The subject of this sketch, the fourth child of his parents, was born at the old homestead east of Jacksonville in this county, June 26, 1837, and was reared to manhood on his father's farm. He remained a member of the household until about twenty-four years of age, when he established domestic ties of his own and settled in township 14, range 9, where he sojourned nine years. Thence he removed to his present farm. His education was conducted chiefly in the common school, and his boyhood and youth were spent largely in the lighter employments around the homestead.
On the 12th of February, 1861, occurred the marriage of Austin B. Green and Miss Mary J. Rector, the wedding taking place at the bride's home near Jacksonville. Mrs. Green was born near the homestead where she was married, April 17, 1842, and is the daughter of James S. and Minerva J. (Morton) Rector, the former of whom was born in Fauquier County, Va., and the latter near Jacksonville, this county, April 25, 1824. After their marriage, which occurred at the Morton homestead near Jacksonville, Mr. Rector engaged in farming near the city. In the fall of 1879 they removed to Pettis County, Mo., where the father died, July 14, 1881; the mother is still living and makes her home with our subject. They were the parents of thirteen children, seven daughters and six sons, and Mrs. Green was the eldest born.
The household circle of our subject and his excellent wife was completed by the birth of eight children, viz.: Flora J., Elroy C., James M., Charlie S., Elmer A., Lelia M., Minnie R., and Clark L. They form a bright and interesting group, are receiving careful home-training, and will be given the education suitable to their position in life. Mrs. Green is a very intelligent lady, hospitable, kind and generous, and contributes her full share toward making her home one of the most attractive spots to be found. She is a member in good standing of the Christian Church, and greatly respected wherever known. Our subject, politically, is a decided Republican, but mixes very little with public affairs, holding only the office of School Director in his district.
Stephen Green, the father of our subject, was born in Licking County, Ohio, and when reaching man's estate was married to Miss Cynthia Riggs, who was born in Kentucky, near the Tennessee line. John Green, the paternal grandfather of our subject, was a native of Virginia, where he grew to manhood. He was possessed of more than ordinary intelligence, and at an early age began to have his doubts concerning the institution of slavery, and finally, on account of this turned his back upon his native State, and moved into the free State of Ohio. He married a lady of German ancestry, Miss Susanna Winter, and they finally, in 1822, after the birth of several children, including the father of our subject, removed to Illinois, and settled about four miles east of Jacksonville, this county. Grandfather Green occupied himself as an agriculturist mostly, but being a man of deep piety gave largely of his time to the Master's service, officiating as an ordained minister of the Christian Church. Both he and his excellent wife spent the remainder of their days at the homestead which they built up in this county.
On the mother's side of the house Grandfather Scott Riggs was a native of North Carolina, where it is probable he was married, and he removed thence to Tennessee. He was a blacksmith by trade, and, like Grandfather Green, a minister of the Christian Church. About 1824 or 1825 he came with his family to Illinois, settling in what is now Scott County, about fourteen miles west of Jacksonville. He took up his land and there with his excellent wife spent the remainder of his days.
To Stephen and Cynthia (Riggs) Green there were born eight children, five sons and three daughters, all of whom are living. The mother departed this life in Jacksonville, April 16, 1879. Stephen Green survived his wife ten years, passing away at the home of his daughter about five miles northeast of Jacksonville, Jan. 4, 1889.
Col. Joseph Morton, the maternal grandfather of Mrs. Green, was a prominent man in his day and took an active part in political affairs. He served two terms in the Illinois State Legislature, and one term as State Senator. He married a Kentucky lady, Miss Mary O'Dell, and spent the latter part of his life in Illinois engaged in farming and stock-raising. In 1830 and 1835 he took the census of Morgan and Scott counties. He became the owner of a good property, and was widely and favorably known throughout this region.