STEELE, WILLIAM C.

STEELE, CALHOUN, HUMPHREY

Posted By: Jean Kramer (email)
Date: 7/22/2003 at 20:21:17

Biography reproduced from page 563 of Volume II of the History of Kossuth County written by Benjamin F. Reed and published in 1913:

William C. Steele is one of the prominent merchants of Algona, Iowa, and known as a man whose cooperation can be counted upon in any movement looking toward the advancement of his city. He was born in Newark, New Jersey, February 5, 1867, and is a son of Joseph and Sarah (Calhoun) Steele. His father was born near Belfast, Ireland, and his mother in New York city. Both are of Scotch lineage. His father followed business occupations in New Jersey, and was an expert machinist. He settled in Madison county, Iowa, on a farm, and is now living retired with his wife. They were the parents of five sons: John, who resides at Alcester, South Dakota, and Joseph, of Kingsley, Iowa, both Congregational ministers; William C., our subject; James, of Winterset, Iowa, and Milton, of Utah.

William C. Steele was reared on the parental farm near Winterset, Madison county, Iowa, and received his primary education in the public schools of Iowa. He graduated from the Macksburg Iowa high school and immediately started life for himself in the employ of O. D. Ames, the leading clothier of Winterset. He remained with Mr. Ames several years and then accepted a position with the firm of Joeckel Brothers, of Winterset. They were very thorough clothing men, Germans of high standing and proprietors of a chain of clothing stores in Iowa and Wisconsin, who were known for their honesty and integrity. He remained with them for twelve years. After severing his connection with Joeckel Brothers, he was associated in a very successful business with his brother at Greenfield, Iowa. In 1902, Mr. Steele came to Algona and established the clothing business which he now owns and conducts. His store is one of the largest clothing establishments in northern Iowa and located in the John Galbraith block in Algona. His business has grown to be one of the largest in the city. It is founded on strict integrity and honorable business methods, and the upright policy of its owner is well known throughout the state. The number of his patrons is constantly increasing as the quality of his goods becomes better known.

Mr. Steele was married in 1898 to Miss Winifred M. Humphrey, and they have one child, William Frederick, four years of age. They reside in a pleasant home in Algona owned by Mr. Steele. They are prominent and well liked in social circles of the city.

Mr. Steele is independent in his political views and never allows his judgment to be biased by party lines or prejudices. He and his wife are devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal church and active workers in the cause of religion. He is essentially a public-spirited citizen, loyal to his city and to its institutions and eager for its advancement and progress. His name always heads the list of any organization which has for its purpose the improvement of municipal conditions, and his broad intelligence and discriminating judgment have often influenced the affairs of his community.