STEELE FAMILY NOTES (JAMES STEELE "THE ANCESTOR)"1600's- 1900's-England-Pennsylvania-This work comprises a rather large database of Steele Family Members)"
ANCESTRAL LINES OF THE CORY AND JUDD FAMILY. PRINTED BY THE JUDD FAMILY ASSOCIATION:COMPILED BY H.T.CORY: CONTRIBUTED BY JODI CATANO
Henry Steel, of the Parish Rombold's Week (wyke), county of Sussex, England, married 1/24/1663, Sarah Heall (name is variously spelled Hale, Halle, Hall, Heall, and Healed.) "Hale" will be used here in after unless note is taken directly from the record. Sarah, born 11/1/1641, was the daughter of Timothy Hale born 10/24/1602, son of Thomas Hale and wife, Elizabeth, who died in 1639. Timothy lived at Oldberry Farm Parish, Boxgrove, Sussex. Sarah and Henry were married in the Monthly Meeting of Lewes and Chichester and later they removed to Farnham Parish in Surrey County and attended Guildford MM. Their children were:
a) William, (9/4/1665-7/16/1732); married Ann Ayling in Lewes and Chickester MM at Arundel, 1708. (William then claimed Rumbold's Wyke as his residence.) Ann died 4/2/1700.
b) Thomas (10/19/1667-3/15/1738): married first, Mary, (8/12/1704) then Elizabeth Barker (in Lewes and Chichester) Arundel in 1708. Had son, Thomas, (1700-1757), who married Mary Sheppard ((1701-1755): and perhaps a son, John, who married Ann Sheppard. Elizabeth died in 1739.
c) Mary (11/21/1669-6/29/1729): record of death, Lewes and Chichester MM. The births of above three children were registered at Farnham Parish, Guildford MM.
It is the belief of the compiler that the following children were born to Henry and Sarah. In a different Parish and that further research will bring their records to light.
(d) James, a record of whose birth has not been found by the compiler, but who was undoubtedly a son of Henry and Sarah, probably born after Mary since James was married in 1697. (qv later) James married, 1697, Martha Hammond, Arundel, Sussex, England.
(e) Henry Steel, of Boxgrove Parish, Chichester Sussex, who died there (7/4/1737)-w8 years and ten months old- and who in 1706 married Hannah Wood (1678) in the Dorking and Horsham MM. Henry termed "Son of Henry."
(f) John Steel of Boxgrove Parish. Chichester, termed "Son of Henry." Who married Ann Roswell (relict), 1707, in the Lewes and Chichester MM at Arundel (Sussex). John and Ann had a daughter, Ruth, who died in 1748 in Parish of Panaras, Chichester.
JAMES STEELE
James Steel, "d", child of Henry and Sarah Heall (Hale) Steel of Sussex, England was born in either Farnham Parish, County of Surrey, or in the Parish of Rumbold's Wyke, County of Sussex, England, and was married to Martha Hammond (Haman), daughter of John and Jane Hamon, on 7/15/1697 at Lewes and Chichester MM, Arundel, Sussex (Book 26, Page 4). Her birth was recorded at the Lewes and Chichester MM, Sussex. His birth has not been found but he most certainly was the son of the above Henry Steel.
James and Martha, with their daughters, Martha and Sarah (another daughter, Martha, having died 9/3/1700). Set sail for America, receiving a certificate of removal from the Monthly Meeting held at Steyning, England, June 5, 1702. The certificate was signed by the two fathers, Henry Steel and John H. Hammond and several others (Book of Certificates, Page 44). James, Martha and children, Martha, Sarah, Mary and Robert were received into the Philadelphia Monthly Meeting. Mary may have been born on shipboard and it is possible Mary and Robert may have been born twins. A search of the Duck Creek MM records would probably be helpful here.
In June, 1708, James removed to Duck Creek where he acquired several thousands of acres of land. He was Receiver General of Land Grant under James Logan, one of the Lord's Proprietors for William Penn; Receiver General of Land Office, 1732; member of Assembly for several terms; Associate Justice of Supreme Court of the Three Lower Counties from 1715- 1723. (The "Three Lower Counties" of Pennsylvania comprised what is today all of the State of Delaware.) In 1738, James is recorded as having been settled for some time in Philadelphia and requesting a certificate of removal from Duck Creek. He removed from Duck Creek in 4/11/1711. His certificate of removal from the MM there bears that date. James' wife, Martha Hammond, died June 5, 1709, and was buried June 6th in the Meeting House Graveyard at Duck Creek, Kent Co., Delaware. James was married a second time, 5/3/1711, to Martha Bowen, a widow, at Philadelphia Monthly Meeting. James died February 22, 1742. (Another record gives his death date as January 5, 1741-2.) A copy of an extract of the will, found among the Gilbert Cope Papers in the Pennsylvania Historical Society, Philadelphia, follows: ...(See Will of James Steel, of Philadelphia, Dec. 31, 1741, Proved March 5, 1742).
