JAMES STEELE, of whose father and brother a sketch is given in the history of Cassbum, is now a citizen of the Hill ; but he spent a large portion, of his life in East Hawkesbury. Owing to impaired health, he entered the general agency business, and, in 1871, became agent for the Agricultural Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Canada (now London Mutual), and has worked up a large business. He has also been agent for the Western and Citizens insurance Companies of Canada, the Alliance and Sun Companies of London, England, and several others. In 1875 he purchased of his father 75 acres of the homestead, on which he erected a fine brick house with commodious outbuildings, and planted an orchard of 200 apple trees, which is now one of the most productive orchards in Prescott. He also made many other valuable improvements on his farm at an expense of nearly $3,000. Mr. Steele was married 20th June, 1877, by the Rev. Wm. J. Joliffe, to Elvira
Lovina Carkner,fifth daughter of the late William Carkner,of the Hill. After spending about two years at Vankleek Hill, he returned to the farm in May, 1880. A new post office having been opened in February, 1885, with the name Stardale, he was appointed Postmaster, and the same year he opened a general store, which he conducted successfully for nine years. In January, 1894, having leased his farm, he purchased a fine house and lot at the Hill, and once more removed hither. Mr. Steele has been a Director of the County of Prescott Agricultural Society, and also of the Society of East and West Hawkesbury and Longueuil for many years ; vice-president of Prescott Farmers Institute, School Trustee, etc., etc. In early life he united with the Methodist Church, and has ever since been one of its active and liberal supporters. He has been Recording Steward of the Vankleek Hill Circuit for nearly ten years, Trustee of Zion and Point Fortune Churches, Sunday-School Superintendent, Local Preacher, and President of the Y. M, C. A. of this village. He has always been an active worker in the cause of Temperance, as well as in all moral and social reforms. In politics he is a consistent Liberal, and Vice-President of the County of Prescott Reform Association. Besides his many other works of public utility he has contributed many valuable articles to the newspapers and periodicals of the country. He has had six children five sons and one daughter, all of whom are now living, and the three eldest are attending the High School of the Hill.
