Most 'Steele' researchers list that this Joseph Howe Steele was the son of Joseph Howe Steele son of Ninian McMahan Steele.

The following sketch contradicts what is generally accepted for this family (=everywhere that I have seen= both on the net and published). SO I went back to see what the documentation was to connect this Joseph Howe
Steele 'Sr.' to his father Ninian McMahan Steele. I could find no documentation for this connection. NONE. I was hoping that someone on this board could provide some, or might know of someone that might help me. If not, then it looks
like this Joseph Howe Steele, might be the son of James Steele = the brother of Ninian McMahan Steele as this bio. lists.

Biographical and Historical Records of
Wayne and Appanoose Counties P-297
Interstate Publishers
Chicago
1886
Joseph H. Steele, deceased, was born in Owen County, Indiana, September 6, 1831, and died in Benton Township, February 22, 1883. His grandfather, James Steele, was a pioneer of Owen County, and for a year and a half lived in the block house, or fort, and there his father, Joseph H., Sr., was also reared. He spent his youth in a manner common to boys in the early days of Indiana, attending, when not at work on the farm, the old-fashioned subscription schools. In 1863 he moved to Edgar County, Illinois, and in the fall of 1864 to Wayne County, Iowa, and located in Benton Township, which was his home over eighteen years till he was called to the home beyond. He was a conscientious and devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he was a class leader ten years and a steward fifteen years. He was a consistent Christian man, upright and honorable in all his dealings, and was loved and esteemed by all who knew him. He was a liberal supporter of his church and a benevolent and kind friend to the poor and needy, and his death was a loss to the community hard to be replaced. Mr. Steele was married in the fall of 1852, to Mary Burk, a native of Johnson County, Indiana, daughter of Archie Burk, who was a native of Kentucky and is now a resident of Clay County, Illinois. Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Steele, but three of whom are living-Charles, an attorney of Corydon; Laura, and Minnie. Charles married Fannie Chapman, and has one child-Ila. Laura is the wife of Granville Riley, of Corydon, and Minnie is the wife of Wendell Corbett, of Benton Township and has one child, an infant daughter.



Biographical and Historical Record of
Wayne and Appanoose Counties P-295
Interstate Publishing Co
Chicago
1886
C.W.Steele, attorney at law, is one of the youngest members of the profession in Wayne County. He was born in Owen County, Indiana, in 1858. His father, J. H. Steele, moved with his family to Wayne County, Iowa, in 1864, and settled in Benton Township, where he died in February, 1884. The family consisted of three children, a son and two daughters. C. W. Steele was reared on his father's farm, and was given a good education, graduating from Simpson Centenary College, Indianola, Iowa, in 1880. He had prior to this studied law, having chosen that profession, and after his graduation continued his studies, and in March, 1881, was admitted to the bar. He located at Allerton, where he continued his practice two years, and in 1883 removed to Corydon. In 1885 he was elected mayor of the city. Mr. Steele is a young man of more than ordinary ability, and in his profession is fast gaining an enviable place. He is popular in both business and social circles, his genial and affiable manner having won him many friends. His wife, formerly Fannie Chapman, is a daughter of A. J. Chapman of Washington Township.

All leads appreciated.

Thank you,
Debra