John W. Steinhart was born at Brunswick, Chariton County, Missouri, May 9, 1861, the son of John and Mary (Danne) Steinhart. His father, who was born at Westphalia, Germany, and came to the United States in his youth, was a merchant tailor. He died at Nebraska City.
His mother was born in Germany and at the age of four years came to Nebraska City with her parents. She was a devout church worker. She died at Nebraska City.
Mr. Steinhart, who has lived in Nebraska 66 years, received his education in the public schools of Nebraska City, and was a student at the Nebraska City Episcopal College, where he received a medal in rhetoric and elocution. In 1879 he became connected with the Nebraska City National Bank, and in 1881 he was made acting cashier. In 1890 he moved to New York City, and upon his return to Nebraska City a year later was made cashier of the Otoe County National Bank. In 1910 he was made postmaster at Nebraska City. In 1914 he organized and became president of the Otoe Food Products Company and today holds this position.
An earnest student of Nebraska history, Mr. Steinhart has devoted a great deal of time and thought to the beautifying and developing of Nebraska City and the adjoining country, He is the author of a book, Nebraska City Beautiful, in which he sets forth a tentative plan of his community developed with an eye to the future. In recognition of his book he was made a member of the American Civic Association in 1928.
A Republican, he was mayor of Nebraska City for one year. He was appointed by the governor of the state as a trustee for the school for the deaf at Omaha, and the school for the blind at Nebraska City, and served in this position for eight years.
He was united in marriage with Elizabeth Morton on May 23, 1888, at Nebraska City. Mrs. Steinhart, whose ancestry is English, was born at Nebraska City in 1861. She was at one time a teacher and organist, in the church and was active in Woman's Club affairs and the P. E. O. They have one son, Morton, born June 14, 1889, who married Ella Schwake. He was graduated from the University of Nebraska Law School in 1913, and is now associated with his father in business. Mrs. Steinhart died January 7, 1931. She was very active as a Red Cross worker in her community.
During the World War Mr. Steinhart was untiring in his efforts at raising loans and promoting Red Cross activities. He was president of the Nebraska State Association of Commercial Clubs, a war-time organization, from 1916 to 1918. He was formerly prominent in the Nebraska City Chamber of Commerce and
was president and secretary for many years. For a number of years he was a member of the library board. He has been a member of the Nebraska Manufacturers Association for 18 years. He is a member of the Nebraska City Planning Committee, and the Nebraskana Society. He is an Elk. For 15 years he has been superintendent of the Sunday School in the Episcopal Church with which he is affiliated. His hobby is beautifying Nebraska City.
The Nebraska City Rotary Club made the following award: "In recognition of the life devoted largely to unselfish Public Service, the Rotary Club of Nebraska City on October 27, 1926, presents this formal award to John W. Steinhart. Residence: Nebraska City.
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