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
By: William Henry Perrin, 1883
Submitted by Cindy Ford