BASTIAN STEKETEE – The question of food supplies is one of the first with which the human family has to grapple, and, viewing the competition from a general standpoint, it will be admitted that the well-appointed grocery establishment does the larges share toward the solution of the problem of feeding the masses. In such connection we make due reference to the popular grocery of Bastian Steketee, in Holland, Mich. This popular business man carries a fine line of dry goods, groceries, crockery, etc., and the prices are such that no house can surpass him with the same quality of goods. The business is conducted with vigor and push, and patrons are afforded prompt and courteous service, while the stock is continually being replenished and kept choice and attractive.

Mr. Steketee was born in Grand Rapids, Mich., February 9, 1855, and was one of fifteen children born to John and Maria (Fraanje) Stekettee, both natives of Holland, but the father of German extraction, and the mother of French descent. The father followed the occupation of a contractor in his native country, and there remained until 1847, when he and his wife and nine children ‘crossed the ocean to America’. They located in Holland, Mich., but subsequently moved to Zeeland, where the father bought a farm and entered actively upon his career as a tiller of the soil. In 1853 he sold out and moved to Grand Rapids, where he was engaged in business until 1858, and then came to Ottawa County, Mich., settling at Georgetown. From there he moved to Holland, this State, and there his death occurred in 1878. The mother followed him to the grave the following year. Both were devoted members of the Reformed Church, and people well like wherever they made their home. A strange thing connected with this family is that all the children, fifteen in number, are now living, are married and have families.

The scholastic training of our subject was received in the old log schoolhouse of pioneer days, and when thirteen years of age he began clerking in a store in Holland, Mich., and was thus engaged for fourteen years, or until 1883, when he embarked in business with his brother Peter. Five years later he bought out his brother and has since continued the business alone. He started with a capital of $1,800 and now has one of the largest groceries in the city. His store is very tastefully fitted up, admirably arranged and well-stocked with everything kept in a first-class grocery. Fiver clerks are engaged, and every courtesy is extended the customers.

In the year 1876 Mr. Steketee was happily married to Miss Ida E. Vanpell, a daughter of Herman Vanpell, who came to this country from the Netherlands at an early date. Seven children have been born to this union, all now living, and the eldest sixteen years of age. In political views Mr. Steketee is a decided Republican, and in religious he is a member of the First Reformed Church, in which he is Deacon, having held that position for about eight years. He is interested in Sunday school work and has taught a class for about twenty-two years.