William Lawrence Greenly was born on September 18, 1813, and died on November 29, 1883. He was a politician from the state of Michigan in the United States. He worked as the sixth governor of Michigan.

Early life in New York

Greenly was born in Hamilton, New York. He graduated from Union College in Schenectady, New York in 1831. Afterward, he studied law with Stower & Gridley in Hamilton and was admitted to the bar in Albany, New York in 1834.

Politics in Michigan

Greenly moved to Adrian, Michigan, in October 1836. He was a member of the Michigan State Senate from the 2nd district from 1839 to 1840, and from the 3rd district from 1842 to 1843. Greenly was the fifth lieutenant governor of Michigan from 1846 to 1847. He became governor on March 4, 1847, after Alpheus Felch resigned to join the U.S. Senate. Greenly finished Felch's term on January 3, 1848. During much of the Mexican–American War, troops from Michigan were sent, including Company K, 3d Dragoons, as well as A, E, and G of the U.S. Infantry.

Retirement and death

After his short time as governor, Greenly worked as a justice of the peace for 12 years. He was elected mayor of Adrian, Michigan in 1858 and served for one year. Greenly died on November 29, 1883, in Adrian at the age of 70. He is buried at Oakwood Cemetery in Adrian.

Family life

Governor Greenly married three times during his life. His first marriage was to Sarah A. Dascomb in Hamilton, New York, on December 18, 1834. After Sarah passed away, he married Elizabeth W. Hubbard in Northampton, Massachusetts, on June 11, 1840. Governor Greenly and Elizabeth had one son named Marshal. After Elizabeth's death, he married Maria Hart in Adrian, Michigan, on October 25, 1859.