John A. Steinlein, of the firm of Holden & Steinlein, prominent attorneys of Sault de Ste. Marie, and ex-City Comptroller, was born in Pontiac, Oakland county, Michigan, November 23, 1858

His father, now a resident of Sault de Ste. Marie, is John A. Steinlein, who during twenty years of his active business life was a manufacturer of boots snd shoes. He began operations in that line in Monroe, Michigan, and afterward removed to Pontiac. He was born in the Province of Bavaria, about sixty-two years ago, and learned his trade with his father, Andrew Steinlein, who in 1847 emigrated to America with his family, and established himself in the manufacture of boots and shoes in Monroe, Michigan, conducting the business until his death, which occurred in 1870. His children were John A., father of our subject; Mrs. Gustave Schultz; and Mrs. John Seib.

The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Alice Kelley, and was born in county Roscommon, Ireland, a daughter of Daniel Keiley, who was a tanner. At the age of fifteen she left the Emerald Isle and came to Detroit, Michigan, to visit a brother. It was there that she met and married Mr. Steinlein. The children of this union are Jennie; Mary, wife of Burt Waterbury, of Sault de Ste. Marie; and John A.

The latter was educated in the public schools of Saginaw, Michigan, and began preparation for his chosen profession as a student in the law office of Gillette & Holden. In February, 1884, he was admitted to the bar before C. H. Gage, being then twenty-two years of age. His first case was a civil one, the contestants being Morse & Dwilley versus E. J. Wright, and Mr. Steinlein acted as the plaintiff’s counsel. He left Saginaw in 1882 and located at Grand Maraia, then in Schoolcraft county, but now in Alger county. He had in charge the lumbering and conveyancing business of W. R. Burt, and at the same time was supervisor and legal advisor of the township, and Circuit Court Commmissioner of Schoolcraft county.

Mr. Steinlein was instrumental in the organization of Alger county, and by election became the first County Clerk and Register of Deeds. He was awarded the contract for transcribing the records of the detached portions of the county. In 1887 he was elected Prosecuting Attorney of Alger county, serving in that capacity one term. He was elected City Comptroller of Sault de Ste. Marie in 1892, holding the office for two years, and was a officio member of the City Council. He has discharged his duties with a promptness and fidelity that has won him the highest commendation, and his loyalty as a citizen and his honor as a man are above question.

From the "Northern Peninsula of Michigan 1895"