1914 Biography - Ollie B. Steele

Steele, Hon. Ollie B., of Baton Rouge, is a native of Kentucky. He was born in Henderson county, Dec. 2, 1844. He was educated at the city academy taught by Prof. Warner Craig. At the age of 12 he became a member of the ''Ionian Debating Society,'' a literary organization composed of the best and brightest young men of Henderson county. He won his first distinction of honor when he was chosen, in 1857, as orator to represent the Christian Church Sunday school at a 4th of July celebration, and he was then not quite 13 years old. A frequent observer of the drills and parades of the Kentucky State Guard, he showed great interest in the military service, and at his suggestion, the professor of the city academy established a military company of the older students. He was chosen captain, remaining in command until his enlistment in the Confederate army, Aug., 1861, in Capt. James Ingram's company of infantry, the 4th Kentucky. But he did not go into actual service until the following October, when Henderson county was occupied by a Federal regiment under Col. Cruft. He, with others, slipped out of Henderson, went to Bowling Green, Ky., where Mr. Steele joined the Issaqueena artillery, later known as the famous Graves' battery. Because of his small stature, and youth, he was made bugler of the company; and, owing to his knowledge of infantry tactics, was employed, also, as drill master. He gained rapid promotion, through his splendid soldierly qualities, and attained the rank of Captain before he was 21 years of age. In Jan., 1866, Capt. Steele removed to Morehouse parish, La., entering mercantile life with Maj. T. B. Hotckiss. He went to New Orleans in 1869, taking a situation with the dry goods establishment of John Gauche, and had charge of the office. In December of the same year, he returned to the northern part of Louisiana, and engaged, in Ouachita City, Union parish, in cotton planting and mercantile enterprises. Capt. Steele first entered politics as a delegate from Union parish to the democratic state nominating convention, held in Baton Rouge. He took an active part in the memorable election campaign of 1876, and contributed to the overthrow and destruction of republican rule in Louisiana. At that election he was chosen to represent his parish in the general assembly of the state; and was re-elected in 1878. The legislature having passed an act ordering an election for delegates to a convention for the framing of a new state constitution. The convention having adjourned, Capt. Steele was elected to represent the 22nd senatorial district in 1879, in the state senate, an election having been held that year, for the ratification of the constitution adopted by the convention. The next public office filled by Capt. Steele was that of state auditor from 1884 to 1888. In the heated campaign of 1888 between Nicholls and McEnery for governor, Capt. Steele's intimate acquaintance with the financial affairs of the state, caused him to be unanimously endorsed for re-election, by both factions. He served this second term, from 1888 to 1892. A most thorough and exhaustive report on the bonded debt, made to Gov. Nicholls, by Capt. Steele is today considered a high authority on that subject. When Col. Pickett was state treasurer, during Gov. Foster's 1st administration, Capt. Steele was a most valuable assistant to the treasurer, and had a conspicuous part in the formation of the state's fiscal policy. He was the author of some of the best legislation on the statute books, concerning the financial department of the state. He introduced in the legislature, the act of 1892 providing for the exchange of the 7% bonded indebtedness, on which interest had been reduced, for the new 4% bonds of the state, maturing Jan. 1, 1914. In 1892, he was one of Louisiana's electors who cast the vote of the state for Grover Cleveland for president of the United States. Capt. Steele was elected, without opposition, in the political campaign of 1908 to the state treasurership, an event which is part of the interesting political history of the state. Capt. Steele has always been a leader among business men and financiers of the state; and being a public-spirited man has taken part in all movements for the upbuilding of Baton Rouge, his place of residence since he retired from the state auditor's office. He is 1st vice-president of the Bank of Baton Rouge; president of the Louisiana Fire insurance company; president of the Zadok Realty company, and president of the Bridge City realty company. Capt. Steele's parents were William and Mary (Robinson) Steele. His father was a native of Kentucky, a farmer by occupation, and an elder in the Christian church. He was a son of Brice Steele, who was of Irish lineage. Mary Robinson Steele was born in England and came with her parents to America, when a child. Capt. Steele was one of 6 children, 3 sons and three daughters, all of whom grew to maturity. In May, 1871, he married Miss Juliet M. Parks, daughter of William Parks. Capt. Steele is courteous and unobtrusive in manner, and possessing a clear intellect his opinions are listened to by his cotemporaries [sic] with marked attention and respect. During his long political career he has remained a consistent democrat, and he is one of the best known and most highly-esteemed citizens of Louisiana.

Contributed 2021 Nov 04 by Mike Miller, from Louisiana: Comprising Sketches, edited by Alcee Fortier, published in 1914, volume 3, pages 415-417.