Walter B. Greene, of Kane, needs no introduction to the readers of this volume for the family name has figured in the annals of the county since before its organization. W.B. Greene was born in Kane township, on the 12th of March, 1866, and his ancestral history is elsewhere in this volume in connection with the sketch of his father, Singleton F. Greene. The district schools afforded him his early educational privileges and he afterward continued his studies in the Jacksonville Business College, of which he is a graduate of the class of 1884. He then returned to the old homestead and was more or less closely associated with his father in extensive farming and stock-raising interests until the latter's death. In his boyhood he was trained to the work of the old homestead and has practically been in charge of the farm for a number of years, thus having one thousand acres of land under his supervision, the greater part of which is cultivated, so that he annually harvests extensive crops. He is likewise widely known as a raiser of high grade stock. He has been the owner of many fine horses, including Dick Roche, with a record of 2:24. He owned this horse fifteen years ago, the dam being Nellie Gray, a noted brood mare. He also owns Razzle Dazzle, of Hambletonian and Wilkes strains, also out of Nellie Gray, with a record of 2:28; Wigaletta, with a record of 2:10-1/2, sired by Dumas; Dam Punch out of Nellie Gray, sired by Port Leonard; Myrtle H., with a record of 2:19-1/4, sired by Bermuda Boy, dam Nellie Gray. Nellie Gray was owned by E.J. Greene, a cousin of W.B. Greene. The latter has also owned many other fine horses that have made good records. He is to-day classed with the most prominent, prosperous and extensive farmers and stock-raisers of central Illinois. During the year 1903 he had charge of the banking interests in Kane conducted under the firm style of S.F. Greene & Company, but in March, 1904, he retired. This institution is one of the reliable moneyed concerns of the county, doing business along legitimate and progressive lines and at the same time following methods that are sufficiently conservative to make it one of the most trustworthy financial institutions in this part of the state. He had the management during the absence of his brother, R.W. Greene, who in 1904 resumed charge.

Although W.B. Greene entered upon a business already established both in agricultural and banking lines many a man of less resolute spirit would have failed in enlarging and developing such enterprises. He has, however, been eminently successful and has demonstrated by his career that success is not a matter of genius but is the outcome of clear judgment and experience.

At St. Louis, December 8, 1904, Mr. Greene married Miss Lettie L. Pope, a daughter of William and Katherine (Smith) Poe. In politics he is a Democrat but he has never cared for official honors, preferring to give his time and attention to his business interests. He was a member of the Knights of Pythias before the lodge was abandoned at Kane.

Transcribed by: Carole Ann Heller