Gena -

Steele Co was created Feb 20, 1855.
Up to that time it was part of Rice Co., together with many counties of SO. & SE. MN.

Steele remained attached to Rice for Civil and Judicial purposes.

Steele then included all of Waseca Co, and the two western tiers of Townships of present Steele Co.

The eastern tiers of Twps of present Steele were then a part of Dodge Co.

Waseca Co. was formed out of Steele Feb 27, 1857.

Tom Doyle, Fresno, CA ( I have several sources to look up for Waseca Co, but only one for Steele)