JOHN. G. HEINL, the well known florist of the city of Terre Haute, is a native of Austria. In 1854, when he was ten years old, his people emigrated to the United States. In 1856, two years after his arrival, he worked for three years with a florist, of Toledo, Ohio, with whom he remained for seven years. In 1868 he came to Terre Haute and engaged in the business on his own account, which he has continued until the present, making for him in all about twenty-three years' experience in the avocation. His gardens and hot-houses are located at No. 19-29 North Eighth street, where he is occupying a space 140x140 feet, all of which is utilized in growing some of the finest and choicest plants and flowers that are to be found in the city. In connection with his establishment on Eighth street, he has a farm of forty acres, located a short distance southeast of the city. This is also used for gardening and growing plants and smaller varieties of nursery stock. Since eleven years of age Mr. HEINL has been dependent upon his own resources, both in acquiring an education and property. How well he has succeeded in the latter may be determined by a view of his splendid property on Eighth street, where he is usually to be found, pleasant and courteous, and ready to explain to visitors the name and nature of the different varieties of plants

Taken From Biographies of Terre Haute Business's  1880

John G.  Heinl died on New years eve 1920.

Mr Heinl is well known for the legend of Stiffy Green. Some legends say the Bulldog was his pet, others dispute that claim and believe it was a cement dog with green glass eyes that graced the  Heinl's front  porch. Whichever it may be.The legend of Stiffy Green persist today and many of the curious still visit his Mausoleum

After his death rumours persisted of his faithful bulldog. It is said that Stiffy Green saddened by his masters death stood vigil on the steps of his masters grave. The family tried to bring him home but he would return night after night, they finally  gave up and brought him food and water. One morning they found he had died. Ever vigil he was rewarded by being immortalized and put into the mausoleum with his master... It is said that on certain nights  in Highlawn lawn Cemetery the sound of a dog can be heard barking and the spectral vision of Mr Heinl and Stiffy  Green can be seen taking thier evening walk.

His Mausoleum was the source of vandalism thoughout the years, The bulldog was finally moved to the Historical society to prevent further damage.

The Heinl flower shop is still in operation today and still bears his name.