William G Steele found in Charleston, South Carolina

William G Steele – Found in Charleston, South Carolina

William G Steele lived in the 4^th Ward of Charleston, South Carolina at 89 Beaufain Street.  He and his family are shown at this location on the 1820 and 1830 U S South Carolina Census.  This fact could not be proven until a search of the Land Deeds and documents at the Charleston County, South Carolina court house records was completed.

William G Steele and his brother were lumber merchants who kept a saw pit on Pitt Street in Charleston, SC.  This is not the reason the street was named Pitt Street.   Pitt Street was named for William Pitt, Earl of Chatham who was a champion of Colonial rights.  Details of William Steele's brother have not been located. 

On September 29, 1815 William G Steele purchased a large adjoining lot for $1,500 from Dr. Samuel Wilson and his sons which fronted on Beaufain Street.  Dr. Wilson had acquired the land by marriage into the Mazyck family who had held this land since 1712.  It was part of the Mazyck Lands which had been partitioned among his heirs in 1742. 

In 1816 William Steele began to build a 4,000 sq. foot mansion with a bath house, cook house and a carriage house at  the address of 89 Beaufain Street, Charleston, SC. The construction of this house took 4 years to build with only the finest imported materials.

 The 1820 Federal Census verifies his residence in the 4^th Ward of Charleston with a total household of 9 people consisting of the appropriate household members according to age similar to his family.  He had 2 female slaves under the age 14 and 1 female slave over the age 14. 

The 1830 South Carolina Federal Census shows William Steele in the 4^th Ward of Charleston, SC  with 8 white persons, a white female between the age of 70 -79, a free colored female age 10 – 23, 1 slave female age 10 – 23. a total household of 10 persons.  This census shows 5 children:  Henry Smith Steele born 1821, Robert Steele born 1823, unknown child born 1827, Martha Jane Steele born 1829 and E.C. Steele born 1832 or 1833.   October 12, 1796 in Fairfield County, South Carolina and died May 17, 1832 in Charleston, South Carolina at age 36.  

 The free colored female is of note because in 1822 Charleston had a slave uprising led by Denmark Versey who was hanged along with five of his associates.  Also of note is the fact that William and Martha Steele’s last child E.C. Steele was born in 1832 the same year it is believed he died.  Further research indicates he did not die in 1832.

The 4^th Ward of Charleston at that time  is bounded on the east by the Cooper River, south by Hasell Street, west by Church and Anson Streets and north by Hasell Street in the prime historical district.

89 Beaufain Street, Charleston, South Carolina is one of Charleston’s most historic Neo-Classical houses and on the National Register of Historic Homes as a Category 1 residence in America.  It was the 2011 35^th Charleston Symphony Orchestra League Designer Show House.  The proceeds of this   show house benefit the Charleston Symphony Orchestra and educational programs throughout the Low Country of SC, in addition to scholarships for young musicians.  They said this is the finest home they have ever had for their show house.

Front piazza - the door surround and the lunette in the pediment are original carved marble 

89 Beaufain Street - Charleston, SC  The house is a regency style Charleston single with the front entrance to the house and garden onto the porch from the street.  These single houses with multiple stories are common in Charleston due to the small lot sizes.

Back view of the house between the new guest house and the main house and
the complete outdoor kitchen.

Original marble carvings throughout the house

July 2015 - The house is being painted a light yellow with white trim

 William Steele had the expertise and money to build a very fine home of quality construction, hand cut woodwork, mortised, tenoned and secured with wooden pins.  It has a marble entrance doorway and elegant hand carved moldings and signature mantels.   The first floor smoking room trim is a rope motif, symbolizing the wealth of the owner.  All 6 of the fireplaces are original, carved by R Welford of  Philadelphia.  Each would have taken about a year to complete.  The original antique heart pine floors are still in place. The third floor rooms are paneled.  A window and door on the curved, three-story staircase are the only details of the house that are not in perfect alignment.  There are several theories as to why the craftsman did this, including a superstition of keeping evil spirits from entering the home. The exterior was originally brick and was stuccoed over about 30 year later. 

