My Genealogy Hound

Josephus C. Steele, a progressive farmer, of Oak Hill Township, is a native of Franklin County, Mo., born October 7, 1833, the second of seven children of William and Julina (Bennett) Steele, of Missouri and Kentucky nativity, respectively. The former was born in St. Charles County, November 4, 1808, and died in 1882, after a life spent in farming in this State. He was one of Missouri’s truly good men. His widow, still well preserved, is a resident of Sullivan, Franklin County. Josephus, when a boy, became acquainted with farm labor. Not until fourteen years of age did he attend school, and even that first session was of but three months’ duration; but there the fundamental principles were obtained for the excellent knowledge which he today possesses, secured through his own efforts. In 1853 he was married to Rebecca A., daughter of John Payne, who survived her marriage only a few months, and in 1858 Mr. Steele found a wife in the person of Miss Catherine E., daughter of Elijah Greenlee. Six children blessed this union, five of whom are living: Burrow V., Josephus W., Francis E., James M. and Elijah. Elisha is deceased. January 13, 1872, Mrs. Steele died, and on October 13 following Mr. Steele became the husband of Frances E. Gibson, whose father, Rev. W. O. Gibson, is a Baptist minister of renown in Missouri. Three children have been born to them: Jesse D., Delia M. and Henry B. Mr. Steele still resides upon the only farm he has ever owned—the original tract containing eighty acres, entered in 1862. This has been improved and increased to 160 acres, and here he lives, enjoying the respect of many acquaintances. Politically, he is a Democrat. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity.