Steele - John E.
Source: H. W. Beckwith (Chicago: HH Hill) History of Montgomery
County, 1880 p 290
STEELE, John E., (Rev.), minister, Crawfordsville, was born June
21, 1850, and is the son of Benjaman (sic) F. and Jane (COOVERT)
Steele. His father was born 1817 in Baltimore, and is still living.
He is a mechanic and was in the employ of the US government 3
years during the war and was in the battle of Nashville. He is a
member of the Methodist Church, the Temple of Honor and in
politics is a republican. His mother (Jane) was born in Preble Co,
Ohio in 1820, is a member of the Methodist Church and is still
living. The subject of this sketch began for himself when 11
years old, and had a common school education. he took a 3-years
classical course in the Asbury Univ. of Greencastle and grad. in
the Battle Ground Collegiate Institute. He began in ministery in
1874, in LaFayette, preaching first in Pittsburg, Carroll Co,
Indiana. Since then he has preached on the "Burnettsville
Circuit," White County, at Harmony & Knightsville, Clay Co;
at Chauncy, laFayette co, and in Sept 1879, that he might pursue
his classical studies to better advantage, came to the
Crawfordsville Circuit. Mr. S. went into the ministry from a firm
conviction of duty and love for the Master. He has had flattering
offers in other departments of labor, but none have induced him
to leave his chosen field. he is a diligent student, prepares
well his sermons, and delivers them without manuscript. His
ministry has been blessed by the salvation of souls, and the
upbuilding of each charge where he has labored. From 1869 to 72
he taught school, being principal of the schools in Camden,
Carroll Co; Rossville, Clinton Co and Transitville, Tippecanoe
Co. His career as a teacher was very satisfactor and successful
to himself and those for whome he taught.