Green, Harry J. 1875 -

GREEN, TRACY

Posted By: Bill Waters (email)
Date: 2/19/2014 at 17:10:45

HARRY J. GREEN

Decorah is much indebted for its advancement and expansion, to the enter¬prise and ability of Harry J. Green, for he is not only foremost as one of the progressive newspaper men of the city but has also been closely connected with its public life, having served in various important positions and occupying at present the executive chair, doing valuable work in promoting public interests. Not only has he been prominent in local politics but has actively participated in the affairs of the nation as a member of important republican committees and conventions.

He was born in Wyoming county, Iowa. August 3, 1875, the third son of the Rev. and Mrs. H. H. Green, and in his boyhood days removed with his parents successively to Toledo. Nashua. Janesville. Plainfield and Epworth, Iowa, at the latter place attending Epworth Seminary. In 1800 he moved with the family to Decorah which has since been his home. After a year spent in the Decorah high school he entered the Upper Iowa University at Fayette, from which institution he received his diploma and the degree of B. A. upon his graduation from the classical course.

Returning to Decorah he entered the employ of the Decorah Journal to learn the printer's trade and a few months later became connected with the Decorah Public Opinion, a new paper which was then established in this city. In May, 1896. Mr. Green purchased a half interest in the paper. F. L. Akers becoming his partner, and this relationship continued until April, 1900, when he bought out the interest of Mr. Akers. Since that time Mr. Green has conducted the paper alone as owner and editor, building it up in its various departments until it is now one of the most valuable weekly newspaper properties in Iowa. His editorial style is clear and to the point and readily conveys to the reader the position the paper takes upon any public question. The news service is comprehensive, naturally giving to local affairs a wide berth. As the circulation has increased by leaps and bounds the advertising space has expanded and the Decorah Public Opinion is readily conceded to be one of the most valuable mediums for the merchant through which to reach the public.

On August 3. 1898, Mr. Green was united in marriage to Miss Allie Tracy and unto them were born three children. Marian. Harold and Margery, Mrs. Green patted away on May 16, 1911.

A modern newspaper man and a man of ability, experience, clear percep¬tion and progressive tendencies. Mr. Green has become well known in lines outside of his profession. He is prominently identified with various fraternal organizations. He is a thirty-second degree Mason and was for five years master of Great Eights Lodge. No. 181. Has served as high priest of King Solomon's Chapter. No. 35. R. A. M., and is now captain general of Beausant Com¬mander). No. 12, K. T. He is a charter member and was the first foreman of Oneota Homestead. Brotherhood of American Yeomen, and is now serving as sovereign commander of Decorah lodge. W. O. W. He was last year Chancellor Commander of Decorah Lodge. No. 230. K. P., and at this writing fills for the third lime the position of exalted ruler of Decorah Lodge. No. 443. B. P. O. E. He has held official positions in various other bulges both in local and national organizations. In 1901 he was elected commander of the division of Iowa, Sons of Veterans, and in 1906 was one of the organizers of the Homesteaders, a fraternal insurance society, and has since that time served as a member of its board of directors.

A man of force and conviction, he has readily attained an important posi¬tion in political life and served for several years as chairman of the republican county central committee, being in 1904 elected delegate from the fourth Iowa district to the republican national convention in Chicago. With the interests of Decorah he has been closely connected, ever exerting unflagging energy in incorporating or promoting measures for the benefit of the city. When the park board was created he became one of the first three park commissioners, doing valuable work in this capacity towards beautifying the city, having at that time charge of the establishment of the present city park, which in its size and arrangement is worthy of a city of much larger size and stands as a monu¬ment to the earnest efforts of the first board, to which Mr. Green belonged. As secretary of the Decorah Commercial Club he has done valuable work in promoting trade expansion by creating a spirit among its members of working together for the general benefit.

Upon the death of Mayor F. W. Daubney in November, 1912, he was elected mayor of Decorah and is now bending his efforts to wise administration, giving the city the benefit of his long experience along public and semi-public lines. A great many measures are now under contemplation promoted by him and his term of office gives fair promise of being one of the most valuable in furthering the interests of the city along material, intellectual and moral lines.

Source: History of Winneshiek County, Iowa Vol. II Chicago the S. J. Clark publishing Company 1913

Winneshiek Biographies maintained by Jeff Getchell.
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