Captain John W. Green, a prominent resident of Deer Isle, Hancock County, was born here, August 31, 1844, son of William S. and Elizabeth D. (Dow) Green. His grandfather, Asa Green, a native of Worcester, Massachusetts, came to Deer Isle in 1775, accompanied by his wife, and, settling here as a pioneer, passed the rest of his life upon the island. Asa Green was for a number of years engaged in trade. He served as Deputy Sheriff, and was a member of the delegation appointed to arrange for the separation of Maine from Massachusetts. He married a daughter of John Scott, who was also an early settler on the island.
William S. Green was born on Deer Isle. In his younger days he followed the sea as a master mariner. He owned several vessels, acted as Deputy Sheriff for some years, and was Representative to the legislature during three terms. He died at the age of sixty-four. His wife, Elizabeth, who was a daughter of Thomas Dow, of Deer Isle, became the mother of seven children, two of whom are living—Thomas B. and John W. Thomas B., who resides on the island, married Cora Richardson; and his children are: Edith H., Gertie, Gardie, Cora L., Martin V. B., Nina, and Archie. The other children of William S. Green were: John, Mary, Sarah, Martin B., and Evelyn. John, who commanded one of his father’s vessels, was lost at sea in 1849; Martin B. married Nellie Gross, and left five children — Julia H., Mary E., Hattie W., Grace, and Frederick G. Evelyn died young.
John W. Green, after completing his studies in the district school, followed the sea before the mast until becoming master of a vessel. He continued to brave the fierce storms of the Atlantic until forty years old without meeting with serious mishaps. Since then, having settled on shore, he has followed the blacksmith’s trade.
Captain Green married Lydia Torrey, daughter of Francis H. and Hannah (Eaton) Torrey. Her mother was a descendant of the original settler of Deer Isle. Captain Green has had four children — Eugene Allen, Florence M. (who died in infancy), William S., and Francis L. Eugene A. Green, who is Deputy Collector of Customs on Deer Isle, married Kate Small, and has had two children: Emily L., who died at the age of two years; and Mearle E. William S. married Cora L. Haskell, of Deer Isle. He is a master mariner, and holds an unlimited steam license. Francis L. resides at home.
In politics a Democrat, Captain Green cast his first Presidential vote for Horatio Seymour in 1868. Though not an aspirant for office, he is actively interested in public affairs. He is a member of Marine Lodge, F. & A. M.
Source: Biographical review: containing life sketches of leading citizens of Somerset, Piscataquis, Hancock, Washington, and Aroostook counties, Maine. Boston: Biographical Review Publishing Company, 1898.