William P. Steva is one of the younger farmers of Delhi township and is successfully operating a tract of eighty acres which he owns. Previous to his marriage he was for three years connected with the well known implement firm of W. D. Hoyt Company. He was born in Almoral, Delaware county, March 6, 1882, a son of Albert and Louise (March) Steva, both natives of Germany, where they were reared and married. In 1872 they came to the United States and settled near Hartford, Washington county, Wisconsin, where they farmed for about nine years. In 1880 they came to Delaware county, Iowa, and rented a farm in the vicinity of Almoral for two years and then rented land near Delhi. Two years later they purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Oneida township, which they cultivated until about 1898, when they retired and removed to Earlville, where they are now living. To them were born nine children, five of whom survive: Minnie, the wife of Ferdinand March, a resident of North Fork township; Gusta, the wife of Fred Derga, of North Fork township; Otto, who lives upon the old homestead in Oneida township; Mary, now Mrs. Gus Nieman and a resident of Delhi township; and William P. Herman passed away at the age of thirty two years at Idaho Falls, Idaho, and the other three children died in childhood.
       William P. Steva received his education in the public schools of this county and also learned efficient methods of agriculture by the instruction and example of his father, as he assisted the latter in the work of the homestead. For three years after starting out in life for himself he was employed in Earlville by the W. D. Hoyt Company, the well known implement concern of this county. After his marriage, which occurred in 1913, he removed to his farm of eighty acres which is situated two miles from Earlville and has since concentrated his energies upon its cultivation. He is a man of foresight and industry, and the measure of success which is his today is but a pledge of the prosperity which he will attain in years to come.
       Mr. Steva was married on the 12th of February, 1913, to Miss Eva May Smock, a daughter of William and Veletta (Smith) Smock, natives of Pennsylvania and this county respectively. To Mr. and Mrs. Smock were born seven children: James, a resident of Earlville; Delbert, who lives at Masonville; Ethel, the wife of A. L. Rainbird, a resident of Robinson, Iowa; Frank, of Ostrander, Minnesota; Mrs. Steva; and Veletta and Gladys, both at home. The parents live at Earlville and are highly esteemed by their fellow citizens. Mr. Steva gives his political allegiance to the republican party but places the qualifications of the candidate above his party connection. He is commendably interested in the conduct of the public affairs. His entire life has been passed in Delaware county and his interests are thoroughly identified with those of the community, and he is always willing to cooperate in any movement seeking the material, moral or social betterment.