GREVE, HENRY, now living retired at Beardstown, but formerly one of the enterprising business men of Cass County, is entitled to the confidence and respect of his fellow-townsmen for he has earned such regard. He was born in Hanover, Germany, May 20, 1844. When twenty-two years old he started from his native land, and on September 28, 1888, he landed in New York City, after a voyage of ten weeks on the ocean. Being a cigar maker, he worked at his trade for some months in New York, having joined his brother, who had come to that city in 1865 and was engaged in the same line. However, as he had some friends at Beardstown, Ill., he decided to join them at that point, and on April 2, 1867, traveled as far as Peoria by railroad, and from there went down the Illinois River to Beardstown. Upon his arrival he opened a cigar factory on east Fourth street, but in the fall of that year moved to Main street, where he continued in business until 1873, when he built a fine two-story brick store at No. 113 W. Main street. There he built up a large business, manufacturing many brands of cigars that attained considerable popularity. He took his brother Antone into partnership with him in 1876, and they continued together until 1880, when the latter embarked in a business of his own in the same line, and it is still in existence. In May, 1913, Mr. Greve sold his factory to his son, W. F. Greve, and retired.

On July 23, 1867, Mr. Greve married Anna Reller, born in Hanover, Germany, who came to the United States at the same time as her husband. Their children have been as follows: Louisa, who is the widow of John Stoker, lives at Twelfth and Monroe streets, Beardstown, Mr. Stoker having lost his life through an accident, March 16, 1904; Carrie, who died April 9, 1900; Henry, who is connected with the First State Bank of Beardstown; John; Anna, who is at home; Fred, who is a railroad engineer; William F., who is conducting the cigar business; Emma, who is Mrs. Edward Howard of Beardstown; and Hilda, who is Mrs. William Stulkel, of Beardstown. The Lutheran church holds his membership, and he is the historian of the Central Illinois District of his church, which is composed of twenty-one counties. While a Democrat in politics, he has never sought or desired office. He belongs to the A.O.U.W. of Beardstown, and has been a dominant figure in it.