Steve John, 'King of All the Gypsies', Buried in Forest Home Cemetery

The imposing figure with striking white hair and long side whiskers ruled over an estimated 50,000 Romany 'subjects' in the United States.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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Forest Home Cemetery in Illinois is the final resting place of Steve John, referred to as the 'King of All the Gypsies.' John was a monarch who ruled over an estimated 50,000 Romany 'subjects' in the United States. He was an imposing figure with striking white hair, long side whiskers, and a distinctive white mustache, and traveled extensively to administer justice among the Romany community. John's life was marked by colorful events, including fines for animal cruelty, accusations of perjury, and the marriages of his daughters.

Why it matters

Steve John's story sheds light on the little-known history of Romany royalty in the United States, and the unique cultural traditions and power structures that existed within the Romany community. His burial in Forest Home Cemetery, where other 'kings' are interred, suggests there may be more members of Romany royalty to be discovered.

The details

John was born in 1861 and died in 1926. While he sometimes told authorities he was Brazilian, it is believed he was born in Serbia. He and his wife, Queen Marie, had seven sons and five daughters. John said he was the 'seventh son of a seventh son,' which he believed endowed him with special powers. Over the years, John faced various legal issues, including fines for animal cruelty and accusations of perjury related to the marriages of his daughters. Despite these controversies, John was known to have 'plenty of money' and owned property in Chicago and Detroit, where he died unexpectedly of apoplexy.

  • John was born in 1861.
  • In 1908, John and his wife were fined in Chicago for animal cruelty.
  • In 1911, John was wanted in North Carolina for perjury.
  • In 1922, John's daughter Paraska was chased cross-country for years by her father until she was found in Myrtle Springs, CA.
  • In 1924, John was fined $50 for violating public health laws during a wedding celebration for one of his sons in West Seneca, NY.

The players

Steve John

Referred to as the 'King of All the Gypsies,' John was a monarch who ruled over an estimated 50,000 Romany 'subjects' in the United States. He was an imposing figure with striking white hair, long side whiskers, and a distinctive white mustache.

Queen Marie

John's wife, with whom he had seven sons and five daughters.

Flora

One of John's daughters, who was the subject of a kidnapping dispute in 1911.

Paraska

Another of John's daughters, who was chased cross-country by her father in 1922 until she was found in Myrtle Springs, CA.

Jack Lee

A member of a rival family who married Paraska after paying John $2,000 in gold.

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What they’re saying

“John said that he was the 'seventh son of a seventh son,' which endowed him with special powers.”

— Steve John (forestparkreview.com)

“Paraska meanwhile said that she married Lee because she loved him.”

— Paraska (forestparkreview.com)

The takeaway

Steve John's story provides a fascinating glimpse into the little-known history of Romany royalty in the United States, and the unique cultural traditions and power structures that existed within the Romany community. His burial in Forest Home Cemetery, where other 'kings' are interred, suggests there may be more members of Romany royalty waiting to be discovered.