My Genealogy Hound

Col. William T. Steele, planter, Missouri Township, Nevada County, Ark. In reviewing the lives of prominent citizens of Nevada County, the name of William T. Steele is justly given an enviable position, for it is difficult to find one of the present day more entitled to honorable mention, or who possesses to such an extent the esteem of his acquaintances. Originally from Tennessee, he was born in Henderson County November 12, 1832, and is one of twelve children—seven sons and five daughters —three sons now living, born to the union of John P. and Christiana (Bargar) Steele, natives of North Carolina. His parents were married in Henderson County, Tenn., where they continued to reside until 1838, when they moved to Mississippi, remaining there ten years, and then coming to Arkansas, locating in Ouachita County. The father died in this county in 1850, and his widow survived him twenty-eight years. They were both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and took a deep interest in religious matters. The immediate subject of this sketch moved with his parents to Mississippi, thence to Arkansas, remaining with them until 1853. That year Miss Mary Holleman, a native of Tennessee, born October 19, 1836, a daughter of James G. and Mary Holleman, became Mrs. Steele, and the fruits of this union have been ten children, six of whom are still living, viz.: James P., Mollie A. (now the wife of S. Shackelford), Alice (now Mrs. Vaught), Robert, Francis and Willie. Mrs. Steele died in 1876, a worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and after his wife’s death Mr. Steele was united in marriage to Mrs. Martha Ross, widow of William Ross. In 1861 Mr. Steele enlisted in Company B, Fifteenth Arkansas Confederate Infantry, and participated in many battles, the first being Fort Henry and Fort Donalson. In 1862 he returned to Arkansas and organized Company F, Thirty-third Arkansas Infantry, of which he afterward became lieutenant-colonel, and was in the thick of the battle at Prairie Grove, Pleasant Hill, Jenkins’ Ferry and others. His ability as a commander is indisputed. At Pleasant Ridge, La., he had command of four companies of sharpshooters, which were the only troops taken from the field of battle in order. After the colonel returned to this county he engaged in farming and stock-raising, in which he has been eminently successful, being now the owner of 840 acres of as good land as there is in the county, which is well located and improved. His plantation is situated four miles west of Prescott. Both Mr. and Mrs. Steele are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and take an active part in all religious work. Col. Steele is a Royal Arch Mason, and is a stanch Democrat.