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Biographical History of Cherokee County, Iowa
W. S. Dunbar & Co., Chigago - 1889

[page 567]

    THOMAS GREER, proprietor of the Merchants' Hotel, Cherokee, Iowa,
    has been identified with the interests of Cherokee County since
    1869.  He was born in the County of Cork, Ireland, February 2, 1835,
    and is the youngest of a family of seven children of WILLIAM and
    ELIZABETH (SMITH) GREER, both of whom died in their native land.
    The father worked in the copper mines, and died when THOMAS was
    but six years old.  Our subject received a limited education, and
    started out for himself at an early age.  He worked in the mines,
    and also on the farm; when engaged in the mines he was gravel sifter,
    separating the copper ore from the gravel.  Becoming discouraged with
    the heavy burdens he was called upon to bear, he determined to bid
    adieu to his native land, and seek a country where he would have a
    better chance in the struggle for existence.  And naturally enough
    he turned to America, "the land of the free, the home of the brave."
    At the age of sixteen years he set sail, and landed in the city of
    Boston; thence he went to Haverhill, Massachusetts.  He afterward
    went to New Boston, New Hampshire, and then drifted out of New Eng-
    land into New York; he spent a short time at Youngstown, and then
    went still farther west.  During his stay in Massachusetts he had
    learned the shoemakers' trade, and he afterward traveled as a
    journeyman, visiting many cities.  Finally he came to Cherokee, Iowa,
    and opened a shoe-shop, continuing the business for a number of years.
    On account of ill health he was compelled to abandon the business. We
    next find him the genial host of a boarding-house, and in this enter-
    prise he was very successful.  He bought a farm and a house and lot
    in the Township of Kilkenny, Le Seuer County, Minnesota, of which he
    afterward disposed to a good advantage.  From there went to Monona,
    Clayton County, Iowa.  In 1876 Mr. GREER erected what is known as the
    Merchants' Hotel, which was at that time the leading hotel of the
    place; it was the first brick hotel built in the place, and is 40x40
    feet, two stories high.  In 1867 our subject was united in marriage
    to Miss ANNA O'BRIEN, a native of Ireland, and a daughter of JOHN and
    KATE O'BRIEN.  Four children have been born of this union: DANIEL,
    GEORGE, THOMAS and ELIZA ANN.  Mr. GREER owns a farm of 320 acres,
    moderately improved; this he runs in connection with his hotel; he
    also owns some houses and lots in Cherokee.  When he began his busi-
    ness career in Haverhill, Massachusetts, he had not a dollar, but by
    energy, industry, and judicious investments he has accumulated a good
    property.  In politics he adheres to the principles of the Democratic
    party.  Two sisters and a brother of Mr. GREER have also found their
    way to America, and are living in Kilkenny, Le Seuer County,
    Minnesota.

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