Husband Robert L. Greenlee 1
Born: Abt 1838
Christened:
Died: Aft 1899
Buried:
Father: Edmund Greenlee ( - ) 2
Mother: Mary Wright Stebbins (1805- ) 3
Marriage:
• Family Photo.
• Residence: : Chicago, Cook Co, IL.
Wife Emily Brooks 4
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
Father: William Brooks ( - ) 4
Mother:
Children
1 M William Brooks Greenlee 4
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
2 F Grace E. Greenlee 4
Born:
Christened:
Died:
Buried:
3 F Isabel V. Greenlee 4
Born:
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General Notes: Husband - Robert L. Greenlee
From earliest infancy there was great difficulty in distinguishing the twins, Ralph and Robert, from each other, so much were they alike in looks, form and manner. They were sent to school and given the best educational advantages afforded in the common schools of the district, pursuing their studies until nineteen years of age, also assisting their father in the dairy business. It is unmistakably true that none of the "Crawford county boys" have attained a greater measure of success in life than have Ralph S. and Robert L. Greenlee, the representative business men of Chicago.
In 1863, at the age of twenty-five, they left the farm and moved to Chicago, Illinois, to start in business on their own account. Making use of their mechanical skill acquired while working for their father, they opened a cooper shop, employing machinery in their work. This aroused the ire and concerted opposition of the western coopers, for they objected to any departure from the methods of their forefathers. The opposition was met boldly and firmly, and finally overcome, and the firm of Greenlee Brothers was duly prosperous. From this beginning they drifted into the manufacture of woodworking machinery, making a specialty of the highest grades known, and constantly adding new inventions and methods until the Greenlee machines became famous with manufacturers in wood throughout the world. Immediately after the great fire of 1871 they removed to quarters in West Twelfth street, where, in addition to the manufacture of woodworking machinery, they established, in 1883, the Northwestern Stove Repair Company, the largest concern of the kind in the world. Here, also, in 1886 they established two large foundries, under the corporation name of the Greenlee Foundry Company.
The politics of the brothers was Republican, and they were stanch believers in the principles of their party. They contributed generously to all worthy charities, and were liberal in their contributions to educational institutions, believing that the education of the people will remove many of their ills.
They were careful students of men and events, and by extensive travel at home and in foreign lands they acquired a most valuable fund of knowledge. Few Americans were more conversant with the wonders and beauties of the world than they. Their first extensive travels abroad began in 1883, when Mr. Ralph S. Greenlee, with his family, who always accompanied him in his travels, made a thorough tour of old Mexico and Europe, lasting thirteen months, and he also, with his wife and daughter, made a tour of the world, lasting eighteen months. During this last trip they spent three months each in Japan and China, visiting the interior of both countries, and went all through India and the island of Ceylon, Egypt and Turkey, and made a tour of Palestine. Mr. Robert L. Greenlee and his family traversed the same countries, with addition of Siam, Java and Burmah.
In stature they were five feet ten inches in height, weighing one hundred and eighty-six pounds each. They had a commanding presence, well-formed heads, which set squarely upon their shoulders, and were men who would attract immediate and respectful audience in any assembly. Their eyes are dark and kindly and had that expression which placed a stranger immediately at ease in their presence. They were courteous but not effusive, showing in this the true Scotch and English conservatism. Their leading characteristics are inbred politeness, kindness and consideration for others, coupled with indomitable will power, untiring energy, broad liberality and uncompromising honesty.