medical College of Cincinnati, Ohio, being graduated from the latter institution with the degree of M. D. in 1844. The Doctor's father, Dr. Duff Green, was a lieutenant in the regular army, but on account of failing health was compelled to resign. During the War of 1812, he served as surgeon in Barbee's Volunteer Kentucky Regiment and then located in Danville, Ky., where he continued the practice of medicine until the summer of 1844, when with our subject he went to Pulaski,Tenn., and in 1846 to Mt. Vernon, where his death occurred at the age of seventy-three. His mother also died in Mt. Vernon at the advanced age of eighty-three. Dr. Green whose name heads this sketch was married in Kentucky in 1845 to Miss Corinna L., (Daughter of Isaac Morton, a prominent merchant of Hartford, Ky. She is a lady of fine education and literary attainments. They have eight children. Alfred Morton, the eldest, is an able attorney, who-served as State's Attorney of Jefferson County; he was a member of the Legislature from this district, and is now a leading lawyer of Gainesville, Tex. William H. is a prominent attorney, who graduated from the Michigan State University, served for one term as Master in Chancery, was elected City Attorney, and while thus serving was elected State's Attorney, in 1884. In 1888, he was re-elected, filling the office eight years. He is a rising young politician, and his name is before the people as a candidate for the Legislature. Earl, who graduated from Bellevue College of New York, and has studied medicine in Vienna, Paris and London, is now practicing with his father in Mt. Vernon. Ineze I. is a professor in the Southern Illinois Normal at Carbondale. Lora Reed, Cora Lee, Minnie and Madelyn F. are at home. Dr. Green has been one of the most successful physicians in southern Illinois, winning a most extensive practice by his skill and ability. He is a member of the National Medical Association, and is an honorary member of the Illinois Medical Association. He owns much valuable property, all of which has been acquired through his own efforts. He was President of the Mt. Vernon Railroad Company, which built the first railroad into this place. For nearly half a century he has been a prominent Odd Fellow and was Grand Master of the State in 1858, and Grand Representative to the the United States the following year. The Doctor was a delegate to the National Convention that nominated Samuel J. Tilden.
Source: "Portrait and Biographical Record Clinton, Washington, Marion and Jefferson Counties, Illinois" |
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