From the "The Village of Harlem: Its People, Homes and Business – 50th
Anniversary Souvenir 1856 to 1906"
"Mr. John J. Kohner was born in Luxemburg, Germany, in 1865, where he learned the tailor's trade. He came to Chicago in 1881, where he lived a short time, and then went to Sheldon, Illinois, where he resided for three years. In 1885 he moved to St. Joseph, Missouri, where he engaged in the milk business. IN 1894 he came to Harlem and was employed as a fireman. In 1905 he leased the well know Frank Perley Billiard hall and Regulation Bowling Alley at Randolph and Elgin Sts.
"Since Mr. Kohner has been proprietor of this well known Bowling Headquarters he has greatly increased the business and today it is the most popular place of its kind in the village. He is ever on the alert to please his patrons, and will no doubt be compelled in the near future to enlarge his quarters.
"During his sojourn in the Missouri town, Mr. Kohner met and married Miss Mary Marx on the 10th of November, 1888. Mrs. Kohner is a most affable lady, and actively assists her husband in his business. To her Mr. Kohner attributes much of his success. They have one daughter, now Mrs. William Steffgen, who resides in the village."