Biographical Sketch of Josephus C. Steele, Crawford County, Missouri

>From "History of Franklin, Jefferson, Washington, Crawford and 
Gasconade Counties", Biographical Appendix, Goodspeed Publishing 
Company, 1888.

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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. Char-
les 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., Della 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.  Polit-
ically, he is a Democrat.  He is a member of the Masonic fraternity.

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