The house was bought and sold to several different owners.  During the Civil War the owner was Duncan Nathaniel Ingraham, a Naval hero, but resigned to command the Confederate Naval forces on the South Carolina coast.  While residing is this house in Charleston he supervised construction of the ironclads Palmetto State and Chicora.   His friend, Robert E Lee, was frequently his guest.  The house was sold several times over the next fifty years and for $5.00 and $10.00 two years later.  It also sat vacant for a time before becoming a rooming house.  It would be very expensive to restore, remodel and bring up to code.

In 2003 the new owner began an expensive  restoration to bring  it back  to its previous splendor.  Careful research found the manufacturer of the slate roof, still in business in Norway.  The distinctive exterior color is from natural iron oxide, imported from Italy.  In 2015 the current owner painted the exterior a light buttercup yellow with white trim.  During restoration 33 coats of paint had to be removed on some of the interior trim and most of it required dental tools to remove it.  Modern necessities were discretely added to compliment the period of the house.  Over 2,000 square feet was also added.  The carriage house and bath house were rebuilt into a 3 bedroom guest house and a complete outdoor kitchen and pavilion were added.

New improvements include the first floor kitchen and second floor master bath are connected to the original house with an ell on the footprint of the former kitchen.  The back staircase, originally used by the servants, connects the two levels.  The floors and counter tops are finished with stone and quartz imported from Italy and China.  The three bedroom guest quarters at the back of the property has a curved staircase with a recycled glass wall.  A garden area, complete with an outdoor kitchen and fountain center piece, connects the two buildings.  A special drainage system for the entire property was installed, because of the water issues that occur in this area.

The house is now 6,222 square feet, has 5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms and 2 half baths.  It was listed for sale at $2,500,100 and sold for $1,737,000 on May 5, 2015.

What happened to William G Steele?

A detailed answer to this question has not been found.

 Records show that William G Steele was born in Virginia about 1796 and died about 1832 in Charleston, SC at the age of 36.  A search of the Deed Records at the Charleston County, SC Courthouse did reveal some interesting facts, particularly in the following Will recorded in 1840 and a Complaint filed in 1868 in the Court of Equity in Charleston, South Carolina gives a few clues as to what happened to William Steele. 

THE WILL OF WILLIAM G STEELE

(Transcribed from a recorded typewritten document)

            Box 2   The State of South Carolina Charleston District No 23 In the name of God Amen. 

I, William G Steele being of sound mind and memory do ordain this to be my last Will and Testament. 

            Item 1  First after my Executrix hereinafter named shall pay my funeral expenses and lawful debts I make the following disposition of my property – that is I bequeath unto my wife Eliza R Steele her heirs and assigns forever all my household furniture, my Barouche (a four wheeled carriage with a collapsible top, two double seats inside opposite each other and a box seat outside in front for the driver) and horse and my kitchen utensils now or hereafter owned by me.

            Item 2 I furthermore bequeath unto my wife her heirs and assigns forever, the following Negroes to wit.  Paul Rose and Jenny and the future increase of the females.

            Item 3    I make the following disposition of my real estate of my other personal property and of my rights credits and choses (sic) in action I will that the name as last said shall not be   . .  divided until my son Edwin C Steele shall arrive at the age of twenty one years  (unless my said wife should require it to be done)  previous to which time if not divided my said wife and said son shall be entitled to an equal share of the rents profits or interests thereof and when my said son shall arrive at the age of twenty one years I will and desire that the property as last said shall be divided equally between my said wife and my said son share and share alike to each of them their respective heirs and assigns forever.

            Item 4 I nominate and appoint my said wife testamentary Guardian of my said son. 

            Item 5 And, lastly I appoint my wife Eliza R Steele Sole Executrix of this my last Will and Testament.  In Witness whereof I have hereto set my hand and Seal this Sixth day of Sept Eighteen hundred thirty nine.

