Major John Greene, II

• Maj John Greene Find A Grave Memorial# 17902898
• Spring Greene Burial Ground, Warwick, Kent County, Rhode Island, USA Find A Grave
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Greene,_Jr. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

John Greene Jr. (1620 - 27 November 1708) was a deputy governor of the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations who spent almost his entire adult life in the public service of the colony. Born in England, he was the son of John Greene and Joan Tattersall, and sailed to New England with his parents in 1635 aboard the ship James. His father, after coming from Massachusetts to Providence, became one of the original settlers of Warwick. In 1652 Greene served in his first public role as a commissioner from Warwick, and served in some public capacity every year until 1690 when he was first chosen as deputy governor of the colony. He then served ten consecutive one-year terms in this capacity, retiring from public service in 1700 at the age of 80. He was one of the ten Assistants named in the Royal Charter of 1663, which would become the basis for Rhode Island's government for nearly two centuries. During the devastating events of King Phillips War, Greene was one of 16 prominent inhabitants of the colony whose counsel was sought by the General Assembly.

Greene died in Warwick on 27 November 1708 and was buried on the Spring Greene Farm (later the property of Governor Theodore F. Green) in Warwick. Greene married Ann Almy, the daughter of William and Audry (Barlow) Almy, and a descendant of Henry II, King of England. They had 11 children, the youngest of whom, Samuel, married Mary Gorton, a granddaughter of Rhode Island colonial president Samuel Gorton. Their grandson, William Greene served for 11 one-year terms as a governor of the colony, and their great-grandson, also named William Greene was a governor of the State of Rhode Island. John and Ann Greene are also ancestors of United States President Warren G. Harding.

John GREENE, MAJ. (AFN: 842V-3T) Pedigree

Sex:  M  Family

Event(s)

Birth:   15 Aug 1620   

Salisbury, Wiltshire, Eng.
Christening: 15 Aug 1620
St. Thomas's Ch., Salisbury, Wiltshire, England
Death: 27 Nov 1708
Warwick, Kent, Ri
Burial: 1708
Spring Green Burial Ground Warwick Kent County Rhode Island, USA

Parents

Father:  Joseph GREENE (AFN: 2Z53-S4)  Family  

Mother: Joanne (Tallershall) TATARSOLE (AFN: GL6R-5C)
Father: John GREENE (AFN: XBRR-SB) Family
Father: John GREENE, SURGEON (AFN: 1SBP-S76) Family
Mother:
Mother:

Marriage(s)

Spouse:  Ann (Agnes, Annis) ALMY (AFN: 4GJ7-4D)  Family  

Marriage: CA. 1648
Warwick, Kent, Ri
Spouse: Ann ALMY (AFN: 246V-B94) Family
Marriage:

Warwick’s Villages & Historic Places

By Don D’Amato

Conimicut Village (and its environs)

Smuggling activities and the Moses Greene house

One of the most interesting houses in the Conimicut Village is the Moses Greene House at 11 Economy Avenue. This house has been connected to the Triangular Trade, smuggling, and the Slave Trade during the period when the house was owned by members of the Lippitt and Greene families. Like the Captain Peter Greene house at 1124 West Shore Road, this house was built, ca. 1750. Both houses are 2 ½ story, 5-bay, center chimney houses and are so similar that it is believed they were the work of the same builder.

The history of the two houses differs, however, as the Moses Greene House is rich in the seafaring lore of Warwick. While the primary interest in the colony during the 18th century remained in agriculture, Warwick’s proximity to the bay saw a number of its leading families turning to the sea for their livelihood.

An easier lifestyle

Life in Conimicut in the 18th century differed from the very early period when there was great confusion and bitterness. Now the settlers there lived in greater accord with their neighbors in Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Connecticut. . After the “Glorious” or “Bloodless Revolution,” which deposed James II and placed William and Mary on the throne, the Toleration Act for Religion and an English Bill of Rights for politics brought about some harmony in Warwick and Rhode Island . This greatly reduced the religious animosity that once made the Gortonists objects of the wrath of other colonies and helped promote the concepts of political freedom that Warwick advocated from its early days.

During this period, Warwick increased her agricultural products by the settling of the Cowesett division, the Wecochaconet Farms and the Natick Lands. Much of the produce from these farms, as well as those from Conimicut, were shipped to Newport and Providence from ports along Warwick’s shore and the colony became a significant part of the ever-growing sea trade.

