Isabel Colton Greene, also known as Belle C. Green, was born on March 17, 1842, in Pittsfield, Vermont. Her heritage included American, English, and Native American roots. After her mother, Lucy Baker, passed away when Isabel was four, she was raised by a distant relative in Nashua, New Hampshire.
Belle launched her writing career in 1881 when she submitted a humorous sketch to Elizabeth Stuart Phelps, who encouraged her to pursue writing further. Her work appeared in publications such as Godey’s Lady’s Book, The Youth’s Companion, and Harper’s Weekly. Among her notable titles are “A New England Idyl” and “Adventures of an Old Maid,” the latter selling more than 75,000 copies.
In 1868, Belle married Martin Van Buren Greene. The couple had one son, Edward Martin Greene, who later became a professor at the University of South Dakota. Edward accompanied his mother on numerous trips across the continent to California and Europe.
From 1910 onward, Belle spent her summers with her sister in Palatine, Illinois, where she appreciated a peaceful lifestyle. She passed away in Palatine on March 10, 1926, and was laid to rest at Hillside Cemetery. Belle C. Green’s contributions as an author continue to be recognized.
