James F. Steele, town clerk of Decatur and one of the oldest members of the Dunham post 141 G.A.R., died at 12:20 o'clock Saturday morning at St. Mary's hospital, where for the last three weeks he had been trying to recover some of the strength of which old age had robbed him. He had delayed his rest too long. He had kept going until he broke down completely and instead of gaining strength, he grew steadily weaker. Two days ago, he fell asleep and never awoke. Mr. Steele would have been seventy-nine his next birthday. For many years, he had been one of the most familiar figures on the streets of Decatur. Everyone knew him and he had a great many friends. He was born in Ohio in September 1842 but came to Decatur when he was a boy and this had been his home for sixty-two years. At the outbreak of the Civil war, he enlisted in the Eighth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, commanded by Richard J. Oglesby, later governor of Illinois. His brother, the late Major George R. Steele, enlisted in another regiment and both served thru the war. At the end of the war, both returned to Decatur. When old Post 1 G.A.R. was organized, both became members. George R. Steele was one of the charter members and later in 1883 became post commander of Dunham post 141. James F. Steele was one of the active members of post 141 and in 1891 served as post commander. He later became post adjutant and held that position for about fifteen years, retiring about a year ago. Mr. Steele had served as town clerk for many years. He was elected as many times as he chose to be a candidate. He held that office at the time of his death and his term has one year yet to run. His only surviving relative is his daughter, Mrs. George Tuttle of Mitchell, S.D. She was with him during his last illness. The body was removed to the Moran & Sons undertaking establishment and prepared for burial. Arrangements for the funeral have not been completed but it will be a military funeral in charge of Dunham post 141 G.A.R.

Decatur,IL Review April 16, 1921 p8 (includes picture)