Major John Greene

Much of the prosperity that came to the colony was due to the leadership of Major John Greene, Jr., an ancestor of the Moses Greene, who lived in the house at Mill Cove for a number of years. Major John Greene was annually elected Deputy Governor from 1690 to 1700, and served during the terms of Governors John Easton, Caleb Carr and Samuel Cranston. Major Greene, as Deputy Governor, received no salary but he was exempted from paying taxes, thus encouraging him to acquire large tracts of land in the colony.

During his tenure in that office, the town of Warwick was nearly destroyed by a smallpox epidemic in 1690-91, witnessed the introduction of paper money as bills of credit, and welcomed the beginnings of a post office. Major John Greene journeyed to Boston in 1692 to inquire about establishing a post office and helped bring about the development of a Post Road, which ran from Boston to Pawtuxet and Apponaug and eventually to Virginia.

The Privateers

Major Greene is also regarded as a champion for Rhode Island rights and especially as the man who introduced Rhode Island to the controversial practice of using privateers. As England was at war for over 30 years in the 1690-1763 period, there was a demand that merchant ships arm themselves to make war on the mother country's enemies. As an incentive, ships receiving privateer commissions were allowed to keep a large portion of the spoils of war. Governor John Easton, fearing that pirates would gain from this practice, hesitated to grant commissions. Deputy Governor Greene had no such reservations and granted several commissions, thereby paving the way for a dramatic increase in Rhode Island's commerce. A number of Greene family men did take to the sea and engaged in the wars of the mother colony. One, Godfrey Greene, who lived near Mill Cove had been taken prisoner by the French in the French and Indian War. He later served in the Revolutionary War and was captured by the British. Privateering, as one can imagine, brought high profits but was a very precarious profession. .

The Triangular Trade

The role played by privateers, with all the excitement, however, was only one of the segments of the lucrative maritime enterprises that were to aid in Warwick's growth as a seaport town.

The key to the maritime prosperity was the trade with the West Indies, which brought sugar and molasses into the colony. Through shrewd dealings, enough profit was made by selling cheese, fish, lumber, horses and livestock in order to gather a large enough cargo to trade with the Southern colonies and with the West Indies for sugar and molasses. This was distilled into rum, a commodity accepted nearly everywhere, and by no means confined to the African trade. The distilling of rum reached a high point in the middle years of the eighteenth century. While Newport, with its 22 distilleries and Providence with 12, led the production of rum in the colonies, there were also a number of small distilleries all along Warwick’s shore. At its height, many Rhode Island distilleries could produce rum for about 20 cents per gallon. Approximately 200 gallons or $40 worth of rum could purchase a slave in Africa which, in mid-century, often could be sold for nearly $400 in Cuba or in the Carolinas.

In 1712, many of the restrictions placed upon the American colonies in regard to the slave trade were removed. When the Treaty of Utrecht, 1713, which concluded Queen Anne's War, gave England the right to furnish Spanish America with 144,000 slaves over a 30 year period, the colonies were now encouraged to participate in this lucrative trade.

Maritime prosperity

Warwick's inclination for the sea became obvious quite early. Because of low prices for agricultural products and the difficulty of acquiring and clearing land young men found it easy to be lured from their farms to seek adventure and high profits. At first the Warwick vessels were engaged in the coastal trade, then later as privateersmen and a few as slavers. . Historians such as Samuel Greene Arnold have credited Rhode Islanders' vessels with "superior sailing qualities." Arnold goes on to say, "very few of the enemy's privateers, in a gale of wind, will run or outsail one of our loaded vessels." According to Arnold, eighty-four vessels of all sizes were built in the colony and were manned by native seamen. A number of these ships were built in the shipyards at Apponaug and Pawtuxet and some of them came to Mill Cove, which was much deeper then.

The Moses Greene house, spanning a period of over 250 years of Warwick’s history is one of the City’s excellent visual reminders of Warwick’s heritage. Ernest L. Lockwood, in his Episodes in Warwick History, says of this house, “Tradition informs us that the old house was the scene of smuggling activities prior to the Revolution.