The children of James and Martha Hammond Steel were:
1. Martha, b. 4/10/1698, d. 9/3/1700
2. Sarah, b. 12/4/1699; mar. in 1718, Richard Saunders.
3. Martha, b. 6/4/1701; mar. in 1721, Thomas Pennington
4. Mary, b. 12/1/1702; mar. ca 1732, Charles Hillyard, 3 children by 1741. Mar. 2nd time, Priestly Raymond.
5. Robert, b. ca 1704, mar. in 1722, Elizabeth Hunter at Christ's Church, Phila., Pa. (qv later)
(Order of births unknown of the following children)
Elizabeth, mar. 5/28/1721, William Shute, 3 daughters in 1741
Hannah
William (See notes on Em. Steel Family, Puddle Dock, Lancaster, Pa.)
Thomas
James, d. 1741, mar. Rebecca (4 children in 1741)
Ruth, mar. 1st. ca 1735, James Thompson; 2nd, Edward Bunhill (who died 1752). Ruth and James had son, James: James, Sr. died prior to 1741.
We do not know dates and order of births of the last seven children, but some of these children must have been twins or were born to the union of James and Martha Bowen. Martha Hammon Steel could hardly have had ten children in 9 years. She died June 7, 1709. Names of the above children are to be found in the Quaker Records.
NOTE: Robert Steel, 5th child and 1st son to be born to James and Martha Steel, died before the death of his father, which occurred in 1741-2. His four sons had possibly received some benefits out of the estate prior to the death of their grandfather, James.
*References for above: Quaker Meeting Records, Sussex and Surrey, England and Philadelphia: Colonial Dames Book, James Steel Record: Gilbert Cope Papers: Colonial Families of Philadelphia.
STEELE FAMILY NOTES ( CERTIFICATE OF REMOVAL)
Statement of our Monthly Meeting held at Steyning, the 6th day of ye 5th month, 1702, Sussex in Old England.
Whereas James Steel of Chichester of ye County of Sussex, house carpenter, the bearer hereof, having formerly acquainted us of his intending to transport himself and wife and family into Pennsylvania in America, and also requesting of a certificate and we, after a deliberate inquiry, finding nothing material to obstruct his said intentions, do leave him to his liberty and freedom and do hereby certify whom it may concern, that the said James has behaved himself in life and conversation to the best of our knowledge very honest and just, and according to his ability, have been very serviceable amongst us so parting in true unity and fellowship desiring his prosperity and welfare we salute you all in Truth.
FATHER
(John H. Hammond)...signed for his wife, Hanna....and Henry Steell
SIGNED YE BEHALF OF YE AFORESAID MEETING BY US:
Richard Hyllar, William Parker, Thomas Horne, Andrew Sheppard, Thomas Whiting, Thomas Lillington, Edward Barber, James Pillard, Nicholas Burros,( Jane Steele m. Simon Horne whose parents lived ca. 1735 in London. Lewes and Chichester)....(Book of Certificates, p. 44)
ACTUAL EXTRACTS FROM THE REGISTER OF THE SOCIETY OF FRIENDS FOR THE SUSSEX AND SURREY MONTHLY MEETING, KEPT AT BRIGHTON, TAKEN AUGUST 24, 1938.
James Steel married Martha Hammond at Arundel, 1697, 7 mo. 15th day. Martha Steel, daughter of James and Martha, born 1698, 4 mo. 18 day. Sarah Steel, daughter of James and Martha, born 1699/1700, 12mo. 5th day. Martha Steel, daughter of James and Martha, born. 1701, 6mo. 21st day. Martha Steel, (1st) daughter of James and Martha, died 1700, 9 mo. 5th day.
There is no record of the birth of James Steel and it is possible that he joined Friends before his marriage. The surname is spelled in different ways amongst the births....J(?) and Sarah Steele had three children. Richard and Sarah Steel, or Steell, up to 1701 had four children. (signed) B.M. Southall, 51 Stamford Avenue, Brighton, England (Thursday Morning best for appointment). Lewes and Chicester MM. Of the Soc. England, Ronald F. Littleboy, Treas.
(NOTE BY JSW:) The record of the deaths of Henry Steel and Sara Steel appear in the records of Dorking and Horsham MM, Surrey, England. Henry died 12/13/1700: Sara 7/11/1703. These dates are not compatible with that of the certificate of removal of James Steel.!)
Records of the deaths of Henry Steel, Sr., Sarah, his wife, and those of Mary (Steell) wife of Thomas, Ann(Steell), wife of William, and Martha Steel, infant daughter of James and Martha Hammon who died 9?5?1700, appear on the record of Dorking and Horsham MM at Chichester and those of William, Thomas and Mary are to be found on the records of Lewes and Chichester MM.
