Catharine Littlefield Greene
Born February 17, 1755 (Block Island, Rhode Island)
Died July 20, 1814 (Cumberland Island, Georgia)
Businesswoman
Catharine "Caty" Littlefield Greene witnessed, and at times participated in, some of the most far-reaching events in American history through her marriage to General Nathanael Greene (1742–1786). She was a friend and confidant to important, well-known people of her day, including President George Washington (1732–1799; served 1789–97; see entry in volume 2) and his wife, Martha Washington (1732–1802; see entry in volume 2).
After the American Revolution (1775–83), Catharine Greene became a financial supporter of Eli Whitney (1765–1825; see entry in volume 2), who was developing a mechanized process for ginning, separating cotton fiber from its seeds. Her participation in Whitney's invention of the cotton gin secured her place in history, because the new machine revolutionized the U.S. cotton industry and had a huge impact on America's economy in the nineteenth century.
Island Girl
Catharine Littlefield was born on February 17, 1755, the second of five children of Phebe Ray and John Littlefield. Asa child, Catharine was called Kitty, but for most of her life, friends and family called her Caty. She was named for her mother's sister, Catharine Ray, who played a major role in her life.
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