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Descendants of John Steele

Generation No. 4


5. JOHN ANDREW4 STEEL (ANDREW CRAWFORD3, JOHN2 STEELE, JOHN1)41,42,43,44,45 was born January 24, 1875 in Holytown, County of Lanark, Scotland, and died December 11, 1938 in Williamson, Lucas County, Iowa46,47. He married SUSAN MACK48,49,50,51,52 June 10, 1898 in Muirside, Baillieston, Scotland53,54, daughter of THOMAS MACK and MARGARET DRYSDALE. She was born December 05, 1869 in Baillieston, Scotland, and died February 08, 1922 in Hocking , Iowa55,56.

Notes for JOHN ANDREW STEEL:
From the General Register's Office in Scotland
Birth Record: 1875 Births in the District of Holytown in the County of Lanark; page 23; line 69:
John Steel born January Twenty Fourth, 10 hrs. 50 mins.AM at the Sweetbell Farm, New Carubrie?; Parish of Bothwell to parents Andrew Steel, Ploughman and Agnes Steel, MS Hodge, married 1874 November 24th in Quarter Parish of Hamilton. Informant - Andrew Steel, father. Dated 1875,February, 12th at Holytown and signed by Registrar William Richard.

Register of Marriages #51963..Register of Marriages for the Western District of Old Monkland in the county of Lenark. Seal of General Register Office, 28th day of November 2000.
Year 1898 on the day of Tenth of June at Muirside Ballieston. John Steel occupation: Carter [one who works with a horse and cart either on a farm or in the city), Bachelor age 23. Usual residence: 103 Garngad Hill Glasgow. Parents Andrew Steel, occupation: Carter [one who works with a horse and cart either on a farm or in the city] and Agnes Steel MS (maiden surname) Hodge.
Bride: Susan Mack, occupation: Farm Servant, Spinster age 28. Usual Residence: Muirside Ballieston. Parents: Thomas Mack, occupation: coal miner and Margaret Mack MS (maiden surname) Drysdale. Alexander Andrew Minister of Ballieston, witness: James Steel and Jemima Bishop. Registered on June 13th, 1898. After the Banns According to the Forms of the Church of SCOTLAND

1901 Census: 135 Garngad Rd., Townhead, Glasgow, Scotland
Steel, John 26 years old, head of household, Marr., b. Bothwell, LKS, Occupation: Carter General
Susan, wife, age 31, Marr., b. Ballieston, LKS
Margaret daughter, age 2, b. Glasgow
Andrew, son, age 8 mo., b. Glasgow
John MACK, age 9, Step Son, b. Glasgow, Occupation: Scholar

Immigration: Obtained 1990 State of Iowa, County of Monroe
John Steel arrived at Ellis Island on May 9th, 1905.
He sailed on the SS Umbria which left Liverpool, England, United Kingdom, on April 29th, 1905. He gave his ethnicity as Britain, Scottish; his place of residence as Lennoxtown; his age on arrival as 29; married. His occupation was laborer ; he was able to read and write. He had in his possession a ticket, paid for by his brother James steel, to join him in Hocking, Iowa, final destination, Albia, Iowa. Ten dollars was in his possession.

Obtained 1990: Original on file District Court,Monroe County, Iowa
Certificate of Naturalization # 497753 Petition Volume 2 Number 107
Description of holder: Age 40, height 5 feet 8 inches, color of hair Black, visible distinguishing marks Slight scar between eyes.
Name age and place of residence of wife: Susan Mack age 45,Hocking Iowa
Names ages and places of residence of minor children: Margaret Drysdale age 16, Agnes Hodge 11, Christina Wilson age 7, Jessie Elizabeth age 5,
Mary Gray age 3, John age 1 year, all reside in Hocking Iowa except Agnes Hodge who resides in Shettleston Scotland. Signed on the 26th day of November, court of Monroe held at Albia in the year of 1915 signed by O Donwell, Clerk of District Court.

