Keowee courier. [volume] (Pickens Court House, S.C.) 1849-current, 1903-01-14
A VOICE FROM OLD pIckENs.
Three Prominent FamIlies-The Steeies, Nc
Elroys and Cralgs.

Eiroys and Cralgs.
Old Pickens, S. c., January 10th,
1903.-Editors Courier William d.
Steele was one of the most promi-
nent and influential citizens of Old
Pickens in the early days. Besides
engaging extensively in the mercan-
tile business, he was the Ordinary of
the District for several terms and
represented his people in the Legis-
lature long time. He was a mem.
ber of that body at the time of his
death in 1854. The Legislature be-
ing in session in Columbia at the
time he obtained leave of absence to
visit his brother-in-law, DR.. James Nj.
McElroy, who was dangerously i'll.
There is something deeply pathetic
in the death of these two noble men
and devoted friends, as almost i'm
mediately after the arrival of Capt.
Steele, apparently in good health,
they both expired almost at the
same time. Both were buried on the
same day with Masonic honors at
the historic Old Stone Church, where
so many illustrious dead repose.
Each of them is survived by large
circle of influential relatives, among
them Mrs. Margaret Steele, the ven-
cradle widow of Capt. William D.
Steele, who resides with her son-in.
law, Capt. A. H. Ellison, on the old
homestead, and is one of the oldest
ladies in Oconee county, and is said
to be remarkably well preserved,
both mentally and physically. WIND.
Steele was nephew of Capt. VIM.
Steele, who was a most remarkable
man and figured prominently in the
early settlement of this section.
He was born at Pendleton,
his father being the first set
tier in that town and the last Tax
Collector of Pendleton District. At
the age of sixteen he went to sea
and was on board the Chesapeake
during that fierce and terrific battle
between the Chesapeake and the
Shannon and heard the brave
Capt. Lawrence utter his last
famous words "Don't give up the
ship" After an eventful seafaring
life of several years he returned to
his home, married and settled in An
derson District, where he served one
term in the Legislature, two terms as
Tax Collector, took the Census in
1850, moved to this county in 1851,
where he resided until 1872, when
he died, aged rs. He had been
Ruling Elder in the Presbyterian
church for thirty years. The Steeles
constitute a large and influential
family and wherever they have gone
or in whatever vooations they have
engaged have achieved success and
distinction, whether in peace or war.
One of the saddest tragedies which
ever took place in this community
occurred on December last, namely
the sudden death of Mr.. A. r. Craig,
n prominent citizen of Pickens
county. 1t is supposed that becom-
ing suddenly i'll on his way home,
being alone and exposed to the
severity of the weather, he froze to
death. A sad ending to the life of
good and useful man, who, for four
years during the civil war, endured
all its hardships and faced the leaden
messengers of death in defense of
his country. Mr.. Craig will be re-
membered by many in Walhalla as
the efficient Deputy Sheriff of w.
N. Craig during his term as Sheriff
of Oconee county. He removed
from Walhalla to bis large planta-
tion on Keowee River, where he re-
sided until few months before his
death. He was man of most
kindly nature and generous TO fault.
In the days of his prosperity the
poor, the needy and the unfortunate
always found friend indeed in Art
Craig. The widow aud the orphan
never departed from his threshold
empty handed, and in favoring this
class of people he rocked not of
compensation in this world. But
snch deeds of charity will be remem-
bered to his credit OH the last great
day, when call ehall be judged ac-
cording TO the deeds done in the
body" heard one poor old woman
remark since his death that IL the
widow and orphan children of Art