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It is possible Henry and Sarah had another son, Richard, who married Sarah at the Lewes and Chichester MM. And had four children: Ellen 1695, Sarah 1697, Richard 1699, and John 1701. Richard Steel left will, Boxgrove Parish. All of these sons of Henry and Sarah Hale Steel were termed " carpenter" in the Quaker Records.
Henry Steel, Sr. died 12/13/1700 and his wife, Sarah Hale Steel, died 7/11/1703. Dorking and Horsham MM. Chichester, Sussex County, England.
It requires further study to place Henry and Sarah and their children for definite periods of time in certain localities, but a casual study of the Friends Records would indicate that Sarah and Henry removed from Rumblod's Week shortly after their marriage and took up residence for a few years in Surrey County in the Parish of Farnham, attending the Guildford MM. Later their children's records appear in The Chicherster region. Boxgrove Parish, Arundel., etc., and it would seem that the parents moved back to that locality also and died there. The Dorking and Horsham MM. Is located in Chichester.
Last Steels of record in Lewes and Chichester MM. Were Jeremiah and Lydia, 1782, Richard, John, Thomas, and James Steel took "Oath of Protestation" 1641-2. West Sussex; all were over 18 years of age.
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ORPHAN'S COURT, PHILADELPHIA, 1785-Petition of John Steel and John Bartram and wife, Hannah, late Hannah Steel, represents that in 1740 James Steel, their grandfather, died Intestate, etc. leaving widow, Rebecca, and children, Henry, James, Elizabeth and Hannah; widow is lately deceased; Henry died intestate in 1763 or 1764, leaving James, John and Hannah; James died intestate, leaving widow Margaret, 1750, under age and no issue; Henry, son of James, second, died intestate and a minor and his mother is now Mary Bartram, wife of Isaac, and mother of John Bartram, petitioner, whose wife is daughter of Henry Steel. (no note was made concerning what the petition was for but the data is interesting from the standpoint of names.) Re: the above; James Steel, Jr. died intestate June 25, 1741 and letters were granted (See will of James Steel, Sr., Immigrant.)
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JAMES STEEL - IMMIGRANT was a Proprietor's Agent for Springton Manor; James Logan was the Proprietor. John Taylor was surveyor. Many delays occurred and trespassers were numerous, so numerous that Taylor was directed to charge the several persons who had settled on the manor land without a license, for so doing, that they must "speedily remove from thence, or else be prosecuted as the law directs."
Day by day, the impatience of the Proprietor increased. "Our Proprietor has frequently asked me, "writes James Steel, " if the manor of Springton was yet divided and the vacant lands in that neighborhood--Coventry and Nantwell--viewed and described as was desired to be done by thee."
Some spirited correspondence followed this note, quoted from page 60 of Mr. MacElree's Book, "Down the Eastern and Up the Black Brandywine."
Letters of James Steel, immigrant, are to be found in Vol. 1, 1st series of Pa. Archives, pp. 187, 426. He made many trips to England, apparently going to see William Penn concerning land of the Proprietor's purchased by the colonists who were being harassed by the Indians. The letters written by James Steel to William Penn in England, were published in 1850 in Bucks County Intelligencer, by Judge Richard Watson. The letters were obtained through the courtesy of George Justice, Esq. The Steel letterbook is not now to be found. Excerpts of two letters are quoted on page 156 in History of Bucks County, Pa, by Battle.
STEELE MISCELLANEOUS QUAKER RECORDS
Martha g.c. 1708-9-26(did she die then?)
James Steel removed from Duck Creek MM 4/11/1711
5/3/1711 James mar. Martha Bowen, widow, at Phil. MM.
7/26/1717 Sarah S. m. Richard Saunders.
5/20/1721 Thomas Pennington, of Abington, m. Martha Steel, dau. Of James
5/28/1721 Elizabeth m. Wm. Shute
2/28/1732 Mary r.q.c. 1732 (3/27). Mary reported .o.u.
5/27/1735 Ruth Thompson, dau. Of James Steel, disowned.
7/26/1735 Ann Renshaw (late Steel) rpd. M.c.d.
11/28/1736 Rebecca condemned for marriage out of unity.
James rec. from Duck Creek 1738
5/27/1757 Henry reported married to Mary Sim.
1761 Elizabeth Wallace (late Steel) disowned.
6/29/1764 James and wife, Martha, and son, Robert, and daughter, Ann received certificate from Darby MM
6/28/1765 Children of above are Ann, Robert and Thomas
1767 Mary, widow of Henry and children, Hannah and John, go back to Duck Creek on certificate.
1772 Mary Renshaw reported for marrying near kinsman.
1778 Nov. 27, James disowned for entering service of American Army (p.659 of Hinshaws Quaker Records)
4/29/1803 Eleanor Steel (late Robert) mar. contrary to discipline
7/30/1807 Eleanor reinstated
5/26/1808 Eleanor got certificate to Southern District MM at Pa.
