James M. Green, Principal of the New Jersey State Normal and Model Schools to Adam J. Strohm, Librarian, Trenton Free Public Library, 1904

James Monroe Green was born to Alice Hopkons and William H. Green on August 29, 1851, in Succasunna, Morris County. He entered the Model School in Trenton in 1867, then the Normal School from which he graduated in 1870. After teaching and working as principal for a few years in Morris County and Long Branch, New Jersey, he completed coursework at Dickenson College. Afterward, he became the Principal at Long Branch High School. On October 8, 1878, he married Caroline Estelle Morris (1859-1913). In 1889, he became the Principal of New Jersey State Normal School in Trenton. During his tenure, the school expanded in enrollment, buildings, and educational offerings - including a four-year college degree program for teachers. He held positions and memberships in state and national educational associations, including President of National Education Association in 1901. He also received honorary degrees and earned a doctorate by taking an examination. During the 1916-1917 academic year, he was on medical leave. Wandell B. Secor served in his place during that time. After the school year ended in 1917, he officially resigned as principal. Shortly thereafter he moved, along with his daughter Lucile Green (Model class of 1898 and Normal School Registrar 1904-1920), to his son Bayard’s home in Passaic, New Jersey, where he died on October 31,1920.