Nathan “Nearest” Green: The Former Slave Behind Tennessee Whiskey – A RAINBOW OF ROLE MODELS {WEDNESDAY SERIES}
I celebrate ACHIEVEMENT EVERY DAY! When I discover role models, I do not see skin color, age, religion, sex, attractiveness (ok, I like beautiful ladies), or other nonessentials. I love learning from inspirational people who inspire me to drop MY EXCUSES and DO IT! Role models who stretch my ambitions and make me reach for the impossible.
There is dignity in achievement and success—in becoming a great factor in civilization.” Carter G. Woodson.
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Disclaimer: Good Day, Readers. WealthBuildingPowers blog is a financial literacy/competency blog and does not provide specific investment recommendations.
Nathan “Nearest” Green: The Unsung Hero Behind Tennessee Whiskey – A RAINBOW OF ROLE MODELS {WEDNESDAY SERIES}
Last week’s role model, Fawn Weaver, was inspired by Nathan “Nearest Green.
How An African American Woman, Fawn Weaver, Revolutionized the Whiskey Industry – A RAINBOW OF ROLE MODELS {WEDNESDAY SERIES}. https://wealthbuildingpowers.com/?p=19690
MR. NATHAN “NEAREST’ GREEN
In the world of whiskey, few names resonate with the depth and significance of Nathan “Nearest” Green. His name is not widely recognized as Jack Daniel’s. But Nathan Green is the primarily unseen former slave behind the legend of Tennessee whiskey and deserves our respect and recognition. Nathan is a role model for whiskey enthusiasts who value integrity and the pursuit of excellence.
Nathan “Nearest” Green was born enslaved in 1820. He was a master distiller, a teacher, and a pioneer in the world of whiskey-making. Green’s journey began on a Tennessee farm owned by a Lutheran minister named Dan Call. Here, he honed his skills in the art of distillation, mastering the intricate process that would later define Tennessee whiskey.
His expertise and remarkable character set Green apart from other distillers of his time. Despite the challenges of his circumstances, Green was known for his kindness, generosity, and unwavering commitment to his craft. He became a mentor to Jack Daniel, a young boy who worked on Call’s farm and showed a keen interest in whiskey-making. Under Green’s guidance, Daniel learned the secrets of distillation, laying the foundation for what would become one of the most iconic whiskey brands in the world.
Green’s contributions to the whiskey industry extend far beyond his role as a mentor. He was a trailblazer in an industry dominated by white men, breaking down barriers and proving that talent knows no bounds. His legacy is a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of African Americans in the face of adversity, paving the way for future generations to pursue their dreams regardless of the obstacles they may face.
For whiskey drinkers, knowing Green’s name is not just a matter of historical significance; it’s a tribute to the craftsmanship and tradition that defines Tennessee whiskey. His influence can be tasted in every bottle of Jack Daniel’s, a reminder of the skill and dedication that went into its creation. But perhaps more importantly, Green’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing and honoring the contributions of African Americans to our shared history and culture.
As we raise a glass to toast the legacy of Tennessee whiskey, let us also raise awareness of the man behind the legend. Nathan “Nearest” Green for his invaluable contributions to the world of whiskey and beyond. His life is a testament to the power of perseverance, mentorship, and the enduring spirit of humanity. Let us never forget his name or his remarkable story.
WIKIPEDIA- The Story of Nathan Green
Sometime in the 1850s, when Jack Daniel was a child, he went to work for Dan Call, a preacher, grocer, and distiller. According to company lore, the preacher was a busy man, and when he saw promise in young Jack, he taught him how to run his whiskey still.
However, in June 2016, The New York Times published a story identifying Daniel’s true teacher as Green, one of the people Call enslaved. The newspaper reported that historians and locals have known the Green story for decades. Green’s story – according to the article, “built on oral history and the thinnest of archival trails” – may never be definitively proved. A USA Today article published in July 2017 corrected the Nearis spelling of his name and confirmed that Jack Daniel said his correct name was Nathan “Nearest” Green. Another article published by The Tennessee Tribune in March 2019 confirmed through the story of Fawn Weaver, an African American real estate investor and author, that Green’s story continues to be passed down orally through the generations.
