Steele - William H, - CW
Source: Crawfordsville Daily Journal, July 24, 1906
William H. Steele, a well known and generous citizen, died at his home this morning at 4 o'clock of a complication of diseases, aged sixty-eight years. He was a veteran of the civil war and was an active member of the P.O.S. of A in the city. He enlisted in Company B of the 120th infantry and followed his country's flag for two years and four months when he was pierced by a musket ball at the battle of Franklin. This disabled him as the ball entered his body near one of the suspender buttons on his trousers in front, passed through the body and came out near the suspender button in the rear. His remarkable vitality enabled him to withstand the shock. The deceased was generous to a fault. One little daughter died in infancy and after that no children came to bless his home. Strange as it may appear to some he and his good wife welcomed fifteen children to their home. They took care of them, treated them as their own until they grew to be men and women or until they were married. The following are those he took into his heart and home: William Debard, Howard Baldwin (he lived with his foster parents for thirty-five years), Charles French, David and Joseph White, James Runnels, Frank Steele and another Frank Steele, two of the same name but not related, Alice and Sadie Baldwin, Malinda Norman, Lida Black, Nettie Yales, Anna Buck and Mary Buck. Fifteen in all. A remarkable statement. This speaks louder than words of the goodness of Mr. and Mrs. Steele. The deceased was born in Indiana, his parents coming west from Pennsylvania and New Jersey. He leaves besides his faithful wife, one sister and three brothers. The funeral will occur at the residence on Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock and will be conducted by Rev. Earl Wilfey. Burial at the Masonic cemetery.
Source: Crawfordsville Daily Journal, July 26, 1906
The funeral services of William H. Steele, occurred this afternoon at 2 o'clock from his late residence and were largely attended. The church services were in charge of Rev. Earle Wilfley and the services at the grave by the P.O.S. of A. The interment took place at the Masonic cemetery. – thanks to Kim H
