The History of Hendricks County (Chicago: Interstate Publishing, 1885)--Clay Township, page 554
William Greenlee was a native of Hendricks County, Ind., born in September, 1839. His father, Abner Greenlee, settled in Marion Township in 1829, and there he was reared and educated. He enlisted in October, 1861, in the Fifty-first Indiana Infantry, and served in the defense of his country three years, two months and ten days, participating in many important campaigns and battles. He was in General Buell's command at Shiloh; was at Stone River, with General Streight on his noted raid, at Franklin, and later with General Thomas at Nashville, where he was discharged Dec. 17, 1864. He returned to Hendricks County, and in 1865 bought the farm on section 28, Clay Township, where he has since lived. He is a model farmer and has one of the pleasantest homes in the township. He has been twice married. His first wife, Martha Bryant, is deceased. His present wife was Melinda J. Pierson, daughter of Ervin Pierson. He has had two children, only one of whom is living--Ernest, born Sept. 16, 1876. His eldest son, Emerson, died in infancy.