Ludwig Greiner of Philadephia patented an improvement in papier-mache doll-heads on March 30, 1858 (US 19,770). The first registered doll patent in the USA consisted of applying linen, silk, or muslin during the manufacturing so that the final product had more durability. In the Journal of the Franklin Institute (1858) Greiner claimed the invention strengthened the seams and projected or exposed parts of dolls’ heads, by cementing or pasting on those parts muslin, linen, silk, or other equivalent material. The Scientific American of 1857-1858 shared the announcement of the patent.
In 1857 the book Philadelphia and its Manufactures gave an address for Ludwig Greiner as 414 North 4th, above Callowhill.
Greiner Family History
A Ludwig Griener’s name lies within a list of other Griener family names that came to Baltimore, Maryland aboard the ship Napier in 1835. (This link is only a transcription). The Maryland State Archives has digitalized the Napier’s manifest so now anyone can view the original and see the names. The Baltimore passenger arrival records for 1835 are available in collection BRG55-1-2. The manifest for Napier, July 6th, 1835 starts on page 97 of the pdf. The Greiner family lies on page 99 but you must zoom in. Zoom in about 250% and you’ll see Ludwig Greinier at #93 with family names underneath. (Click here to see page 99.).
According the manifest the passengers boarded at Bremen. Ludwig Greinier came from Laucher at age 30 as a merchant with Philadelphia as his destination. Family members were Charlotte, age 24; Montage, age 5; Albert, age 4; Henry, age 2; and Wilhalmina (mother), age 50; Christ. Greiner (brother), age 26 (His name does not include the extra “i” found in Ludwig’s name. The shortened name could be Christian or Christopher); and Carolina, age 3 (daugther of Christ. Greiner, Ludwig’s niece). The family carried nine pieces of baggage.
Later Ludwig had another son named William’s whose daughter Laura died in a tragic kitchen fire in 1869 at age five while residing at 417 York Avenue. Ludwig suffered injuries from the fire as well.
Sale of Factory
After Ludwig’s death, the family posted the four story brick factory building and back buildings on a lot that measured 16 x 76 feet for an absolute sale subjected to $120 ground rent. The announcement in the Legal Gazette for February 4, 1876 gave the address of 414 N. Fourth St. above Callowhill for the estate of Ludwig Greiner, deceased.
Ludwig Griener’s Successors
One can find a Greiner advertisement in Burley’s United States Centennial gazetteer and Guide 1876. The ad names Ludwig Greiner’s successors Albert C. Greiner and Henry G. Greiner, the younger brother.
