John J. Greif.

John J. Greif.

Birth: 1845, Germany
Death: January 17, 1903.

Wife: Wilhelmin A. ( Minnie A. ) Greif, born 1849, Germany, died 1940.

Children: Frank J. Greif, 1873-1910, Emma M. Greif, 1875-1944, and Leo M. Greif.

Burial: January 25, 1903, Topeka Cemetery, Topeka, Shawnee County, Kansas.,

1880.
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JOHN GREIF, cigar manufacturer, came to Kansas in September, 1864, and located at Leavenworth, remaining in that city until 1879. He then moved to Topeka, and commenced the manufacture of cigars, in which he is still engaged, employing ten men in his factory now, and only four in 1879. He is a native of Germany, born November 29, 1845. He came to America in 1863, and lived in Michigan prior to his removal to Kansas. He was married in Chicago October 16, 1870, to Miss Minnie A. Rode, a native of Germany. They have three children--Frank J., Emma M. and Leo M. Mr. Greif is a member of the A. F. & A. M., Topeka Lodge, No. 17.

John Greif Cigar Factory.

1888-1889.

John Greif, came to Topeka in 1880 and soon started his cigar factory at 154 Kansas Ave., under the name of ( John Greif Cigars ), later called ( John Greif Capital Cigar Factory ), and ( John Greif Tobacconist ).  The business would move over the years but always stayed on Kansas Ave. In 1880 through 1886, it was 154 Kansas Ave, from 1887 to 1898 it was 508 Kansas Ave., then in 1900 till  I believe to the closing of the business 504 Kansas.

John Greif was a member of the Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Topeka, Topeka Lodge No. 17.

1890-1891.

When John Greif and his wife Minnie came to Topeka they lived at 134 Polk, the family would lived all their lives on Polk street, although they would move from time to time, 134, 135, 125, 417 and 411 Polk..

Johns son Frank would work in the business as a cigar maker and cigar packer.  When his father died in 1903, he became Manager of the business.  Frank belong to the Cigar-Makers Union, No. 36., he was Corresponding and Financial Secretary.

Franks sister Emma worked as a Milliner and Clerk.  Then when Frank died in 1910, Emma became Manager of the business and held that title until the business closed.

John Greif Obituary

Topeka Daily Capital.

January 18, 1903.

 

1896-1897.

John Greif, a prominent Mason and an old resident of Topeka, died suddenly at his home 411 Polk street yesterday of heart disease.

 

For perhaps a year the friends and relatives of Mr. Greif have noticed that he had been affected with shortness of breath and other indications of heart disease and yesterday he seemed in usual health.  On reaching home at noon he entered the house and had just stepped out of the rear door when he dropped dead.

 

1902.

He had been in business in Topeka for Twenty-four years and at the time of his death was a tobacconist at 504 Kansas Avenue.  He was 58 years old and leaves a wife, a son and daughter.  The son is now in New York and cannot be found, as he recently changed his location.  The announcement of the funeral will be held. until word can be had from him.

 

John Greif was member of several leading German Societies and a thirty-second degree Mason.  The Masons will have charge of the funeral services.