Documentation shows that Green was owned by a firm known as Landis & Green, who likely hired him out to Call for a fee. Green was one of a few enslaved people who stayed on to work with Call after the Emancipation Proclamation. When introducing Green to an 8-year old Jack Daniel, Call is quoted as saying, “Uncle Nearest is the best whiskey maker that I know of.” Call reportedly said to Green, “I want [Jack] to become the world’s best whiskey distiller – if he wants to be. You help me teach him.”
Green served as master distiller. According to one biographer, “Only a few years older than Jack, [Green] taught him all about the still.”
Some critics argue that Jack Daniel had bought Green as a slave and used Green’s recipe for his own profit, however the Tennessee Tribune documented that “Daniel never owned slaves and spoke openly about Green’s role as his mentor”.[5]
Known as Nearest Green,[6] or “Uncle Nearest”, he played the fiddle and was a lively entertainer. Green’s descendants say this trait was passed down to his son, Jesse Green.
Slavery ended with ratification of the Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution in 1865. Daniel opened his distillery a year later and immediately employed two of Green’s sons, George and Eli Green. In all, at least three of Green’s sons were a part of the Jack Daniel Distillery staff: George Green, Edde Green, and Eli Green. At least four of Nearest’s grandchildren joined the Jack Daniel team, Ott, Charlie, Otis, and Jesse Green. In all, seven straight generations of Nearest Green’s descendants have worked for Jack Daniel Distillery, with three direct descendants continuing to work there as of November 2017.
Nathan “Nearest” Green was married to Harriet Green, and they had 11 children together – nine sons and two daughters. Four of their sons, Louis, George, Jesse, and Eli, are listed in the 1870 census. Seven of the sons and both daughters are listed in the 1880 federal census.
Legacy
Author Fawn Weaver launched the Nearest Green Foundation to commemorate Green. The foundation is responsible for a new museum, memorial park, and book about his life. In addition, it has established college scholarships for Green’s descendants. In July 2017, Uncle Nearest, Inc., created a whiskey honoring the legacy of Nearest Green. Debuting as “Uncle Nearest 1856 Premium Whiskey“. it was created by working with two Tennessee distilleries, but not Jack Daniel Distillery.
In August 2017, Brown-Forman Corporation, which owns the Jack Daniel Distillery and brand, officially recognized Green as its first head stiller – now called master distiller – and added him to the company’s website. In October 2017, Brown-Forman added his legacy to its official tours and a large display at the Jack Daniel’s Visitors Center.
In September 2017, the Nearest Green Foundation announced the inaugural class of descendants receiving full scholarships to college and grad school to continue their ancestor’s legacy of excellence. The foundation is funded by the sales of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey and the sales of Jack Daniel’s official biography, Jack Daniel’s Legacy.
Uncle Nearest’s Master Blender, Victoria Eady Butler, is a descendant of Green, and the first known African-American female whiskey master blender.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nathan_%22Nearest%22_Green
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I am a proud nerd (as my beautiful wife and daughter have told me) investment and finance blogger with an N.C. State, Chemical Engineering, University Rutgers, MBA and Harvard University, Advanced Management education.
I left a corporate career because I desired to make a difference as a speaker and writer. I was blessed to be coached and mentored by strong women and men in my family and professional life. It is my time to serve and give back.
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I started my first business at ~13 years of age (a small but brilliantly created plant nursery). I am a successful investor in stocks, options, and real estate and am happy to share my finance and investment lessons. I am NOT a licensed financial advisor. Please do not construe my suggestions on this blog as recommendations for your situation. As an investor, you must establish your risk/loss tolerance. Investment in any asset involves risk, including complete loss.
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