Steele, Joseph R. 1845-1933

STEELE, RIVERS, MCCOLLA, BEASON, DAVIS, WEBBER

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 8/1/2012 at 14:51:09

J.R. STEELE BURIED
FRIDAY AFTERNOON
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Born Near Lancaster, Ind.,
September 6, 1845.
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Entire Life Spent On Farm, But
Was Also Engaged in Teach-
ing Profession.
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Funeral services for Joseph R. Steele, who died at his home in Union township, Wednesday afternoon of last week, were held Friday afternoon, at one o'clock, from the West Liberty Church of Christ, the Rev. Cornell Campbell of New Sharon in charge of the services and the Rev. E.M. Gregson, pastor of the Little Mount Baptist church, assisting. Interment was made in the West Liberty cemetery.

A short prayer service was held at the home preceding the church services.

The following obituary was read during the service:

Joseph R. Steele, son of R.F. and Elizbeth Rivers Steele, was born near Lancaster, Montgomery county, Indiana, on Sept. 6, 1845, and departed this life at his home in Union township, Poweshiek county, Iowa, on February 22, 1933, at the age of 87 years, 5 months and 16 days.

He came to Iowa with his parents in 1846, locating first in Keokuk county, later moving to Union township, Poweshiek county, and settled in a log cabin near the site of his late home. Here he grew to manhood.

In or about the year 1868 he was united in marriage to Mrs. Mary McColla, and to this union one child was born, a daughter, Mrs. D.C. Beason of Montezuma. Mrs. Steele died in May, 1887.

He was again united in marriage to Miss Ruth M. Davis, on Feb. 28, 1900. To this union two children were born, one of whom is living, Miss Garnette Steele of Montezuma. The other child passed away in infancy.

Mr. Steele confessed his faith in Christ as his Lord and Savior in his early life, and united with the Church of Christ at West Liberty. To this faith he ever held true.

He also was a member of the I.O.O.F. lodge at Searsboro.

His entire life was spent on the farm. However, in his younger life, he engaged in the profession of teaching school, so far as his farm duties permitted. In this work he proved himself to be very efficient, and is remembered and kindly spoken of by his old pupils as a man who loved children and knew how to deal with them.

He served in the capacity of justice of the peace for many years. In this office he also proved worthy, and capable in every department of the office.

Brother Steele was naturally a home man, finding the greatest pleasure in the companionship of his wife and children, upon whom he lavished his affection. His sympathetic nature, however, seemed to carry him beyond the confines of the sacred hearthstone. Friends and neighbors never failed to find him ready and at all times willing and anxious to do more than his part if need be in relieving the suffering of those in distress. And from the depth of his big heart there flowed a sympathy for all mankind, and an abiding faith in the real rewards of men.

In his business dealing he was at all times honorable, and had the esteem, respect and confidence of those who knew him, that comes after long years of never failing honesty and integrity. He was a man who practiced no shame of deceit, but in the daily toil endeavored to apply the golden rule in all things.

He leaves to mourn an irreparable loss, a loving wife, two daughters, and one foster son, George Webber, who occupied a place in his heart, and also in the heart of his foster mother, Mrs. Steele, a place as great as if he had been their own child, two grandchildren, Mrs. Abbie Beason and Robert Beason, and six great grandchildren, and a brother, Jacob Steele. He was a man with many friends and neighbors, who will share in the loss.

In the triumph of a long life, he was at last called beyond the veil which separates all earthly vision from the paradise of God. The work of a pioneer is now completed and he has passed to rest in peace.