Photo from Lockwood, 1937

Smuggling

Warwick, as well as Rhode Island's other seacoast towns, prospered and became more dependent upon the sea for her prosperity. In 1733, when the British passed the Molasses Act in an attempt to gain a share in the profits being made by the colonists, Rhode Islanders resorted to smuggling. Mill Cove was well suited for this activity as small schooners could enter the cove and the illegal goods could be taken to the house at the cove to be stored and distributed. The belief is that Rhode Island ships, after eluding British patrol ships around Beavertail Point in Jamestown, and to avoid customs duties at Newport and Providence, came into Mill Cove to unload their contraband goods. From there, in smaller boats and under cover of darkness the goods could be sent to Providence or Newport. Later, when there were attempts to curtail the slave trade, Warwick, Newport and Providence resorted to the smuggling of humans as well. The discovery of chains in the cellar of the Moses Greene House has led to the belief that slaves were kept there at different periods.

Salutary Neglect

Almost from the beginning of the century, Rhode Island won a reputation for contrariness as well as for illegal trading and piracy. England's preoccupation with European wars had a positive effect on Warwick's prosperity as it was impossible for the mother country to strictly administer the restrictive trade laws or to closely supervise the granting of privileges to privateers. This era in the eighteenth century is often called the "Period of Salutary Neglect," for as England "neglected" her colonies, they prospered, especially in the West Indian trade and in the spoils brought in by the privateers.

Nearly all of Warwick's inhabitants benefited from the increased trade. Those directly concerned with ships and supplies were obvious beneficiaries. In addition, farmers received higher prices, and artisans found a market for their talents as Warwick began supplying the major ports of Newport and Providence. Goods were shipped via a ferry that ran between Warwick Neck and the northern end of Prudence Island and from there to Newport. By 1742, Warwick Neck was a vital link in the postal and commercial trade as a ferry from Providence stopped there and then sailed on to the islands. After the French and Indian War ended in 1763, England felt she had the resources to stop the smuggling and the pressure against the colonists was increased. The trade in rum, made from molasses, was so lucrative that Warwick ship captains and owners, like most of the others in New England, found it more profitable to smuggle than to comply with the law. The many coves and inlets in Warwick, especially those around Warwick Cove, Mill Pond Cove and Pawtuxet, continued to smuggle despite the increased risk. As the British increased their patrols, the gap between the mother country and the colonies grew greater and eventually resulted in a struggle for independence. Rhode Islanders from Conimicut took part in this fight for freedom.

In the decade following the Revolutionary War, there was a growing sentiment against the slave trade. In 1787, it became illegal for Rhode Islanders to engage in this “nefarious” trade. Once again there was smuggling in Mill Cove and the Moses Greene house may have played a role in the trade.

The Farm & Grist Mill

It should be noted however, that while smuggling was at times very profitable, it was not the main occupation of the people who lived in the house. Moses Greene, whose name is most closely associated with the house, was primarily engaged in agriculture and was actually born in 1815, after the “glory days” of smuggling. He was the only son of Amos and Mary Lippitt Greene. His grandfather was Moses Lippitt, known as “Moses Lippitt of the Mill.” He was called that, as he owned the Grist Mill built by Thomas Stafford in the early days of the colony. It was the first and only mill in Warwick for a time, and his ancestors ground corn for the entire town of Warwick. Moses Lippitt continued to run the mill, farm the land and most likely engaged in smuggling.

During much of its existence under the ownership of Moses Greene and those who followed him, the house was the center of a large farm and the prosperity of the farm was evident during the 19th century. One indication is that in 1870, a large ell and veranda were added to the house. In the 1880s, a Victorian living room, hall and staircase were added. In time, other changes occurred, such as blocking off the six fireplaces and remodeling sections of the building.

The Moses Greene House today has been restored to its 1750 persona. Notice the 19th century porch has been removed.

Photo Don D’Amato 2004

In the late 1980s, the house was restored as close to its 1750 style as possible by Mrs. Cindy Laboissonniere. Part of the charm of the 10 room house lies in its structure which was framed with massive beams that were all cut and beveled by hand. The well preserved and restored clapboards clearly show the rose-head nails of the Colonial Period. In addition there are paneled mantelpieces, fine bolection mouldings, and a beehive oven. There is also an area adjacent to the massive center chimney that was used as a “smoke house” to cure meats. In the cellar, there is a large “summer beam” or central support that may very well have been taken from a house built on the site in 1718.

