Abel Greene, the grandfather of Albert C. Greene, resided in West Greenwich, Rhode Island. Jeremiah Greene, a son of the former, also a resident for years of West Greenwich, where he engaged in the milling business, and was also a skillful carpenter, married Freelove Hopkins, of the same town. Their children were five sons and seven daughters, the youngest with one exception being Albert C. Greene, who was born in West Greenwich, February 21st, 1823, and in infancy removed with his parents to Plainfield. His education was such as the common schools afforded, and very limited. His father’s death during his son’s infancy threw the lad largely upon his own resources, and at the age of eight years he entered a factory where the long day of service extended from daylight until dark. Subsequently working on a farm and attending the winter term of the public school, at the age of twenty-three he entered a sash and blind factory and spent five years at that trade.
Mr. Greene next engaged in hearing ship timber and finally established himself as a house carpenter, which occupation he followed for many years. Preferring an agricultural life, he in 1868 purchased the farm on which he resides in Plainfield, and cultivated the land until 1884, when he was succeeded by his son. He has since practically abandoned active business, though occasionally resuming his trade for a brief period.
He was in 1849 married to Miss Louisa, daughter of Rufus and Eunice Brown, of Charlton, Massachusetts, who died in 1860. Their children are: Turner E., Daniel F., and Rosa L., wife of Frederick Douglas. Turner E. is married to Carrie Richmond, and the wife of Daniel F. was Mary Phillips. Mr. Greene as a democrat represented his constituents in the state legislature in 1876 and has filled such local offices as constable, collector, etc. He is a member of Moosup Lodge, No. 113, of Free and Accepted Masons.
