Green, Joseph Calvin

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Birth:        October 30, 1870 in Hebron, Jefferson Co., WI
Death:       February 14, 1902 in Battle Creek, Calhoun Co., MI
Burial:      Oak Hill Cemetery, Battle Creek, Calhoun Co., MI
Findagrave:   15330844
Spouse:   Cleora E. Hall
Parents:   Luther B. Green and Julia E. Grems

Editor’s Note: Joseph’s Green’s mother, Julia Grems (Green), has a noted place in Minnesota Seventh-day Adventist history as she was the first individual from Minnesota to write to the Review and Herald. Just 17 year old, she wrote that she knew of no other Adventists in the state of Minnesota and longed for the fellowship of other believers. But she shared her faith and in about a year there were five believers anxious for more Adventist materials to read. It is no wonder that her son, Joseph, would pick up her enthusiasm for the gospel which led him and his wife, Cleora Hall (a Minnesota native), to go as some of the earliest missionaries to Tahiti.

You can learn more about Julia’s impact and read her letter to the Review and Herald in these Minnesota Adventist histories:
MN SDA History – Minnesota Conference
SDA Encyclopedia – Minnesota Conference History

Obituary of Joseph Calvin Green:

GREEN – Fell asleep in Jesus at Battle Creek, Mich., Feb. 14, 1902, Brother Joseph C. Green, aged 31 years, 3 months, 14 days. His life, though comparatively short, was an eventful one. In 1888 he came to Battle Creek to attend the College. After he left it, he taught school two years in Wisconsin. In 1891 he returned to Battle Creek, and at a spiritual awakening, was fully converted and united with the church. In 1893 he was united in marriage with Sister Cleora E. Hall, daughter of W. H Hall, who for many years was steward at the Sanitarium. In 1896 Brother and Sister Green went to Tahiti, where they spent nearly three years in faithful labor in winning souls to the Lord. He worked in the Review and Herald Office before and after his return from the South Sea Islands, and was in the employ of that institution at the time of his decease. He was highly and universally respected by his fellow laborers, and beloved by all who formed his acquaintance. His last sickness was brief. He died of a tumor at the base of the brain. Prayer was offered for him by the elders of the church, and he seemed to feel that he would be healed. The last time they prayed for him, they were impressed that his end was near, and when this was stated to him by his wife he calmly and sweetly responded by saying, “The Lord’s will be done.” He leaves a devoted wife, and a young son, besides other relatives. His mother arrived just before he breathed his last, but on account of unconsciousness, his lips were sealed to her. As a son, Brother Green was loving and devoted; as a husband, he was affectionate and self-sacrificing; and as a Christian, he was earnest and stanch. The funeral was held in the Tabernacle at Battle Creek, and was largely attended. The funeral discourse was given by the writer, assisted by Elders Nicola, Evans, and Spicer, who offered brief remarks. Brother Green rests in hope, and the faithful will meet him in the resurrection morn.

S. H. Lane – Review and Herald, March 18, 1902, pg. 174 (14)