A SPECIAL NOTE: There were two JOHN GREENE's who immigrated to Rhode Island at the same time in the 1600's. One is known as John Greene "of Quidnessett". He was born Abt. 1606 in Gillingham, County Dorset, England, and is known to be the son of Robert Greene (b: 1580, who was the s/o Henry Greene) and unknown wife. John "of Quidnessett" married Mrs. Joan "Jane" Beggerly, a widow. The other is known as John Greene "of Warwick" who married Ann Almay or Almy. This John "of Warwick" is the brother of my James Greene "of Potowomut" mentioned here. John "of Quidnessett" and John "of Warwick" are 2nd cousins.

My next ancestor is James Greene "of Potowomut" (1626-1698), son of John and Joanne Tattershall Greene. He married Elizabeth Anthony, daughter of Joseph Anthony and wife Susanna Potter. James Greene and Elizabeth Anthony Greene are my biological maternal 8th great grandparents -

JOHN GREENE (1597-1659), surgeon, the progenitor of the Warwick Greenes, was the son of Richard and Mary (Hooker) Greene, and was born on his father's estate at Bowridge Hall in the parish of Gillingham, County Dorset, England. about 1590. ' Though not so recorded, dates before and after him would seem to determine this is the year of his birth.(1)

John Greene (1597-1659), aka John "the Surgeon" Greene was the first of my Green ancestors to come to America. He was the fourth son of Richard and Mary Hooker Greene of Bowridge Hall, Gillingham, County Dorset, England. John Greene was born September 9, 1597 in Bowridge Hall, Gillingham, County Dorset, England; died in January of 1659 in Warwick, Providence (nka Kent) County, Rhode Island, in the America's; married first in November 04, 1619 at St. Thomas Church, Salisbury, County Wiltshire, England, to Joanne Tattershall, daughter of Richard Tattershall and wife Margaret Fox. John Greene (1597-1659) was the Surgeon of Salisbury, County Wilkes, England. One page 234 of "A Family Genealogy" by William Henry Beck, III, is the following account of JOHN GREENE (1590-1659):

My Notes About JOHN GREENE and JOANNE TATTERSHALL from "The Greene Family and it's Branches"; by Lora S. LaMance; Mayflower Publishing Company, Floral Park, New York, 1904, p 47,48. (I am now told that her work is highly suspect and mostly fictitious. Please take all her information with a grain of salt.)

http://www.redbirdacres.net/greenehistory.html

John Greene was a deputy governor.

Deputy Governor John Greene, the son of my ancestors, JOHN & JOANNE (TATTERSOL) GREENE, was baptized on August 15, 1620 in Salisbury, England. He was married about 1648 to ANN (ANNIS) ALMY, daughter of WILLIAM & AUDREY (BARLOW) ALMY.

John Greene inherited the family farm, which had been purchased from Indian Chief Miontonomi on October 1, 1642 and called "Greene's Hold"

In 1651, he and three others agreed to build a corn mill in Warwick, R. I. He was "General Recorder" keeping the town's records in 1652-4, Commissioner from 1652-1663, Deputy for Newport to the Rhode Island General Court for many sessions between 1679 and 1690, General Solicitor in 1655, Attorney General in 1657-1660, Warden in 1658, Assistant in 1660- 1673 and several years until 1696. On June 29, 1670, he was one of two men chosen agents to go to England discuss the Rhode Island charter with His Majesty and defend it against injurious violations. He received oe10 for going to New London in 1676 for a treaty. Being one of several of the "most judicious" inhabitants, he was part of a counsel of sixteen men that were called upon to value the land at Mt. Hope and to purchase a bell for public use in the Colony to give notice of Assemblies, Courts and Trials.

In 1683 he was notified by Gov. Andros of his appointment as a member of the Governor's Council. He was agent for Rhode Island to the King of England in January of 1685/7 and presented a request for the sum of 60 pounds for a debt from the Colony for services done in England. On January 30, 1690, he along with others sent a letter of congratulations to William & Mary on their ascention to the throne.

He was commissioned Captain by October, 1664 and "Major of the Main" from 1683 until 1696.

His will dated 1706 was proved December 20, 1708 and names his wife, sons: Peter, Job, Richard and Samuel as executors, and daughters: Deborah Torrey, Anne Greene, Catherine Holden, and Audry Spencer, as well as granddaughter: Mary Dyer and the children of Phillis (Carr) Dickinson, deceased. It also says that he is an occupant of "Greene Hold" alias Occupasituxet. It is believed that he is buried on the old family homestead named above.