                                                                                                                        W. G. Steele (LS)

Signed Sealed and declared by the Testator to be his Last Will in our presence we attesting in his and the presence of one another John Carter Jr.  William Holmes.  Charles R Carroll

Proved before Thos Lehr’e, Esq. O. C.T.D. on the 7^th day of May 1840 and at the same time Qualified Eliza R Steele Executrix Ex T.L.

RECORDED IN WILL BOOK I AND J 1839 – 1845, PAGE 59  Charleston County, SC Record Room

This Will brings forth many questions.  Additional Court documents indicate this is the William Steele who was married to Martha Steele who came to Henry County Georgia about 1835. 

What happened to Martha Steele?  Did she and William separate or divorce and William married Eliza?   That is possible and Martha got a monetary divorce settlement and with that she moved with her children to Henry County, Georgia. She arrived around 1835 with enough money to purchase a farm and  all the equipment.  The Census records indicate she had Smith family relatives who were already settled in Henry County Georgia.

How did Martha travel from Charleston, SC to Henry County Georgia?  On Christmas Day in 1830 the first steam locomotive in America to pull passengers in regular service began its route between Charleston and Hamburg SC, near Augusta, GA and the Savannah River.  The name of this little train was “The Best Friend”.  There is a replica of The Best Friend on display at the Charleston Museum. There were ferries to cross the Savannah River and established roads from Augusta, Georgia inland.  Or, she and her children could have traveled by stagecoach or wagon train. 

 Ironically, in the 1850 Georgia Federal Census shows Martha Steele in Henry County GA as head of household with the appropriate age and sex of white persons to confirm the 1850 Census that shows a female white child age 17 named "E.C." Steele, born in SC.  This means E.C Steele was born in 1833, probably before Martha moved to Henry County, GA.   It is odd that William and Eliza have a son named E.C. or Edwin C. Steele.

The records at the Charleston County, SC courthouse are very well organized and cataloged but some of the documents were hand written, have faded and are almost eligible.

The records indicated that apparently due to the economic situation William G Steele had numerous loans and mortgages with banks filed against the property on Beaufain Street.

 During this period Charleston was experiencing economic turmoil, especially for the lumber business.  The City had experienced fires, storms and hurricanes making the building materials of choice brick, stone, or concrete tabby.  In 1822 the “Fireproof Building” designed by Charleston native and famous architect Robert Mills began construction on Meeting Street.  It was completed in 1823 and still stands today just like William Steele's house.  This set the future standard of building fireproof buildings out of safe materials and not out of wood.  Therefore, William Steele’s lumber business must have suffered.   Some lumber was still being shipped to England.

There is a handwritten almost eligible document indicating that on March 21 and April 11, 1840 a person named Benjamin Curtis had either attempted to purchase or had a claim on the Beaufain property, but the resolution of this transaction could not be determined. 

It appears that soon after William G Steele’s death wife, Eliza R Steele, died and since son Edward C Steele was a minor, the estate went into the Court of Equity of Charleston County, SC.   There was evidence of one or more parties attempting to purchase the property, but the legal issues created a problem.

The following very legible recorded document was found.  This connects this William G Steele with Martha’s family. Martha and William Steele’s first son was Henry Smith Steele who died March 30, 1858.  Their 3^rd son was William G Steele and he had a son named William R Steele.

 Apparently William Henry Smith represented by Edwin, Harold and William Steel and her Smith relatives serving as witnesses, called “their next friend”.  This is about 20  years later from when William G Steele died. Martha’s Smith and Steele relatives went to Charleston as “missing heirs” and file a law suit and complaint to the Court to force the property be sold and collect the proceeds.

