The History of the Yakima Valley, Washington, Comprising Yakima, Kittitas and Benton Counties, The S.J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1919, Volume II, page 1091 JOHN A. STEEN. John A. Stein, living near Wiley City, Yakima county, has devoted the greater part of his life to industrial pursuits and at the present time is concentrating his efforts and attention upon agricultural interests, owning a valuable farm property. He was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, December 11, 1862, a son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Schulte) Stein, both of whom were natives of New York. The father removed westward during the pioneer epoch in the development of Wisconsin, settling in Milwaukee in 1846. There Elizabeth Schulte had taken up her abode in 1844 and they were married in that city. The father was a merchant and continued in business in Milwaukee until 1809, when he removed to New London, Wisconsin, where he carried on merchandising to the time of his death. His wife has also passed away. John A. Stein is indebted to the public school system of Wisconsin for the educational opportunities which he enjoyed and which fitted him for life's practical and responsible duties. When his textbooks were put aside he began learning the machinist's trade and in February, 1896, he embarked in business on his own account by establishing the Virginia Iron Works at Virginia, Minnesota. He became president of the company, controlling the business and operated his plant at that place until 1905, when he sold out there and removed to Hoquiam, Washington. He then purchased the business of the Grays Harbor Iron & Steel Company, of which he became president and manager, so remaining until the spring of 1918. At that date he disposed of his industrial interests, which had proven profitable, and removed to Yakima county. He purchased forty acres of land on Tieton Heights and took up his abode upon this place. In 1908 he also bought twenty acres of land near Yakima, all of which is planted to orchard. He still owns this property but has never resided thereon. The home farm is now devoted to the raising of grain, corn, potatoes and other crops. He has recently erected a very fine modern residence upon his place and it is equipped with the latest improvements and accessories of the model farm of the twentieth century. On the 24th of September, 1889, Mr. Stein was united in marriage to Miss Kate Wink, of Marinette, Wisconsin, who passed away in 1893. On the 19th of April, 1898, he was again married, his second union being with Theresa Meath, of Troy, New York. The children of his first marriage are: Joseph, who is in the aviation service of the United States army in France; and Mary, who is a Sister in the Catholic Church. To the second marriage five children have been born: John, residing in Aberdeen, Washington, where he is employed in the shipyards; Cecelia, at home; Raymond; Edmond; and Virginia. The family are communicants of St. Paul's Catholic church. Mr. Stein maintains an independent course politically, voting for men and measures rather than party. He has never taken all active part in politics, preferring to concentrate his efforts and attention upon his business affairs, which have been wisely directed and have brought to him good returns upon his investment. Obstacles and difficulties in his path have seemed but to serve as an impetus for renewed effort on his part and his capability has found visible expression in the business interests which he has owned and controlled and in the ranch properties which are now returning to him a most gratifying annual income. ******************************** Submitted to the Washington Bios Project in January 2008 by Jeffrey L. Elmer. Submitter has no additional information about the subject of this article.