He was Deputy Governor of Rhode Island from 1690 to 1700.

This is not accurate. Anne Almy was not married to Robert Griffin. She was married to John Greene. Her name was never Griffin.

Deputy Governor John Greene, the son of my ancestors, JOHN & JOANNE (TATTERSOL) GREENE, was baptized on August 15, 1620 in Salisbury, England. He was married about 1648 to ANN (ANNIS) ALMY, daughter of WILLIAM & AUDREY (BARLOW) ALMY.

John Greene inherited the family farm, which had been purchased from Indian Chief Miontonomi on October 1, 1642 and called "Greene's Hold"

In 1651, he and three others agreed to build a corn mill in Warwick, R. I. He was "General Recorder" keeping the town's records in 1652-4, Commissioner from 1652-1663, Deputy for Newport to the Rhode Island General Court for many sessions between 1679 and 1690, General Solicitor in 1655, Attorney General in 1657-1660, Warden in 1658, Assistant in 1660- 1673 and several years until 1696. On June 29, 1670, he was one of two men chosen agents to go to England discuss the Rhode Island charter with His Majesty and defend it against injurious violations. He received oe10 for going to New London in 1676 for a treaty. Being one of several of the "most judicious" inhabitants, he was part of a counsel of sixteen men that were called upon to value the land at Mt. Hope and to purchase a bell for public use in the Colony to give notice of Assemblies, Courts and Trials.

In 1683 he was notified by Gov. Andros of his appointment as a member of the Governor's Council. He was agent for Rhode Island to the King of England in January of 1685/7 and presented a request for the sum of 60 pounds for a debt from the Colony for services done in England. On January 30, 1690, he along with others sent a letter of congratulations to William & Mary on their ascention to the throne.

He was commissioned Captain by October, 1664 and "Major of the Main" from 1683 until 1696.

His will dated 1706 was proved December 20, 1708 and names his wife, sons: Peter, Job, Richard and Samuel as executors, and daughters: Deborah Torrey, Anne Greene, Catherine Holden, and Audry Spencer, as well as granddaughter: Mary Dyer and the children of Phillis (Carr) Dickinson, deceased. It also says that he is an occupant of "Greene Hold" alias Occupasituxet. It is believed that he is buried on the old family homestead named above.

He was Deputy Governor of Rhode Island from 1690 to 1700.

Source: Find-A-Grave

John Greene inherited the family farm, which had been purchased from Indian Chief Miontonomi on October 1, 1642 and called "Greene's Hold"

In 1651, he and three others agreed to build a corn mill in Warwick, R. I. He was "General Recorder" keeping the town's records in 1652-4, Commissioner from 1652-1663, Deputy for Newport to the Rhode Island General Court for many sessions between 1679 and 1690, General Solicitor in 1655, Attorney General in 1657-1660, Warden in 1658, Assistant in 1660- 1673 and several years until 1696. On June 29, 1670, he was one of two men chosen agents to go to England discuss the Rhode Island charter with His Majesty and defend it against injurious violations. He received oe10 for going to New London in 1676 for a treaty. Being one of several of the "most judicious" inhabitants, he was part of a counsel of sixteen men that were called upon to value the land at Mt. Hope and to purchase a bell for public use in the Colony to give notice of Assemblies, Courts and Trials.

In 1683 he was notified by Gov. Andros of his appointment as a member of the Governor's Council. He was agent for Rhode Island to the King of England in January of 1685/7 and presented a request for the sum of 60 pounds for a debt from the Colony for services done in England. On January 30, 1690, he along with others sent a letter of congratulations to William & Mary on their ascention to the throne.

He was commissioned Captain by October, 1664 and "Major of the Main" from 1683 until 1696.

His will dated 1706 was proved December 20, 1708 and names his wife, sons: Peter, Job, Richard and Samuel as executors, and daughters: Deborah Torrey, Anne Greene, Catherine Holden, and Audry Spencer, as well as granddaughter: Mary Dyer and the children of Phillis (Carr) Dickinson, deceased. It also says that he is an occupant of "Greene Hold" alias Occupasituxet. It is believed that he is buried on the old family homestead named above.

He was Deputy Governor of Rhode Island from 1690 to 1700. Inscription: Here/lyeth ye body/of John Greene/esq./who departed this life/in ye 89th year of his/age November ye 27, 1708

• Reference: Find A Grave Memorial - SmartCopy: Apr 14 2018, 16:20:11 UTC

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Military Captain 27 December 1667, Warwick, RI. Major in command of Rhode Island militia.