1910 Census: Hocking Twp., Monroe County, Iowa
Steel, John, age 35, miner
Susan, wife, age 30
Maggie, daughter, age 10
Christina, daughter, age 2
John, Susan and Maggie were born in Scotland and Christina was born in Iowa.
1920 Census: Troy Twp. Monroe County, Iowa
John Stelle [Steel], head of household, 45 yrs. old, Born in Scotland, occupation: Coal Miner; Susan, wife 40 years old, born in Scotland; daughters: Christina, age 11(my grandmother); Jessie, age 9; Mary, age 7 and one son John age 5. All children listed in this census were born in Iowa.

1930 Census Lucas County Iowa I found my grandfather John Steel as the head of household, 55 years old and only person listed as living with him was his son John Steel Jr. who was 14 years of age.
According to John Steele's granddaughter, Susan, the houses here were owned by the Coal Mining company and rented out to the miners. Susan said"they were much nicer homes then the ones in Hocking Iowa". Susan said "they kept them up nicely, two bedrooms with a kitchen and living room. Was a perfect fit for John and his 14 year old son."

[ Author's note: I was moved by an article sent to me by a former coal miner and friend of my great grandfather's family. I have a deep respect for those individuals who have the courage to travel under ground daily as their profession requires, in mining. It may not have been the most attractive profession, however it was one that required a great deal of courage and discipline. Read a part of this article referenced below.]

In an article published January 20,1974 Des Moines Sunday Register states the following:
"The hey day for Iowa coal mining has long been over. Coal was discovered in Iowa in 1835, but it wasn't until 1849 that the first mine opened. And surprisingly, Iowa--famous for its agricultural commodities-- is said once to have ranked first among states west of the Mississippi River in commercial coal production. That ranking lasted 26 years." 86 year old "Mike DellaBetta of Chariton states "I've still got my tools--drills and picks," he said with a smile." "now I think I may have to go back in the coal mine again." "Harold Carter, 55, supervisor of the Big Ben Coal Mine near Williamson makes the following statements.."Being a miner is not an attractive profession among today's young people and the only school for miners is experience." DellaBetta and Harold Ashley, 62 of Des Moines, said, work at the mines tended to be seasonal--mostly coming during winter months when local demand for coal was greatest. Then there were the hardships of trying to form a mine workers' union, and effort that was led by the famous John L. Lewis, a native of the Iowa coal community of Lucas. But, despite hardships, todays miners and former miners share a special fondness for the profession."

John Andrew Steel died in the Albia Hospital of heart failure. [Source: Granddaughter, Susan Sterrett Elbert]

Picture of gravestone supplied by Stephen P. Stewart of the Iowa Genealogical Resource Database:
" John Steel 1875-1938" Oakview Cemetery, Albia, Monroe County,Iowa.

Notice of Death: Obtained 1991[source:James Sterrett]
John Steel of Williamson Iowa, son of Andrew and Agnes Steel , was born January 24,1875 at Glasgow Scotland and died December 11, 1938 at Albia Iowa Aged 63 yrs. 11 mo and 13 days.
He was united in marriage to Susan Mack who precedes him in death, Feb.8,1922. To this union were born 8 children, 6 of whom survive. Margaret Sterrett, Agnes Hooper, both of Des Moines Iowa. Christina Richards of Rockingham Pennsylvania, Jessie Copley of Mitchellville Iowa, and Mary Sweeny and John Jr. both of Williamson Iowa.
He came to America in 1905 and resided in Hocking Iowa for 24 years and the remaining 9 years spent in Williamson Iowa. He also leaves to mourn 11 grandchildren and 3 sisters, Christina McDonald of Detroit, Jean Stewart and Elizabeth Patterson both of Windsor Ont., Canada, besides relatives and a host of friends. He was ready to meet Christ. It was well.

