With the settling of America, and as the Western movement began, the Green family along with the Kemps, Ingles, Hustons, and others settled in North Alabama. They chose to live in a fertile valley along two creeks that merge and form the Little New River. At the mouth of that river a dam was built, a grist mill, and a saw mill that ran off hydro power from the dam. Thus began the tradition known as Greens Mill.

Atlas had not printed their maps yet and Greens Mill was also a way of giving directions to travelers.

Years ago it was said by those who brought their corn to be ground, "it seemed that we’d leave with more meal than we brought corn." Even if grandfather or any of the boys were not around, you could go ahead and grind your corn, and leave a small portion of meal for pay.

The original dam that grandfather J.N. Green built is still standing, six generations later, and after much water has passed over the dam.