Children of Anne Agnes Almy and Maj. John Greene Jr. (12)

Deborah Greene 1649–1729 • L7BJ-ZX3​​

John Green 1651–1680 • G9HK-W3Q​​

John Greene III 1651–1686 • LMWP-SWS​​

William Greene 1652–1678 • LZJQ-YH7​​

Captain Peter Greene 1654–1723 • L4BZ-LNQ​​

Major Job Greene 1656–1745 • LZNH-3L7​​

Phillis Greene 1658–1690 • LZF9-1RC​​

Richard Greene 1660–1711 • LCBW-L22​​

Anne Greene 1663–1713 • LC73-JB9​​

Catharine Greene 1665–1753 • LZ61-Z11​​

Audrey Greene 1667–1733 • LM1C-MKW​​

Samuel Greene 1670–1720 • L7JJ-YC

Maj John Greene Birth: 15 Aug 1620 Salisbury, Wiltshire Unitary Authority, Wiltshire, England Death: 27 Nov 1708 (aged 88) Warwick, Kent County, Rhode Island, USA Burial: Spring Greene Burial Ground, Warwick, Kent County, Rhode Island, USA Plot: 00001 Memorial #: 17902898 Bio: Deputy Governor John Greene, the son of my ancestors, JOHN & JOANNE (TATTERSOL) GREENE, was baptized on August 15, 1620 in Salisbury, England. He was married about 1648 to ANN (ANNIS) ALMY, daughter of WILLIAM & AUDREY (BARLOW) ALMY.John Greene inherited the family farm, which had been purchased from Indian Chief Miontonomi on October 1, 1642 and called "Greene's Hold"In 1651, he and three others agreed to build a corn mill in Warwick, R. I. He was "General Recorder" keeping the town's records in 1652-4, Commissioner from 1652-1663, Deputy for Newport to the Rhode Island General Court for many sessions between 1679 and 1690, General Solicitor in 1655, Attorney General in 1657-1660, Warden in 1658, Assistant in 1660- 1673 and several years until 1696. On June 29, 1670, he was one of two men chosen agents to go to England discuss the Rhode Island charter with His Majesty and defend it against injurious violations. He received oe10 for going to New London in 1676 for a treaty. Being one of several of the "most judicious" inhabitants, he was part of a counsel of sixteen men that were called upon to value the land at Mt. Hope and to purchase a bell for public use in the Colony to give notice of Assemblies, Courts and Trials.In 1683 he was notified by Gov. Andros of his appointment as a member of the Governor's Council. He was agent for Rhode Island to the King of England in January of 1685/7 and presented a request for the sum of 60 pounds for a debt from the Colony for services done in England. On January 30, 1690, he along with others sent a letter of congratulations to William & Mary on their ascension to the throne.He was commissioned Captain by October, 1664 and "Major of the Main" from 1683 until 1696.His will dated 1706 was proved December 20, 1708 and names his wife, sons: Peter, Job, Richard and Samuel as executors, and daughters: Deborah Torrey, Anne Greene, Catherine Holden, and Audry Spencer, as well as granddaughter: Mary Dyer and the children of Phillis (Carr) Dickinson, deceased. It also says that he is an occupant of "Greene Hold" alias Occupasituxet. It is believed that he is buried on the old family homestead named above.He was Deputy Governor of Rhode Island from 1690 to 1700. Inscription: Here/lyeth ye body/of John Greene/esq./who departed this life/in ye 89th year of his/age November ye 27, 1708 Family Members Parents John Greene 1585-1659 Joane Tatarsole Greene 1598-Unknown

Spouse Ann Agnes Almy Greene 1627-1709

Siblings

• Peter Greene 1622-1659
• Richard Greene 1624-1625
• James Greene 1626-1698
• Thomas Greene 1628-1717
• Mary Greene Sweet 1633-1686

Children

• Deborah Greene Torrey 1649-1728
• William Green 1653-1680
• Peter Greene 1655-1723
• Job Greene 1656-1745
• Phillipa Greene Dickinson 1658-1706
• Richard Greene 1661-1711
• Catherine Greene Holden 1665-1753
• Audora Greene Spencer 1667-1733
• Samuel Greene 1671-1720

Created by: James Charles Rogers III (46852234) Added: 11 Feb 2007 URL: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/17902898 Citation: Find A Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com : accessed 12 March 2019), memorial page for Maj John Greene (15 Aug 1620–27 Nov 1708), Find A Grave Memorial no. 17902898, citing Spring Greene Burial Ground, Warwick, Kent County, Rhode Island, USA ; Maintained by James Charles Rogers III (contributor 46852234) .