According to his granddaughter, Susan Sterrett, when John came to the United States he went to work in the mines. Spending a great deal of time with other miners in mining camps, Grandfather picked up the habit of drinking. Well, one particular night, John Steel stayed up drinking most of the night. In the morning he told his daughter, Margaret, "I'm going to church this morning and getting right with God". Margaret exclaimed, "Oh you are not". Sure enough, John Steel headed off to church that morning and never touched another drink of alcohol. Susan stated that Grandfather would not even touch soda if it came in a bottle.

To view documents on this individual, go to either the home page or ....
http://community.webshots.com/user/richards312 (Will be listed under the Steel Album; click normal view to enlarge.)

More About JOHN ANDREW STEEL:
Burial: Unknown, Oak View Cemetery, Albia, IA
Census: 1920, Troy Twp. Monroe County, Iowa
Occupation: General Carter in Scotland; Coal Miner in Iowa.

Notes for SUSAN MACK:
Birth record found in the GRO records page 104 of 1869 Births in the Western District of Old Monkland in the County of Lanark: Susan Mack, born 1869, December Fifth, 5 hrs. a.m. Her parents were Thomas Mack (Carter) and Margaret Mack, m.s. Drysdale. Her parents were married on November 13, 1863 in Baillieston. The person giving the information of this birth was Thomas Mack, father. He signed by his mark "X."


1881 Census: 18 Muirside, Old Monkland, County Lanark, Scotland: MACK, Thomas, 38; occupation: coal miner, b. in Baillieston, Lks, Scotland
Margaret, wife, 44,
John, son, 14, occupation: coal miner dramer
Susan S., daughter, 11
James D., son, 8
Margaret, 6
Everyone in the household was born in Baillieston, Lanark, except for James D., who was born in Old Monkland, Lanark, and Margaret [wife] born in Glasgow, Lanark.


1901 Census: 135 Garngad Rd., Townhead, Glasgow
John STEEL, 26 years old, head of household, Marr., b. Bothwell, LKS, Occupation: Carter General
Susan STEEL, 31, Wife, Marr., b. Baillieston, LKS
Margaret STEEL, 2, daughter, b. Glasgow
Andrew STEEL, 8 mo., b. Glasgow
John MACK, 9, Step Son, b. Glasgow, Occupation: Scholar

Obtained 1990 from the daughter of Susan Mack, Christine Wilson Steel,my grandmother.
Wedding Invitation Reads:
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Mack
request the pleasure of
Miss Steele (hand written in)
Company to the Marriage of their
daughter, Susan to Mr. John Steel,
on Friday, 10th June, 1898, at 7:30 P.M.
To the right side of invitation reads: "As early reply will oblige".
On the left it reads: "Muirside, Ballieston".
Refer to extract of marriage listed under John Steel.
Picture of her gravestone provided by Stephen P. Stewart, Iowa Genealogical Resource Database: Simply reads: Susan Steel 1869-1922

Susan arrived at Ellis Island in 06/03/1907 on the ship Ethiopia which sailed from Glasgow, Scotland. Susan stated her normal place of residence was Cove Scotland; she was meeting her husband in Albia Iowa. Notations read John Steel, Hocking, Monroe County, Iowa. Susan is listed as 5'2" with dark complexion and hair, grey eyes. Place of birth given as Baillieston, Scotland.
Also listed is Agnes Steel, two years of age and name has been crossed out. According to family letters from Scotland, Agnes was left with Susan's brother John Mack and wife Jeannie for they felt she was just to young to make the trip.

1920 Census, Troy Twp., Monroe County Iowa:
John Steel, head of household, 45 yrs. old, Born in Scotland, occupation: Team leader in Coal Mine; Susan, wife 40 years old, born in Scotland; daughters: Christina, age 11; Jessie, age 9; Mary, age 7 and one son John age 5. All parents listed as born in Scotland; all children listed as born in Iowa.

Susan Mack Steel died as a result of complications of Gall Blatter surgery for gall stones in the Miners Albia Hospital in Monroe County,IA. [Source: Granddaughter, Susan Sterrett Elbert] Death certificate states "fatty embolism" .

To view documents on this individual; go to either the home page or.....
http://community.webshots.com/user/richards312 (Will be listed under the Steel Album; click normal view to enlarge.)

