"Mr. Greenley's early life, in which he laid the foundation for an active business career was spent in Hamilton, Madison County, his birthplace. He was married at the age of 22 and shortly afterwards went to Owego, where he took his initiative step in the business world. At that age he displayed remarkable ability.
His first venture was in the role of dry goods merchant. Owego, however, proved too small a place for Mr. Greenley's liberal ideas, and in less than a decade he turned his eyes toward the then thriving little village of Ithaca, the future of which as a prosperous city, he foresaw and has lived to see accomplished.
Coming to Ithaca in 1847 he opened a general mercantile business with L. A. Burritt in the west end of the Deming block, in East State street, the first street east of the Post Office. The block was then known as 'Lawyer's row.' Several years later he entered a retail grocery business, which until about 12 years ago he conducted in the wooden building in East Seneca street, which is now occupied by Forest City Plumbing Company.
Because of his genial personality, sympathetic nature, and kindly spirit, in two years of the Civil War 1862 and 63 Mr. Greenley was chosen by the people as president of the village.....
Mr. Greenley is survived by his aged wife who has been his faithful helpmate for 67 years and who is now nearly prostrated by his death."
"Death Claims F. T. Greenley," Ithaca Daily Journal, June 21, 1905, 3.