GEDCOM Note

[Green.FTW]

2. MAJOR JOHN 2 GREENE "of Occupasuetuxet " (John'), eldest son, was born at Salisbury, County Wilts, England, and baptized at St. Thomas's Church, August 15, 1620. He came to New England with his parents in 1635, and remained with them in Providence till his father's removal to Warwick, R. I., in 1643. He afterward settled on the Occupasuetuxet farm, the fine estate inherited from his father, and then known as " Greene's Hold, " which remained in possession of the family for one hundred and forty years, from October 1, 1642, when purchased from the Indian Chief, Miantonomi, till October 6, 1782, when it was sold by the grand-children of Major John Greene to John Brown of Providence.

During the early settlement of Providence, John Greene, Jr. (as he was then called), was associated with his father, and both were proprietors of home lots there on Town Street (now North Main), extending as did the other home lots to Hope Street. These Providence interests were all trans-ferred to John, Jr., in 1640 (or 1644 ?). He was one of the witnesses to the sale of Shawomet by Miantonomi, Chief Sachem of the Narragansetts, to his father and associates, January 12, 1642. After their removal to Warwick he was almost continuously in public affairs. He became a large land owner in his own right as well as by inheritance, and was prominently active in all interests of town and Colony. It was written of him at a later period: " He was a man of great weight of thought, sharpness of wit, apt-ness of action and adroitness of understanding."

In early life he was Town Clerk I and Surveyor. On several occasions he was sent as Agent for the Colony to England, and for nearly fifty years he filled the highest public offices. He was a member of the Colonial Assemblies (or Commissioner), Deputy, Assistant, and Deputy Governor under both charters. Major John Greene was one of the twenty-four named in the permanent charter obtained from King Charles II, 1663, and one of the ten Assistants provided for in that charter. He was a member of the most important committees, and was one of those commissioned to determine the boundary lines of the Colony with the Colonies of Connecticut and Massachusetts. He visited England during the Andros administration and presented a petition to the King "in behalf of the towns and places" in his Majesty's Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, " representing the people of those towns and places," as the government of the Colony under the charter had been abolished during Andros's administration. He was appointed one of Andros's Council under instructions from the King.' There is no record, however, to show that he attended the Council. September 6, 1686, in a deed to his sister, Mary Sweet, he mentions being "bound for England again and being absent for some time there is no probability that he ever attended a meeting.

He was present as Assistant in the last Assembly held before the assumption of the government by Andros, May 28, 1686, and was in the first Assembly after Andros's fall in the same capacity, being among the first to re-establish the government under the old charter of 1663. He was Captain of the militia for eight years and " Major for the Main" for seven years (1683--86, 1690-91, 1696), commanding all the trained bands on the mainland in Rhode Island, the highest military rank in the Colony, though not, as the historian of Rhode Island states, equivalent to that of major-general. The militia did not amount to more than a battalion-a major's command.
His political record is as follows: Representative to General Court for twelve years, 1652-63. Deputy for five years, 1664, 74, 77, 80. Assistant for twenty-five years, 1660-90. Warden for Warwick, 1658. General Recorder (Secretary of State), 1652-3-4. General Solicitor, 1655. Attorney General, 1657-8-9-60. Deputy Governor for eleven years continuously, 1690-I700, when he retired from public life at the age of eighty years.

The late Dr. Henry E. Turner of Newport wrote of the Deputy Governor as follows: " As judged in the light of his period by those who knew, there can be no doubt that whatever was done by John Greene was done in good faith; and no name is better entitled than his to the respect and gratitude of every true Rhode Islander." " No man has been more honored in public life. That he received the abuse of some of his contemporaries is not to his discredit, as the high estimation in which he was held by those who knew him best is evidenced by his continued election to places of honor and trust, till in his old age he sought rest from public life and engaged the remainder of his days in quietness on the lovely borders of Narragansett Bay"

The Deputy Governor died in Warwick, November 27, 1708, and was buried on the eastern part of his homestead farm (now " Spring Green" where his original headstone is in good condition. Major John inherited from his father, by will dated December28, 1658, and proved January 7, 1659, " that neck of land called Occupasuetuxet and all meadows that belong thereto with a little island adjoining, all of which was purchased of Miantonomi on Oct. 1, 1642 "; also, all his father's right in the purchase of Providence Plantations. The "home-lot " which formerly belonged to his step-mother, Alice (Daniels) Greene, he sold after his father's death. Major John left a large estate to his posterity. His will, made December 20, I 706, was proved November 27, I 708, his wife being made executrix.