More About SUSAN MACK:
Burial: Unknown, Oak View Cemetery, Albia, IA
Immigration: 1907

Marriage Notes for JOHN STEEL and SUSAN MACK:
Register of Marriages #51963..Register of Marriages for the Western District of Old Monkland in the county of Lenark. Seal of General R Register Office, 28th day of November 2000.
Year 1898 on the day of Tenth of June at Muirside Ballieston, After the Banns According to the Forms of the Church of SCOTLAND
[Another researcher has mistakenly stated the church of Holland, this is incorrect. I have a copy of the actual page if anyone wishes a copy. Or you can view it yourself at the General Registers Office of Scotland website. Cost is abt. $10.00 for 30 credits.]. John Steel occupation: Carter, Bachelor age 23. Usual residence: 103 Garngad Hill Glasgow. Parents Andrew Steel, occupation: Carter and Agnes Steel MS (maiden surname) Hodge.
Bride: Susan Mack, occupation: Farm Servant, Spinster age 28. Usual Residence: Muirside Baillieston. Parents: Thomas Mack, occupation: coal miner and Margaret Mack MS (maiden surname) Drysdale. Alexander Andrew Minister of Baillieston, witness: James Steel and Jemima Bishop. Registered on June 13th, 1898.
Worth mentioning once again to obtain documentation yourself on individuals listed on online trees. As seen above, the document clearly states Scotland not Holland, yet another researcher posted incorrect information.
     
Children of JOHN STEEL and SUSAN MACK are:
12. i.   MARGARET DRYSDALE5 STEELE, b. May 07, 1899, Glasgow, Scotland; d. September 29, 1958, DesMoine, Iowa.
  ii.   ANDREW CRAWFORD STEELE57, b. August 13, 1900, 22 James Nesbet Street, Glasgow, Scotland; d. August 05, 1901, Glasgow, Scotland.
  Notes for ANDREW CRAWFORD STEELE:
Birth Record of Andrew Crawford Steel: GRO Records page 630; line 1890
1900 Births in the District of Dennistoun in the County of Lanark:
Andrew Crawford Steel; August Seventh 1900; 22 James Nisbet Street, Glasgow; Father - John Steel carter; Mother - Susan Steel ms. Mack; June 10th Baillieston;
John Steel father present; Registered August 13th, 1900, Glasgow [can not make out the name that follows looks like Ferguson Registrar.]

1901 Census: 135 Garngad Rd., Townhead, Glasgow
John STEEL, 26 years old, head of household, Marr., b. Bothwell, LKS, Occupation: Carter General
Susan STEEL, 31, Wife, Marr., b. Baillieston, LKS
Margaret STEEL, 2, daughter, b. Glasgow
Andrew STEEL, 8 mo., b. Glasgow
John MACK, 9, Step Son, b. Glasgow, Occupation: Scholar

GRO Record of Death 1901District of Dennistoun, County of Lanark:
page 515; line 1549:
1901 Deaths in the District of Dennistoun in the County of Lanark:
Andrew Crawford Steel (single); 1901, August 5th; Father-John Steel, carter; Mother- Susan Steel ms. Mack; cause of death-Measles and Pneumonia; John Steel-Father reported death. Registered August 6th in Glasgow.

  More About ANDREW CRAWFORD STEELE:
Census: 1901, Scotland
  iii.   THOMAS MACK STEELE58, b. March 1903; d. June 27, 1903, Dennistoun, County of Lanark, Scotland.
  Notes for THOMAS MACK STEELE:
GRO Records of 1903 Deaths in the District of Dennistoun in the County of Lanark; page 424: Thomas Mack Steel, single, died on June 27, 1903 at 5 Turner Street, Glasgow. 4 months old, male. Parents - John Steel (Carter) and Susan Steel, m.s. Mack. He died of influenza, pneumonia and microbic meningitis, which he had suffered from for 7 days. His death was certified by James W. Anderson, M.D. This record was signed by John Steel, father and was registered on June 29, 1903 at Glasgow.