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ROBERT STEEL, first born son of James and Martha b. ca. 1703-4, married May 15, 1722, at Christ's Church, Pa, Elizabeth, daughter of John and Margaret Albin Hunter, of Newtown, Chester Co., Pa. Robert died before 1741 and Elizabeth married as her second husband, Josiah Harvey. Robert's and Elizabeth's children were:
a. John, b. 1723, mar. Elizabeth Lewis, dau. Of James and Margaret Lewis. They had nine children A daughter married Daniel Hoopes.
b. Andrew mar. Mary Massey Daughter of James and Ann (Lewis)Massey, (five children),(qv later)
c. Peter, mar. Mary Barton of Chester County, Pa. (one daughter).
d. James, b. 1/10/1732, died 9/30/1812; mar. 1st Ann Williams 9/16/1756; 2nd Martha Canby (daughter of Thomas and Sarah (Preston) Canby.. James first wife, Ann Williams, lived but a short time after their marriage, giving birth to one daughter, Sarah, who died unmarried. By Martha Canby, whom he married at Christ's Church, 11/22/1758, he had four sons and one daughter (qv later).
ANDREW STEEL, son of Robert and Elizabeth (Hunter)Steel, was born in Phila., Pa., ca. 1728 and married 4/27/1758 to Mary Massey, b. 4/12/1734, dau. Of James and Ann (Lewis)Massey of Delaware Co., Pa.
Children of Andrew and Mary (Massey) Steel:
1. James Steel, b. ca. 1760, m. 1st Rachael Ellis
2. Peter Steel, born ca. 1762, m. Catharine Baker
3. Thomas Steel, born ca. 1764, m. 1st Mary Hill, 2nd. Mrs. Lydia Davis and 3rd. Elizabeth Miller
4. Andrew Steel, born ca. 1766, m. Susannah Dutton
5. Mary Steel, born ca. 1768, m. Joseph Davis
Andrew Steel, Jr., son of Andrew and Mary (Massey) Steel, was born in Newtown, Del.co., Pa., ca. 1766, and married at Chichester Meeting, 11/8/1798 to Susannah Dutton, dau. Of Thomas and Hannah (Routh)Dutton, born 10/29/1774, died 6/18/1857.
Children of Andrew and Susannah (Dutton) Steel:
1. Mary Steel m. 1st. Jessie Horton, 2nd., William Jones
2. Thomas Steel, unmarried
3. Hannah Steel, unmarried
4. Susannah M. Steel, m. 12/25/1820, at Radnor, Pa. To John Leedom.
5. Andrew Steel. Margaret Johnson
6. Margaretta Steel m. 12/25/1820, to John Whelan Davis
7. Anne Steel, unmarried.
* Andrew Steel, Jr. married into the Dutton family which is famous here. Thomas Dutton (the father of Susanna) was born 1734-5. He married Hannah Routh. His death occurred March 21, 1775. At the time of the Battle of Brandywine, Sept 11, 1777, Hannah Dutton was a widow with five children, of whom the oldest (Thomas) was in his 19th year and the youngest (Susanna)was not yet three. This family is written up in many of our local historical books. Thomas went out to bring in the cows and he was followed home by three English soldiers. When the English soldiers arrived at the Dutton home, widow Dutton invited them in and served tea. The soldiers behaves as gentlemen and did not harm or steal from this unprotected family. "Thomas, the brother, lived to the unusual age of more than a century and is the last known in the Dutton history."
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Margaretta Steel, dau. Of Andrew and Susannah (Dutton) Steel, was born Sept. 5, 1811 and died Sept. 8, 1859, married Dec. 8, 1831, by Mayor Richards, of Phila., Pa. To John Whelan Davis, born June, 1804, at Waterloo Mills, Pa., died there April 1, 1876, son of Mordecia and Jennis (David) Davis of Waterloo Mills, Easttown, Chester Co., Pa., Children of John Whelan and Margaretta (Steel) Davis:
