One of the young, energetic business men of Tonica, LaSalle county, is
George W. Greiner, who is well along on the highway leading to fortune. A
truly wide-awake, enterprising citizen, he is heart and soul alive to the
progress and advancement of this place, and for that reason, if for no
other, he would be highly esteemed by the residents of this thriving village
Mr. Greiner is proud of the fact that he is one of the native born
sons of Illinois, and that in him two nationalities are united, as his
father, Charles Greiner, was born under the French flag, while his mother,
Sophia (Ehmler) Greiner, was a native of Prussia. His paternal grandfather
lived and died in France, and reared twelve children. The maternal
grandfather of our subject emigrated to the United States many years ago,
settling in Putnam county, Illinois, where he lived until his death, at the
age of about threescore and ten years. Charles Greiner came to America to
seek his fortune when he was a young man, and locating in Hennepin, engaged
in the bakery and grocery business during most of his active life. He died
in that section of the state in 1889, when in his seventieth year, and is
survived by his widow, who is a resident of Hennepin. Of their eight
children six are living, and all dwell in Putnam county save George W. They
are named as follows: Anna, Charles, Jennie, Ida and Charlotte. Anna is the
wife of W. E. Eddy; Jennie of John Markley; Ida of W. C. Patterson; and
Charlotte of H. B. Zenor.
The birth of George W. Greiner took place
in Putnam county, July 18, 1869. The benefits of an excellent public school
education were his, and after completing his studies he began clerking in a
store. Thus occupied for several years, he gained a practical idea of
business methods, and at the same time carefully accumulated a snug little
capital, with which to embark in an enterprise of his own when the proper
time came. In 1895 he came to Tonica and purchased the general store owned
by the Miller estate, adding a meat market. He keeps a high grade of goods
and transacts his business in a thoroughly enterprising manner, his store
being neat and attractive.
Fraternally Mr. Greiner is a highly
esteemed member of Tonica Lodge, No. 364, F. & A. M., at the present time
enjoying the honor of being master of the lodge. He also belongs to the
Modern Woodmen of America. Politically he is independent, preferring to use
his franchise for the nominees and principles which he deems worthy of
support, regardless of party lines. His fellow citizens, respecting his
financial ability and excellent judgment, honored him with the position
which he still holds, that of village treasurer.
The marriage of Mr.
Greiner and Miss Irma Boyle took place November 28, 1890. She is a daughter
of Albert and Frances (Hartenbower) Boyle. Three children bless the home of
our subject and wife, their names Ijeing, respectively, Earl, Frances and
vervne.
Extracted 13 Jun 2019 by Norma Hass from Biographical and Genealogical Record of LaSalle County, Illinois, published in 1900, volume 2, pages 663-664.
| Lee | DeKalb | Kane |
| Bureau |
 |
Kendall |
| Putnam | Grundy | |
| Marshall | Woodford | Livingston |