He married, about 1648, Anne, daughter of William and Audrey Almy of Portsmouth, R. I., born in England about 1627. William Almy is said to have come to America with Winthrop, but soon returned to England for his family, embarking with them in the Abigail from London in 1635 for New England. He first settled at Lynn, Mass., but early removed to Sandwich, where he had a grant of land. In 1642 he sold his place to Edmund Freeman and removed to Portsmouth, R. L, where he had a grant of land in 1644. He appears to have been a man of considerable influence and is said to have been a member of the Society of Friends. He was born in 1601 and died in 1676. His will, dated February 1676, was proved April 23, 1677, in which he mentions his " daughter Anne," who married John Greene, Deputy Governor of Rhode Island.

Anne (Almy) Greene died May 6, 1709, in her eighty-second year, about six months after her illustrious husband, and was buried beside him on the farm. Several of their descendants, whose headstones are well preserved, are buried near them. The tombstones of Major John Greene and his wife, said to have been made in England, bear similar workmanship to those in the Newport Cemetery which were made in that country.

Major John Greene The Samuel Greene who purchased the mill in 1702 was the son of Major John Greene and Ann Almy. Major Greene, one of the most powerful and important figures in early Rhode Island history, was the son of Surgeon John Greene and Joanne Tatersall.

Oliver Payson Fuller, in his 1875 History of Warwick, notes that Major John Greene "held at different times the offices of General Recorder, General Attorney, and General Solicitor." Fuller goes on to list Major John's accomplishments and says, "In company with the Rev. John Clarke, he was appointed an agent to England to attend...to the interests of the Colony." Fuller, like many other historians, writes the most about Greene's tenure as Deputy Governor. Fuller tells us, "He (Major John Greene) is perhaps best known for his service as Deputy Governor. He was annually elected to that office from 1690 until 1700. He was 80 years old in 1700 when he finally retired."

It is interesting to note that Major Greene received no salary as Deputy Governor, but was exempted from paying taxes. It is also often noted that Major John Greene actually wielded more power than the governors he served with and left a much greater impact on the state's history than almost any early politician.

The Post Office established During his tenure in that office, the town of Warwick was nearly destroyed by a smallpox epidemic in 1690 91, witnessed the introduction of paper money as bills of credit, and welcomed the beginnings of a post office. Greene journeyed to Boston in 1692 to inquire about establishing a post office and helped bring about the development of a Post Road, which ran from Boston, through Apponaug, and eventually to Virginia.

Privateers Major Greene is also regarded as a champion for Rhode Island rights and especially as the man who introduced Rhode Island to the controversial practice of privateering. As England was at war for over 30 years in the 1690 1763 period, there was a demand that merchant ships arm themselves to make war on the mother country's enemies. As an incentive, ships receiving privateering commissions were allowed to keep 9/10ths of the spoils of war. Because of slow communications and the desire for profit, it often became difficult to distinguish between a privateer and a pirate. Governor John Easton, fearing that pirates would gain from this practice, hesitated to grant commissions. Deputy Governor Greene had no such reservations and allowed privateering, thereby paving the way for a dramatic increase in Rhode Island's commerce.

Historians in both the 19th and 20th centuries have argued that this type of activity helped Rhode Island tremendously. As Rhode Island had no staple crop or large fishing area for trading purposes, it turned to the coastal trade for much of its prosperity. At a time when wooden sailing ships could become military vessels with the addition of cannon, it was natural for many young Rhode Islanders to seek out enemy vessels. When the colonists captured a vessel, they were allowed to keep most of the value of the ship and the cargo. This gave the Rhode Islanders a profit that would be impossible to obtain in any other way. Many Rhode Islander's fortunes were made in this manner. Source Link: https://www.geni.com/documents/view?doc_id=6000000175881662829label=@S617@