1. Ruth Ann Davis m. March 15, 1859, by Alderman Hibberd of Phila., Pa., to Simeon Dutton of Radnor. No issue.
2. Elizabeth Steel David, d. April 10, 1923, unmarried
3. S. Emma Davis, b. March 6, 1842, d. July 7, 1917, m. Charles Paist. Had two sons, Charles Paist and John Davis Paist.
4. Charles Lloyd Davis, b. March 23, 1844, d. Aug. 28, 1902, m. March 23, 1879 to Sarah Ada Rowan.
5. Mary Caroline Davis, d. May 19, 1915, unmarried
6. Frank Davis, M. Cornelia Lindsay, had two daughters Elizabeth and Helen, both died before maturity.
7. Susan Davis m. 1st., Davis Woodward, no issue, 2nd. Lee Board, no issue
8. Margaretta Davis d. June 22, 1943, unmarried.
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LINEAGE OF MRS. NEWELL CHARLES BRADLEY, OF PHILADELPHIA
Thomas Steel b. Oct, 8, 1764: d. June, 1832, son of James and Martha Canby Steel, m. Dec. 16, 1789 to Hannah Anson, b. 1764., d. 1832. Their son: Robert Steel b. Nov. 19, 1799 d. Dec. 4, 1843; m. April 13, 1826 to Hannah W. Hill, b. 4/16/1806: d. May 1866. Their son: Henry Miller Steel b. Sept., 1840: d. Feb., 1911 m. June 12, 1867 Mary Thorn Justice, b. Aug., 1844, d. March, 1914. Their daughter: Marjorie Steel b. Aug., 1882: m. Oct. 12, 1907, Newell Charles Bradley, b. May, 1876, d. March 1957. Their children 1. Marjorie Steel m. Gugy A.E. Irving 1947 and had son, Gugy A.E. Irving, Jr., b. 1948. 2) Deborah Bradley Steel m. Cuthbert H. Latta, 1936 had son, John, b. 1937; d. 1953: had daughters, Deborah H., b. 1939 and Mary T., b. 1942. 3) Huldah Justice m. Robt. A. Moss, 1941. Had children Huldah b., b. 1942, Marjorie S., b. 1949 and Robert A., Jr., b. 1945. 4) Virginia Bradley Steel m. Francis C. Les., Jr., 1941. Had children, Mariano J., b. 1948, Francis C., III, b. 1950, and Henry Van A., b. 1953.
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JAMES STEEL, born 1732-1812, married 1st, Anne Williams, Sept. 16, 1756. They had one child, Sarah, who died unmarried. He married 2nd, Martha Canby. They had the following children:
1. Ann, b. ca. 1759; died in infancy or early womanhood
2. Robert, b. ca. 1762, married 1st, Lydia Evans; 2nd, Hannah Pennock; had one daughter who died young. Robert was a wealthy man. He owned several important pieces of real estate in Philadelphia, two of them being the ground on which the U.S. Mint now stands, and that on which the Museum of Fine Arts was erected. Robert entertained Lafayette when he came to Philadelphia, driving him around in his carriage. The harness was gold mounted.
3. Thomas, b. ca. 1764; married Hannah Anson, in 1789 (b. 1764, d. 1832): St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 1789.
4. William, b. ca. 1766; married 1st, Mary White, daughter of Christopher and Hannah White; married 2nd, Susan Godshall; had ten children.
5. James (1769-1829); married 1794 Eleanor S. Roberts (b. 1774, d. 4/8/1854). James and Eleanor had seven children. (qv..later)
James' wife, Martha, born in Solebury, Bucks County, Pa., Feb. 18, 1737, was the daughter of Thomas and Sarah (Preston) Canby and granddaughter of Thomas Canby, eminent Bucks County Friend, and Sarah Jarvis. They were married in Christ's Church, Phialdelphia, by Rev. Sturgeon, Nov. 21, 1758. Prior to her marriage to James Steel, Martha had lived in Wilmington, Delaware, ca. 1741 and removed to Darby, Pa. In 1756. Martha died Sept. 24, 1831 and was buried in Christ's Churchyard near the grave of Benjamin Franklin. Inscription on her tombstone reads: "In memory of Martha, wife of James Steel, who departed this life, Sept. 24, 1831. A faithful and affectionate wife, a kind, indulgent mother, a sincere friend of mild and unassuming manner, a devout Christian. So softly Death succeeded Life in her, she did but dream of Heaven and was there."
James Steel, husband of Martha Canby Steel, was a miller and lived several years at Setter's Mill (Cobbs Creek.) He became rich, bought property and died at Darby, Pa,. Archives muster rolls of militia and Frontier Rangers Societies: 1776-82, Philadelphia. Capt. Andrew Geyner's Company, actual service under command of Col. Wm. Will, 3rd. Batt., Sept 20, 1781. Peter Steel, James Steel 3/16/1778 recruiting officer of 9th Pa. Regiment. November, 1778, James Steel was disowned for entering service of American Army.