Who is William Henry Smith?   We could assume this is Martha Smith Steele’s brother or relative.   The year is 1868 and Martha died sometime right after 1860 when she was listed in the June 1860 U S Georgia Census living in the district of Stockbridge as a Pauper with a 9 year old female child named Cornelia who was born in Georgia.    Their other son William G Steele is still living and died January 17, 1890.  It is possible that the Beaufain property in Charleston had been vacated, tied up in the courts and all the other heirs had died.  So the surviving heirs of Martha and William G Steele went to Charleston to make claim for the property on Beaufain Street and collect their inheritance of $605.00.

THE STATE of SOUTH CAROLINA                                                                                         TITLE   589

 (Transcribed from a legible document)

                                               

            To all to whom these presents shall come, or be made known:

Or whom the same may in anywise concern, I, James Tupper, Master of the Honorable Court of Equity, for the District of Charleston, in the said state, SEND GREETINGS.

            WHEREAS, Edwin Steele, Harold Steel and William Steel by Fredrick J Smith their next friend on or about the Twenty First day of January in the year one thousand eight hundred and Sixty eight (January 21, 1868), did exhibit their Bill of Complaint in the COURT OF EQUITY, at Charleston in the District of Charleston and State aforesaid, against Philip E Porcher, Executor, William B Minott and Julius P Browne wherein enter alia it was prayed that the real estate hereinafter more particularly described the property of the late E C Steel should be sold and the said Defendants having answered the said Bill and submitted their rights to the Judgments of the said Court.

            NOW KNOW ALL MEN, That I, the said James Tupper Master of the said Court, in consideration of the premises, and also in consideration of the sum of Six Hundred and Five Dollars ($605.00) paid me by the said William Henry Smith the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, HAVE granted, bargained, sold and released, and by these presents DO grant, bargain, sell and release unto the said William Henry Smith and his Heirs and Assigns, ALL that Lot of Land situate lying and being on the South side of Beaufain Street in the City of Charleston and State aforesaid, Measuring and Continuing in front in Beaufain Street fifty (50) feet, on the back line fifty two (52) feet, and in depth on the West line one hundred and forty two (142) feet and on the East line One hundred and fifty six (156) feet be the said dimensions more or less, butting and bounding North on Beaufain Street East on lands of  _______ South on land of the late E. C. Steele and this day conveys by me to Julius P Browne and (West on land belonging to the Estate of the late E. C. Steele.

            TOGETHER with all and singular the hereditatinments  rights , numbers and Appurtenances whatsoever, to the said Lot of Land belonging, or in anywise appertaining, and the reversions and remainders, rents issues and profits thereof:  And also, all the estate, right, title, interest, dower, possession, property, benefit, claim and demand whatsoever, both at Law and in Equity, of the said E. C. Steele  and of all the parties to the said suit, and of all other persons rightfully claiming or to claim the same, or any part thereof, by, from, or under them or either of them.

            TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the Said Lot of Land with its hereditatinments, privileges and appurtenances, unto the said William Henry Smith his heirs and Assigns to his Heirs and their own proper use, benefit and behalf, forever. 

(Continued)  

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I, the said James Tupper, Master of the said Court, under and by virtue of the said Decree, have hereunto set my Hand and Seal, at Charleston, this the third day of February, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and Sixty Eight  (February 3, 1868),  and in the Ninety Second year of the Sovereignty and Independence of the United States of America.

SEALED AND DELIVERED IN THE PRESENCE OF

John E Rivers, John B Gray, James Tupper (Seal), Master in Equity

THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA – CHARLESTON DISTRICT

            PERSONALLY appeared before me John E Rivers and made oath that he saw James T upper Master in Equity, sign, seal and as his act and deed, deliver the within Conveyance, and that Deponent, with John B Gray subscribed their names as witnesses to the execution thereof.

SWORN before me, this 14^th day of March 1868 -- (Signatures)   A C Palprey   (Not Pub Ex Off Margh (sic)     John E Rivers

Recorded & Examined 9 Sept 1870 -- Revenue Stamps of $1.00 affixed William J McKinley, M.C., P H Clerk

When did William G Steele die and where is he buried?

These are unanswered questions. 

No record of death or burial site could be found.

