Hannibal Green
Hannibal Green

Information on this page is from History of Rensselaer Co., New York by Nathaniel Bartlett Sylvester, published in 1880.

HANNIBAL GREEN. Mr. Green was born in Sheldon, Vt., in 1811, and came to Troy in 1825, where he secured a position as clerk in the office of Craft, Hart & Pitcher, in the iron and hardware business, then a leading house in that trade. Though young and inexperienced, by energy and industry he soon occupied a high place in the respect and esteem of his employers, and in 1832, on the withdrawal of Mr. Craft, the senior partner (and old and respected citizen of Troy), a new firm was formed, composed of Messrs. Nazro, Thurber & Green. In 1834, Mr. Thurber retired, leaving Messrs. Nazro & Green to continue the business, which progressed prosperously till 1838, when Mr. Nazro retired and Mr. George H. Cramer, son of the late Hon. John Cramer, became associated with Mr. Green, under the firm name of Green & Cramer. Largely owing to Mr. Green's influence and business capacity this firm became widely and favorably known throughout the Northern and Western States, and existed until 1852, when Mr. Cramer withdrew. In 1855, with keen and judicious foresight as to the direction local business would follow, he erected the fine iron warehouse and stores on Broadway (now occupied by his successors), and took possession of them the same year; he also erected in 1865 a large steel-spring factory in the upper part of the city. He retained sole control and ownership of both establishments, until a few years before his death, when he associated with him his son, M. C. Green. By untiring perseverance, fair and honorable dealing and steady devotion to business, Mr. Green made his firm one of the largest, wealthiest, and most respected houses in the trade, and at the time of his demise it was recognized as one of the leading iron houses in the Northern States.

As a merchant, Mr. Green was a bright example for the young men of our day to imitate. As a citizen, no one was more highly respected. He never sought public life or political honors, though often urged to accept the nomination of the Democratic party - to which he belonged - for mayoralty and other offices of trust. In private life he was a kind husband and indulgent father; a staunch friend, who never refused money or service where either or both were deserved. His charities were unostentatious, but large; his was a life of active and positive usefulness and quiet benevolence. After the death of the late Hon. John A. Griswold he unwillingly accepted the presidency of the Troy City National Bank, and to his excellent judgment and sound business knowledge much of its success is to be attributed. A large holder of real estate, he took great interest in all projects likely to prove of public benefit, and his influence was always felt in any cause he either espoused or condemned. The death of such a man is a calamity to any community, and if we may judge the feeling of our citizens by the immense throng which congregated to pay to his memory their last tribute of respect, we are convinced that Mr. Green's death was sincerely mourned, and that Troy had indeed been deprived of a representative man she could ill spare. Mr. Green died at his home in Troy, March 29, 1875.



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