Sedgwick County KSGenWeb

Portrait And Biographical Album of Sedgwick County, Kan.

Chapman Brothers 1888

Pages 552 - 553 

JAMES K. STEELE. The life of this gentleman, of Park Township, is a striking example of perseverance and industry. He has had a somewhat remarkable experience in his struggle with the world. In addition to coming to this section of the country absolutely without means, he lost after a brief residence here, by grasshoppers, what little he had gathered together, and was forced to commence over again. During that period he was forced to leave his farm, and employ himself at his trade of carpenter, leaving the homestead interests in the care of his wife, in whose energy and courage he was particularly blessed. Mrs. Steele while her husband was absent from home at work, one winter took care of forty head of cattle and did, a great deal of other heavy work in the storm and cold. That season, however, is happily passed, and both our subject and his estimable wife are today enjoying the reward of their toils and hardships in the possession of a handsome and comfortable home, free from wearying toil and anxiety.

             Mr. Steele settled in Park Township about 1870, and homesteaded 160 acres of land which is included in his present farm. He is a native of Denmark and was born Dec. 10, 1844. He was the only child of Mr. and Mrs. Steele, the former of whom died in his native land when James K. was but an infant. The mother was married a second time, and lives in Denmark.

            Young Steele continued in his native Province until reaching manhood, being employed on a farm and serving an apprenticeship at the carpenter's trade. Upon coming to the United States he spent a brief time in New York City, soon afterward making his way to LaSalle County, Ill., and worked at his trade in that vicinity and other parts of Northern Illinois until coming to this State, in 1870. He at that time had no capital whatever, but continued at his trade, in connection with the cultivation of the land which he had homesteaded, until he could afford to give to the latter his entire time and attention.

            The progress of our subject toward securing a farm and the implements with which to operate it - the buildings, machinery and stock - was slow but sure, and in due time he had a surplus capital which he wisely invested in additional land. He is now the owner of 320 broad acres which he has brought to a good state of cultivation, and the homestead in all its appointments, presenting as it does the picture of comfort and plenty, is one of the most attractive spots in the landscape of Park Township.

            The marriage of James K. Steele and Miss Anna Mackleson was celebrated in Wichita, Feb. 1, 1874. Mrs. Steele is a native of the same country as her husband, and came from Denmark to the United States alone when a young lady. She has one brother, John, living in Colorado, but aside from him, is the only member of her family in America.

            To Mr. and Mrs. Steele there have been born three children - Harry, Ella and Dora. Mr. Steele votes the straight Republican ticket but takes little interest in politics, preferring to devote his time and attention to farming interests. He, however, is not unmindful of the good of society and the importance of sustaining religious and educational institutions. Both he and his excellent wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, at Maize. Soon after they came to Park Township the first Sunday-school was organized in a "hay shanty" on the land taken up by Mr. Steele, and of this school he officiated as Superintendent for some time. The society was organized in the schoolhouse near by, and Mr. Steele at that time identified himself with it. He has been a member of the District School Board for a period of seven years, and is one of the founders of Maize Academy. He has been a cheerful and liberal contributor both to church and school, assisted in the erection of two churches and two parsonages and also the academy building. He owns two houses and lots in Maize, and is one of the Trustees of the academy. In all the other enterprises having for their object the advancement of the people and which tend to build up the reputation of his township, no man is more liberal in his donations or takes a more lively interest.

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