John J. Postel was born in Florida.  His family moved to Wisconsin at age 15, in 1857.  Perhaps the family had strong anti-slavery opinions because Postell enlisted in the 14th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, Comapny K during the first few months of the war, and stayed in until the very end, when he was mustered out as a Captain.  Records also show he was likely injured.

When Postel returned from the war he married Miss Mary Smith in a union that produced nine children.  He worked in, and ultimately purchased the Muscoda City Brewery.  He ran the brewery until 1886, when he sold to Philip Geiser.  

John Postel died at the age of 67 on November 9th, 1909.