Green was born in the German territory of Württemberg in 1825, and in 1832 his parents brought the family of one girl and five boys to Crawford County, Ohio.

Green helped his father on the family farm, and in winter months he attended school.

Green left home and found employment as a Columbus store clerk, a job that lasted four years.

When a recruiter from the Mountain Rifle Regiment opened an office in Columbus in 1846, Green and a friend enlisted in the army.

[2] Green was promoted to major of the 1st Cavalry Regiment in June 1868, and fought against the Apaches in Arizona.

Green left cover, and, standing in full view of the Modoc warriors, proceeded to pace in front of his men, slapping his gloves in his palm for emphasis.