Steele: A Legacy of Law, Military Service, and Public Office
The life of Steele was defined by a remarkable transition from an educator in New England to a high-ranking military officer during the American Civil War, and eventually a prominent legal figure in both the American South and New York. His journey reflects the complex social and political landscape of 19th-century America, spanning roles as a judge, attorney general, and political leader.
Early Life and Education
Born on July 10, 1842, in Stanstead, Quebec, Canada, Steele was the son of Sanford Steele and Mary Hinman. He moved to Vermont at a young age, where he pursued his education at St. Johnsbury Academy. Before entering the legal profession, Steele dedicated himself to education, teaching at a district school in St. Johnsbury and later in Lyndon. He eventually rose to become the principal of Cassville High School in Stanstead and served as the master of mathematics at Lyndon Academy by the spring of 1861.
Seeking a career in law, Steele studied under his brother, Benjamin H. Steele, who would later become a justice of the Vermont Supreme Court, in Derby Line.
Military Service in the American Civil War
With the outbreak of the American Civil War, Steele played an active role in mobilizing troops in Orleans County, specifically in Derby Line and Newport. In August 1862, he was commissioned as Captain of Company K within the 10th Vermont Infantry Regiment.
His military career was marked by both bravery and administrative leadership. In May 1864, Steele was severely wounded during the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House. Following this, President Abraham Lincoln promoted him to captain and Commissary of Subsistence—an officer responsible for the procurement and distribution of food supplies for the troops.
Steele's subsequent assignments took him across the South. He served in New Orleans, Louisiana, and worked on the staff of General E. J. Davis for the Nineteenth Army Corps cavalry forces. By February 1865, he was assigned to a separate cavalry brigade under Brigadier-General T. J. Lucas. His service concluded in Natchez, Mississippi, where he served as the Depot and Post Commissary and Chief Commissary of the Southern District of Mississippi under Major-General J. W. Davidson. He was mustered out in January 1866 and received a brevet promotion to Major in May 1866.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Legal and Political Career in Louisiana
Following the war, Steele remained in the South, initially venturing into cotton planting before returning to his legal roots. In 1868, he began practicing law in St. Joseph, Louisiana. His rise in the Louisiana legal system was rapid:
- 1868: Elected Parish Judge of Tensas Parish (re-elected in 1870).
- 1871: Appointed District Attorney of the Thirteenth Judicial District (elected to a full term in 1872).
- 1875: Appointed Assistant Attorney General of Louisiana and later Judge of the Superior Criminal Court of New Orleans by Governor Kellogg.
- 1876: Appointed Attorney General of Louisiana.
Steele was a member of the Republican Party and was categorized as a carpetbagger—a term used for Northerners who moved to the South during the Reconstruction era to pursue political or economic opportunities. Despite this label, he maintained popularity across both political parties. He also contributed to the state's foundational law as a member of the Louisiana Constitutional Conventions of 1868 and 1879.
Later Years in New York
In 1890, Steele transitioned to New York, settling in Brooklyn. He established himself as a leading legal professional as the senior partner of the firm Steele, De Friese & Dickson (later Steele De Friese & Steele). His influence extended into the Brooklyn Republican Party, leading Governor Theodore Roosevelt to appoint him as the Brooklyn District Attorney in 1898, though he was defeated in a subsequent election a year later.
Beyond the courtroom, Steele held several corporate leadership roles, serving as a director for the New York Life Insurance Company and the Brooklyn City Railroad Company, as well as a trustee and counsel for the South Brooklyn Savings Institution.
Key Facts
- Birth: July 10, 1842, in Stanstead, Quebec.
- Military Rank: Captain (later breveted Major) in the 10th Vermont Infantry Regiment.
- Highest Louisiana Office: Attorney General of Louisiana (1876).
- New York Appointment: Brooklyn District Attorney, appointed by Theodore Roosevelt in 1898.
- Death: November 21, 1929, due to diabetes and heart disease.
| Period | Role/Location | Key Achievement/Position |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-1862 | Vermont/Quebec | Educator and Principal; Law Student |
| 1862–1866 | US Army (South) | Captain/Major; Commissary of Subsistence |
| 1868–1890 | Louisiana | Parish Judge, District Attorney, and Attorney General |
| 1890–1929 | Brooklyn, New York | Senior Law Partner and Brooklyn District Attorney |
Personal Life and Affiliations
Steele married Elizabeth Porter in 1877. The couple had five children—Porter, Elizabeth Hinman, Roswell Hiram, Charles Messenger, and Henry Sanford—all of whom were born in Natchez, Mississippi. He was an active member of several prestigious organizations, including the Grand Army of the Republic, the Sons of the American Revolution, the Loyal Legion, the New England Society, and the Brooklyn Institute of Arts and Science.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Steele's role during the American Civil War?
Steele served as a Captain in the 10th Vermont Infantry Regiment and later as a Commissary of Subsistence, managing food supplies for cavalry forces in Louisiana and Mississippi. He was breveted to the rank of Major in 1866.
Why was Steele referred to as a "carpetbagger"?
He was called a carpetbagger because he was a Northerner who moved to the South (Louisiana) after the Civil War to practice law and hold political office during the Reconstruction era.
Who appointed Steele as the Brooklyn District Attorney?
He was appointed to the position of Brooklyn District Attorney in 1898 by Governor Theodore Roosevelt.
What were the primary causes of Steele's death?
Steele passed away on November 21, 1929, from complications related to diabetes and heart disease.
Where was Steele buried?
He was buried in Hillside Cemetery located in Scotch Plains, New Jersey.