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JAMES STEEL (1769-1829), son of James and Martha Canby Steel, married 1792, Eleanor S. Roberts (May 5, 1774-1848). The Steels lived at 29 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, until 1851 when they moved to Wister Street, between 11th and 12th. Record of Jame's death given by Philadelphia Board of Health. The obituary notice appeared in Poulson's Daily Advertizer. Children were:
1. William N., (9/5/1793-6/27/1856, m. 11/6/1817, Mary A. McMullen (7/31/1794-3/27/1864).
2. Robert mar. Martha Scott. He was killed in R.R. accident
3. Thomas Canby mar. Matilda Hale.
4. James mar. Sarah White; had six or seven children
5. Catharine Ann, a spinster.
6. Henry mar. Aula Richardson, 1839. They had three children.
7. Canby Robert Steel
8. Kersey, died unmarried (youngest)
James Steel sailed to China and France. He had a set of dishes made in China for his daughter, Catharine Ann, and each piece had the three initials, C.A.S., on it. Her niece, Catharine Ann Steel Rea, of Terre Haute, had some of the china and Mary Hale Steel Jones had three cups and saucers. >From France, he brought the first parasol to the United States. It was larger than an umbrella, of green silk, had gold ribs and gold steelple eight or ten inches long. He also brought some Sevres ornamental china, among which were two large floor vases. Mary Hale Steel used to hide in them when playing with her cousins at the Rea home in Terre Haute. James died May 5, 1829, at the age of 59, and Eleanor died April 8, 1854, at the age of 80. She said, when told she would die, "I am prepared to go." Some of the Steels are buried in the "Olde Pine Street Churchyard," in Philadelphia. We do not know the names of the parents of Eleanor S. Roberts Steel.
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WILLIAM N. STEEL, SON OF JAMES AND ELEANOR S. (ROBERTS) STEEL, married Mary A. McMullen, daughter of Neal and Sarah McMullen, on November 6, 1817, Judge William Moulder officiating. Witnesses to the union were: James Steel, Father; Eleanor Steel, Mother; James Steel, brother; Catharine Ann Steel, sister; Mary W. Hall; Hannah Rhoades; George W. Roberts; Christopher Roberts; Elizabeth Haler; Thomas E. Hale, Eliza Hale, Susan Bradford, Beaucard Hoopes, Letitia Bouche, Mary Lemman. These signatures appear on the marriage certificate in possession of a descendant in Crawford County, Illinois.
William N. Steel, born September 5, 1793, in Philadelphia, died June 27, 1856, and married Mary A. McMullen, born July 31, 1794, in Philadelphia and died March 27, 1864. Both were educated in Philadelphia and lived there until about 1825 when they moved to Terre Haute, Indiana, and thence to Crawford County, Illinois, in 1834, where both died and were buried. Mary A. Steel was always called, "Lady Steel." She had lovely manners, was well educated and was a devout Christian. She was a granddaughter of Lord and lady Mullison of England or Ireland. Neal McMullen married Sarah, daughter of Lord and Lady Mullison in England or Ireland in 1793 and came to Philadelphia where he had relatives. (Foregoing is oral tradition and may be in error). Sarah died when Mary A., her only child, was born. Neal died June 21, 1824, Trumbull County, Ohio. Neal McMullen was pensioner of Philadelphia County, October 21, 1818 and a private in Steel's Infantry (ME Archives). Neal McMullen's name appears p. 157 Vol. 13, 2nd Series Pa. Archives as having been in jRev. War, and on p. 158 as Corneliuss McMullen. William N. Steel had a gun which belonged to Robert and Martha Steel that was used in the Battle of Waterloo. William N. Steel told his family that four of the steel brothers fought under Cromwell and were knighted and they came from Edinburgh. Pennsylvania Steels were officers in Continental Army. Listed in Historical Register, By Heitman. Steels were Whigs. Children of William N. Steel and Mary A:
