From: "Biographical Review of Cass, Schuyler and
Brown Counties, Illinois 1892", by Biographical Review Publishing
Company, Chicago, Illinois; pages 578-579, a reprinted by Stevens
Publishing Co., Astoria, Ill., 1971, is sold by the Schuyler County
Historical Society, Rushville, Illinois.
James L. Greer, who was for more than twenty years the popular landlord
of one of the best hotels in Rushville, was born near Five Mile Town, county
Tyrone, Ireland, January 14, 1820, the son of Robert and Catherine (Lendrum)
Greer. (See sketch of George Greer.) He was a lad of nine years when
his parents left the beautiful Emerald Isle and crossed the sea to America.
When thirteen years of age he was sent to sea as a cabin boy on a cruising
vessel, making the principal port of both the Atlantic and Pacific coast.
A portion of the time he was drillmaster, and after seven years he was discharged
as an able-bodied seaman.
In 1841 he removed to Rushville and there engaged in the manufacture
of brooms for a few years. During the war he was engaged in buying
horses under contract from the Government. Previous to the war he had
bought a farm in Littleton township, on which he resided until 1869, when
he sold out and came to Rushville. He purchased the property which
has been used as a hotel, and became the proprietor of a hotel which he managed
with rare ability; he had a large and enthusiastic patronage, and a reputation
that reached as far as his guests traveled.
Mr. Greer was married in 1841, to Nancy Wilson, who was born in Nelson
county, Kentucky, a daughter of Elijah M. and Jane (Hawley) Wilson.
Six children have been born to this union, who are still living: Emily, now
Mrs. McCreery, Robert, George, Charles and Milton. Robert and Charles
are engaged in the mercantile business at Kearney, Nebraska; George is a
carpenter, and Milton is in the livery business at Rushville. Mr. Greer
and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He assisted
in the organizing the first Methodist Episcopal class in Littleton, and aided
very materially in the building of the church. For a number of years
he was superintendent of the Sabbath-school, and has always been a devoted
worker in the cause of the Master. He is a man of excellent traits,
and has the respect of all who know him. 1861 Militia Roll
