Greenleaf and Hubbard.

James Greenleaf, son of Simon and Hannah (Kingman) Greenleaf, was born June 15, 1814. He attended Dartmouth College. After graduating, Greenleaf moved to New Orleans and in 1851 formed a partnership with Daniel Hubbard who was a commission merchant, specializing in the cotton trade. Greenleaf and Hubbard began their association with John A. Burnham, a Boston-based agent, representing numerous northern textile mills. Greenleaf and Hubbard purchased cotton to meet the needs of mills, negotiated prices and other financial terms, arranged for transportation of cotton from New Orleans to northern ports, and communicated news about the New Orleans' cotton market with mills, manufacturing companies, and their agents.

Greenleaf’s northern family ties were strong. He married Mary Longfellow, daughter of Stephen and Zilpha (Wadsworth) Longfellow. While living in New Orleans, the Greenleafs traveled to Cambridge, Massachusetts, during the summer months to be near their relatives. Eventually, they built a house in Cambridge. Greenleaf was a staunch Union man, so the partnership of Greenleaf and Hubbard dissolved in May 1860 due to tensions preceding the Civil War. At the outbreak of war, Greenleaf’s property in New Orleans was seized, but was restored to him at the close of the hostilities. Greenleaf died suddenly on August 22, 1865.

From the guide to the Greenleaf and Hubbard business records, (inclusive), 1850-1860, (Baker Library, Harvard Business School)