My husband I did what no one in either of our families had done in over 5 generations- We moved away from Indiana. Both our family’s roots grow deep in the Hoosier state, and the romantic in me can’t help to think about how the stars aligned just right for us to meet where we did. Our families traveled from different parts of the United States and Europe to make Indiana their final destination over a century and a half ago.
This is one their stories.
George (1799-1882) and Margaret Steele (1803-1896) were married in Bedford, Pennsylvania on January 10, 1822. Both from German decent, but their families had been in the United States for several generations already up to this point.
Pennsylvania and New Jersey 1841
George and Margaret had 11 children in Pennsylvania starting in 1823 with the birth of their son Joseph. Then followed Rebecca, Sarah, Caroline, Washington, Henry, Samuel, David, John, James and William.
In 1944, they started their long journey west in covered wagons and stopped first in Ashland County, Ohio by 1945 when their 12th child, Barbara was born. Ohio wasn’t the end of the line for the Steele family, they pushed through and finally settled in Adams County, Indiana by 1846.
That same year the U.S. entered the Mexican-American War which lasted a little over a year and half. George Steele was a member in the what was said to be the first militia company in Adams County.
In 1850, their last daughter Margaret was born and the family settled into life as Indiana farmers.
(1850 census- bottom two lines)
By 1860, his farm was worth an estimated $1,500.00
George and Margaret are both buried in Pleasant Dale Cemetery in Decatur, Indiana
George and Margaret Steele with their children (year unknown) – George and Margaret sitting center – Sarah Steele pictured 2nd from left -bottom row.
Steele Family Reunion. – year unknown.
Center- Sarah Steele
George and Margaret’s 2nd daughter Sarah is my husband’s 4th Great-Grandmother.
My Story & Theirs 
Wow! I thought James and Margaret were the only ones in the tree to have a family that large! Great stuff Erin.
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