Biography - HENRY GREER

Agricultural pursuits have always engaged the attention of Henry Greer, who was born in Okawville, Washington county, Illinois, on the 31st of March, 1845. His parents were Henry and Malinda (Dodson) Greer, the father being a native of Ireland. Having been left an orphan and entirely dependent upon his own resources in his early youth, Henry Greer, Sr., at the age of sixteen years, emigrated to the United States. He located in Illinois and when old enough entered one hundred and sixty acres of land in Washington county. After erecting a log cabin in which to live he immediately began to place his land under cultivation. In 1865 he came to Macoupin county, settling in the village of Woodburn, where he spent the latter years of his life. After taking up his residence at Woodburn he bought two hundred and forty acres of land, forty of which at that time was timber but is now pasture land. He passed away in February, 1892, and was laid to rest in the cemetery at Woodburn. The mother had died two years previously. To Mr. and Mrs. Greer were born five children: Irene, the wife of Aaron Dodson, a retired pastor of the Baptist church, of Otterville, Illinois; Henry, our subject; Jennie, who is living in the old home at Woodburn; Major Elijah, who is deceased; and James E., who is a farmer of Woodburn. The parents were affiliated with the Baptist church and Mr. Greer belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

The early years in the life of Henry Greer were not unlike those of a majority of lads reared on a farm at that period. He attended the district schools, during which time he gave much assistance in the work of the farm. After laying aside his studies he gave his entire attention to the cultivation of the fields and the care of the stock, until he was thirty-two years of age, when he bought forty acres and began farming for himself. He has since extended his farm property by purchasing eighty acres of the old homestead, and has erected a nice residence and made other extensive improvements. He engages in general farming, in which he has met with most excellent success; his fields are given careful attention and ample buildings are provided for his stock, of which he keeps a good grade.

In 1877, Mr. Greer was united in marriage to Miss Becky Partridge, who came to Woodburn in 1863. To them have been born six children: William Girard, who is an engineer on the railroad; Malinda, who is unmarried and makes her home with an uncle in Kansas; Edna, who is at home; Roy, who is a resident of New Mexico; and Emil and Alva, both of whom are living at home.

The family attend the Baptist church, of which both Mr. and Mrs. Greer are members; politically he is a republican, and has held several township offices, among others that of constable. Mr. Greer is one of the prosperous farmers of Bunker Hill township and the owner of one of the attractive homesteads of the community.

Extracted 17 Nov 2018 by Norma Hass from History of Macoupin County, Illinois: Biographical and Pictorial, by Charles A. Walker, published in 1911, Volume 2, pages 544-545.