I have the actual page is anyone is interested in a copy.

13. iv.   AGNES HODGE STEELE, b. November 17, 1904, Kirkintilloch, Scotland; d. September 23, 1946, DesMoine, Polk County, Iowa.
14. v.   CHRISTINA WILSON STEELE, b. March 16, 1908, Hocking , Iowa; d. February 04, 1991, Parma, Ohio.
  vi.   JESSIE ELIZABETH STEELE, b. November 12, 1910, Hocking, Iowa; d. December 15, 1987, Cuyahoga County, Ohio; m. (1) PETE WIENER, Private; b. Private; m. (2) ROBERT COPLEY, Private; b. Private.
  Notes for JESSIE ELIZABETH STEELE:
1920 Census: Troy Twp. Monroe County, Iowa
John Steel, head of household, 45 yrs. old, Born in Scotland, occupation: Team leader in Coal Mine; Susan, wife 40 years old, born in Scotland; daughters: Christina, age 11; Jessie, age 9; Mary, age 7 and one son John age 5.

Resources:
According to her sister's bible records, Margaret Drysdale Steel Sterrett, Jessie married C.J. Copley on 07/25/1936.
Jessie never had any children of her own. And in the last years of her life lived with her sister Christine Wilson Steel Richards in Bedford Hts. Ohio. We remember her well and loved her dearly.

15. vii.   MARY GRAY STEELE, b. August 06, 1912, Hocking, Iowa; d. September 15, 1985, Ottumwa, Wapello County, Iowa.
  viii.   JOHN ANDREW JR. STEELE59, b. April 22, 1914, Hocking, Monroe County, Iowa; d. April 03, 1988, Uniontown, Fayette County, PA; m. MARY CATHERINE BAXTER60; b. 1924; d. January 20, 1970, Uniontown, Fayette County, Pa.
  Notes for JOHN ANDREW JR. STEELE:
1920 Census: Troy Twp. Monroe County, Iowa
John Steel, head of household, 45 yrs. old, Born in Scotland, occupation: Team leader in Coal Mine; Susan, wife 40 years old, born in Scotland; daughters: Christina, age 11; Jessie, age 9; Mary, age 7 and one son John age 5.

His birth was registered on May 15, 1915 in Book 3, No. 135 of Monroe County, Iowa. He was born on April 22, 1914. Father was John Steele of Hocking; 40 years of age; occupation: teamster. Mother's maiden name was Susan Mack of Hocking; 45 years of age. Delivered by Doctor Synder.

He's buried in Lot 167, Section A - North, Space No. 4 on northwest corner, Sylvan Heights Cemetery, Fayette County, PA. His wife, Mary Catherine, is buried next to him, in Space No. 3.

  More About JOHN ANDREW JR. STEELE:
Burial: April 05, 1988, Sylvian Hts. Cemetery, Uniontown, Pa

  Notes for MARY CATHERINE BAXTER:
Catherine Baxter was the sister to Ruth Elizabeth Baxter, Shirley's mother, who was married to Walter Barr Richards.

STEEL, MARY CATHERINE, age 46 years, of 16 Gordon St., died suddenly Tuesday, January 20, 1970 at the Uniontown Hospital at 6:50 P.M. She was preceded in death by her father W. S. Baxter in 1963. She is survived by her husband John Steel of Vesta No. 5, her son Robert J. Piper of Uniontown, her mother, Mrs. Anna C. Baxter of Uniontown; two sisters, Mrs. Walter (Ruth) Richards of Lansdale, Pa., Mrs. Benjamin (Eleanor) McRaven of Worth, Ill. He [she] was a member of the Christ United Methodist Church. Friends will be received in the Jerome W. Shel Funeral Home, 164 S. Mt. Vernon Ave., this evening from 7 to 9 p.m. and on Thursday from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. where funeral services will be held on Friday 1 p.m. Rev. Robert W. Borden, her pastor, will officiate.


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