1. Sarah Jane. B. 1818;Mar. Col. James F. Jacquess, co-founder of Illinois Women's College, at Jacksonville, Illinois.
2. Catharine Ann, b. 1820; mar. John Rea, Jr..; 4 children(qv later)
3. William Canby, b. 1821, d. 1873; mar. 1/7/1852, Adeline Trimble (b. 1833; d. 1893) (qv later)
4. James Henry, b. 1823. Mar. Emily Jane Otey; 4 children.
5. Mary Hale, b. 1825
6. Anna, b. 1827; a spinster
7. Emma, b. 1828; mar. Touissant C. Buntin
8. Martha Canby. B. 1830; died young
9. Edward. B. 4/5/1834; d. 4/15/1899; mar. 8/26/1861, Mahala Sullivan Knight, b. 3/16/1838; d. 4/29/ 1894.
10. Robert. B. 1834; d. 1834
11. Joseph. Mar. 10/11/1855, Eliza Newlin
12-13. Twins...Eleanor and Eliza, born May, 1838; died Aug., 1838."Unprecendented in Steel Family"
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WILLIAM CANBY STEEL (1821-1873) mar. Adaline Trimble in January, 1832, The Rev. David McGahey officiating. Adaline (1813-1846) was the daughter of James Baird Trimble, one of the first three judges appointed in Crawford County. He was the grandson of Capt. James Trimble, of VA, who served in the Revolutionary War, and in 1793 removed from the Greenbrier section of Virginia to Mt. Sterling, Kentucky, his family accompanying him. His father, David who proved his importation at New Castles, Province of Pa., in 1740, also removed to Mt. Sterling, Ky. Both he and his son, Capt. James, and wife, Jane Young Trimble, died and were buried there. The children of William Canby Steel and Adaline Trimble Steel were:
1. John - m. and had son, John
2. Albert - died young
3. Davidson - m. Belle Wilson
4. Fred - died young
5. William - m. Abigail Newlin
6. Minnie - died young
7. Louis
8. Harry (1870 - 1933) mar. Lilly Hunt (no issue)
9. Annie - m. and had 2 children
10. Chester (1874-1953) m. 1894, Allie Augusta Fox, born 1877-1958; daughter of Charles Henry Bascom Fox (1838-1876) and Sarah Emeline Funk (1848-1926), daughter of William Murphy Funk and Mathilda Seaney.
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WILLIAM STEELE. Born 1/11/1860; d. 8/11/1939; mar. 1885, Abigail Newlin. B. 9/17/1866; d. 6/16/1952. Both were born in Crawford Co., Ill. And died in Sapulpa, Oklahoma. Their children were:
1. Roy Charles (1886-1941); unmarried and no issue.
2. Mary, born 1887; m. 1909, Hermon, Missouri, Vernon C. Hilliard, born in Pa. In 1887. They had one daughter, Adelaide Marjorie, born 4/7/10; married 1926, Robert Henry Holstein of Tulsa, Oklahoma. They now live in Montgomery, Alabama, where he is Sales Manager of the McNatt Oil Products Co., of Birmingham, Alabama. They are the parents of two sons:
a). Franklyn III, born 1929; mar. Anne Marian Johnston, of Gadsden, Alabama. He is employed in the Engineering Dept. of Hayes Aircraft Corp., Birmingham, Ala.
b). Dr. John, born 1931, Tulsa, Oklahoma; mar. 1951, Vivian Catherine Mitchell. They have two daughters, Cherie Lynn and Patricia Dianne. Dr. John was the only student to receive a P>H>D. Degree in Chemistry at Vanderbilt University in June, 1956. He is employed in the Research and Development Dept. of the Chemistrand Corporation, Decatur, Alabama.
3. Maude, b. 2/10/1889; d 9/12/1916; m. 1910, Walter Reynolds (1912- 1933). They lived in St. Louis, Mo. They had one daughter. Jane, born in St. Louis in 1912 and died there in 1933.
4. Charlien, b. 3/9/1890; mar. in 1938, Maurice Sauditen, born 3/23/1891. In Lithuania; prominent merchant in Tulsa, Oklahoma; Pres. Of Oklahoma Tire and Supply Co. No issue.
5. Ruth Irene, b. 10/18/1897; mar. 1920. Roy H. Asard, born 1892, in Missouri. They have lived in Jacksonville, Fl. Since 1926. They have one daught4r, Gail, born 1924 and mar. in 1943 to Geoffrey C. O'Donahue, born 1921, in Tampa, Florida.
6. Nellie, born 10/27/1900; died 11/23/1923, in an automobile accident. She was unmarried.
The foregoing six children of William and Abigail Newlin Steel were born in Crawford Co., Illinois; the seventh, a daughter unk. Birth place.
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STEELE FAMILY NOTES
The twenty or more coats of arms borne by families named Steel or Steele can be grouped into two main divisions, the larger being those having some variation of the "bend chequy" and the lion's head, and the other that having for the principal charge, three furisons. The latter may had had a Scotch origin, although it appears south of the border at an early date. First group seems to have been chiefly in the north of England, spreading to the southwest. Branches bearing variantly these arms were in Scotland and Ireland before the middle of the 17th century: Bolton's Heraldry., Book plate of Thomas Steel, of York, Pa....Arg a bend erm bet two lions heads erased. On a chief Arg three wedges GU points to Dexter.
Capt. John Steel, Boston, died 1768. Coat of Arms - Arg a bend counter -- -company erm and (SA bet two lions heads erased (GU) On a chief (AR) three billets or...John Hunter arms in same book, page 87. (Bolton's Heraldry)
The name, Steel, or its many variations, Stile, Stele, Steell, Steele, is too old to have been derived from metal. Meanings are ....Steele or Stile - Spur of hill; Stig - to climb rough path; Stele - Hall in North Cumberland mentioned in Patent Roll for 1454 as held by Thomas Neville.
History of Crawford County, Illinois, states that Steel ancestry fought in 17th Century under Oliver Cromwell and that he and five brothers emigrated to Philadelphia. (Note by. J.S.W; This could hardly have been true unless they came to America long before 1700. It probably was true that the sons of these soldiers came to America since that legend has always persisted in the Steel Family.