 One record was found as follows:  

Deaths within the City of Charleston from the 17^th to the last of July 18, 18?? shows that W. G. Steele on the 16^th paid for the burial of his slave Abraham who at the age of 49 died of “Debility”.  Burial at Bethel Methodist Church located at the corner of Pitt and Calhoun Streets in Charleston.  This would have been very near W G Steele’s lumber yard on Pitt Street. 

Old Bethel United Methodist Church begun in 1797 and was completed in 1809.  It is the oldest Methodist church building still standing in Charleston.  It was founded by both black and white members which was indicative of the Methodist Church philosophy of encouraging black membership in the church until 1843 when a schism developed over whether blacks were to be restricted to sitting in the galleries (balcony).   The blacks seceded to form their own congregation.  In 1852 the church was moved to the western part of the church grounds where it was used by the blacks.  A new brick church, Bethel Methodist, was constructed on the original site and served an all white congregation.  Old Bethel was again moved in 1880 when the building was given to the black congregation and was rolled across Calhoun Street to its present site. 

The graveyard at the church was left in its original location.  However, when the New Bethel Church desperately needed to expand their parking lot they were willing to desecrate a portion of their graveyard into a parking lot.  As many records and as much documentation as possible was recorded.  There were numerous unmarked graves.  Headstones are now propped against the fence or scattered in the landscaping.  Researchers seeking the location of loved ones are told they may be buried beneath the asphalt.  Some of the headstones may be legible if the mold and dirt is cleaned away.  Many gravestones have been lost due to theft and vandalism.  There are hundreds of headstones all around the parking lot and a small portion of the cemetery is still intact.  The church historian has lists of the records that were kept.  These church records were searched but William G Steele could not be found.    This could be our ancestor’s final resting place or he may have been a member of another church, but a record of his burial could not be found.

Interior of
Old Bethel Methodist Church
Showing the balcony where
the slaves were required to sit
during church services

Old Bethel Methodist Church
222 Calhoun Street
Charleston, South Carolina

(New) Bethel Methodist Church

57 Pitt Street

Charleston, South Carolina

(location of old cemetery)

 IN REMEMBRANCE

This stone is reverently placed in honor of all who were interred here since 1795.

Many are known yet many remain unknown and their resting places are unmarked.  

They were members of the Methodist Church, both free and enslaved.  

They were of different ages, gender and race.

All share this hallowed ground.

  Their lives will be an inspiration forever they are not forgotten.

Dedicated on July 22, 2012

May We All Be Thankful for our Ancestors and our Heritage

Let us all in this Steele Family be thankful for Martha Steele who bravely traveled to the new frontier of Georgia with 5 children to start a new life.   And, let’s not forget our ancestor William G Steele who traveled from Virginia to South Carolina, was a smart business man, established a thriving lumber business, built a very fine house and demonstrated kindness toward his family and his slaves.

It is amazing how hard work, integrity, honesty and occupational interest is in our genes. In addition to these traits William Steele was a business man and a lumber merchant.  All of these traits and interest have been passed down through generations.  His grandson, Walter Simeon Steele ran a store and cotton gin in Luella, Georgia.  All 6 of Walter’s sons, The Steele Brothers of Georgia,  have been in the business of farming and other endeavors, carpenters, builders, real estate developers and other occupations.  It is most significant to note that William Steele’s great grandson, Grady Steele, and his sons and grandsons are engaged in different phases of the lumber business.

For further information Google the following subjects:

89 Beaufain Street, Charleston, South Carolina

 The house is privately owned and not open for tours, but a full set of pictures may be viewed on line.

Old Bethel United Methodist Church

222 Calhoun Street

 Charleston, South Carolina

The building is open to the public

Phone:  843 722-3470

To view the new Bethel Methodist and the grave markers Google:

Bethel Methodist Church,

57 Pitt Street

 Charleston, South Carolina

Open 9 am – 4 pm Monday – Thursday and 9 am – 2 pm on Friday

Phone:  843 723-4587