James W. Steele
One of the most prominent of the younger business men of
Postville is James W. Steele, now engaged in the conduct of a
large restaurant and confectionery store in the city. He was born
here, January 2, 1880, and is a son of Joseph and Margaret (Ryan)
Steele, natives of Illinois, where the father followed farming
for many years. The parents came from that state to Iowa and
located on a tract of land about one mile and a half northeast of
Postville, where the father still owns and operates a farm, to
the conduct of which he gives his entire time and attention. His
wife passed away March 2, 1913. They were the parents of thirteen
children, of which the subject of this review is the fourth in
the order of birth.
James W. Steele acquired his education in the district schools of
Post township and in his childhood divided his time between his
studies and work upon his father’s farm. He remained with
his parents until he was twenty-eight years of age and then went
to South Dakota, where for two years he engaged in farming. When
he returned to Postville at the end of that time he established
himself in the restaurant and confectionery business, to which he
still gives his entire attention. By close application, energy
and careful supervision of his business he has secured a large
patronage and is now the proprietor of one of the leading
restaurants in the city. The confectionery department has also
proven profitable and is an important source of income to him.
The entire enterprise is carefully and systematically conducted
and has brought to Mr. Steele a degree of success which places
him among the representative and substantial business men of his
native city.
On the 25th of April, 1911, Mr. Steele was united in marriage to
Miss Frances Bromelkamp, a native of Monona, Clayton county, born
April 29, 1882. She is a daughter of Bernard and Christina
(Miller) Bromelkamp, natives of Hanover, Germany, whose marriage
occurred in McGregor, Iowa, six weeks after the father’s
arrival in America in the spring of 1881. He worked in a carriage
factory for one summer and then turned his attention to
carpentering, later removing to a farm in Clayton county, where
he and his wife still reside. In their family were four children,
of whom Mrs. Steele is the eldest. Mr. and Mrs. Steele have one
son, Joseph Bernard, who was born February 25, 1912.
Mr. Steele is member of the Roman Catholic church. Politically he
is identified with the democratic party and, although he never
takes an active part in public affairs, is yet loyal in matters
of citizenship. He devotes his entire time, however, to his
business and, although he is still a young man, he has already
gained that success which follows earnest, persistent and well
directed labor.
-transcribed by Linda Earnheart
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