A William Steel, Sergeant-at-Law and Chancellor, and a Robert Hammond (Colonel) were acting under orders from Oliver Cromwell in Ireland, 1655-57. John Hammond, Thomas and Wm. Baker and Lawrence Steel, in 1688,m forfeited estates in Oreland granted to them by Oliver Cromwell. (Willimite Confiscation's Record).
Traditionally, the Steel line is given County Essex as background in England, but no connections can be found between the American Progenitor and such a family. The name is found early in the counties, Lincoln, Suffolk and York, and there is a famous Steele Family of Cheshire to which belonged the noted Sir Richard Steele, of Dublin, also William Steele, Lord Chancellor of Ireland, under the Cromwells. Their early ancestor was Thomas Steele, of Weston. (Americane, Vol. 26, p. 559- Banning and Allied Families)
STEEL REFERENCES; (QUAKER RECORDS)
James Steel, Pa., Mag. Vol. 18, pages. 384-86; vol. 23, page 366
James Steel, Cochran Record
Steel, l.c., V7-8-3-5. V6-6
James Steel, Pa., Mag. XXVII 433-435
Steel General, Vol. 2, New Jersey Genealogies by Lee is good Eng. History of Steels who came to America after our James Steel, of Duck Creek.
Gilbert Cope Papers - Penn. Historical Society
Family Letters
History of Crawford and Clark Counties, Illinois
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MISC. STEEL FAMILY NOTES
A William Steel settled in Lancaster Co. (Puddle Dock) in 1750. He was called native of Wales. They owned a tannery; and were Presbyterians. William died in 1780. He married Rachel Kerr; children:
1. Lt. And Adj. General Archibald; d. 10/19/1832
2. Col. John, b. 1758; m. Abigail Baily, 1784
3. William mar. Elizabeth Bailey
4. General James -- 1st, burial in Harrisburg Cemetery. Was father of Franklin Steel, charter member of Pa. Historical Society; b. Chester Co., 1814; died Minneapolis, in 1889
5. Ann mar. Thos. Jordan and probably Capt. John Long (2nd)
6. Rachel mar. Jacob Bailey. (One of their daughters mar. the rev. Doctor Milldollar)
The above William Steel, who died in 1789, could have been the son of James Steel who came to this country in 1702 to act as agent for William Penn. Not all of James Steel's children were Quakers. (Note by J>S>W>
A William Steel was in Delaware as early as 1708, according to wills. He died in 1709. Francis and Arthur Steel were administrators, also Robert Miller. In 1897, a Mrs. D.W. Jackson wrote to Mr. Gilbert Cope, asking if William Steel's father were Ninian.
A Ninian Steel and wife, Jane, lived in Mr. Sterling, Ky. A Ninian Steel and wife, Harriet, died in Hutsonville, Crawford County, Ill.
Col. John Steel, son of Wm. And Rachel, was born in Drumore Twp., Lancaster Co., Pa. In 1758. He was a fearless soldier, was wounded in the Battle of Brandywine and was with Washington at Yorktown. After the war, he had a paper mill at Octororo with his brother-in-law, Col. James Thompson and nephew, Col. James Steel. He published books and established the school system in Philadelphia. From 1808-1826, he was Collector of the Port of Philadelphia. He died in 1826. His children:
1. John Steel m. Jane Porter
2. Abiann m. Col. Reah Frazer
3. Dolly m. Henry E. Slaymaker (*he probably had other children as well)
Captain John was commissioned, March 23, 1779. His commander was Col. Richard Hampton.
1798 - Capt. John Steel, mother Agnes Jordan, nephew John, stepson, William of Carlisle, daughter, Agnes.
Will of Robert Bailey 1798-w.b.g. 1.311 Lancaster Co., Pa., written 1797, mentions wife, Margaret, sons, Francis and Jacob, and four sons-in- law, viz; James Thompson, William Steel, John Steel and James Sterrett; daughters, Lydia Thompson, Elizabeth Steel, Abigail Steel and Jennett Sterrett. Exs: sons; Francis and James Thompson. Wits: Isabel Walker and James Rea.
Volume #1904, KY State Historical Society Register, gives Steel History starting with Richard Steel, grandson of Sir Richard Steele, the writer, of Dublin, Ballyedmund. He died in Wales in 1720. This author makes the statement that Sir Richard was ancestor of all Steeles who came to America. This branch came to Mercersburg, Pa., first and then later came to Kentucky where he had cousin, Captain Andrew Steele. (The one who came to Mercersburg was named Richard and was grandson of Sir Richard.) Steel coat of arms borne by Steel of Cumberland, shown on page 91 of DAR Magazine.
References:
Vol 2-722, July-Dec. 1938. Steele Family Association, Mrs. Horance Steele, Rising Sun, Maryland. Hugh, James, John, Joseph, Ninian, Wm., Sr. and Wm. Steel in census of Bourbon Co., KY - 1810 (James, Ninian and Wm., Sr. were oldest)