John Hardy Steele
John Hardy Steele | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Salisbury, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Died | July 3, 1865 (aged 76) Peterborough, New Hampshire, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Politician, manufacturer |
| Years active | 1829–1846 |
| Known for | 19th Governor of New Hampshire |
John Hardy Steele (January 4, 1789 – July 3, 1865) held the position of the 19th governor of New Hampshire from 1844 until 1846.
Early life
Steele was born in Salisbury, North Carolina and, following his mother's early passing, was chiefly raised by his maternal grandfather. He received his education locally and learned the trades of cabinet and chair making through an apprenticeship. At the age of 22, Steele relocated to Fayetteville, North Carolina, where he worked under Nathaniel Morison, originally from Peterborough, New Hampshire. Impressed by Steele's mechanical aptitude, Morison invited him to New Hampshire to assist in launching a textile manufacturing enterprise. Steele engineered and constructed the spinning mules and looms for Morison’s mills, including one of the earliest water-powered cotton cloth weaving facilities.
Later career
In 1824, Steele became a co-founder and manager of the Union Manufacturing Company, a prosperous textile factory. Although a Democrat in a town largely dominated by Whigs, he was elected to the New Hampshire House of Representatives in 1829 but chose not to pursue additional political roles immediately afterward. Between 1830 and 1838, Steele served as Moderator for Peterborough's Town Meeting.
His leadership extended to the New Hampshire Militia, where he attained the rank of colonel while serving as aide-de-camp to Governor Matthew Harvey. Additionally, Steele was elected to the Executive Council of New Hampshire in both 1840 and 1841.
Governor
Steele won election as Governor in 1844 and secured reelection in 1845. During his tenure, his administration created a state railroad commission. He also assisted his associate Jesse Carter Little, a Mormon pioneer, by facilitating introductions to President James Knox Polk and members of the cabinet to support Mormon colonization efforts in Utah.
Post-governorship
Following his gubernatorial service, Steele retired to farming where he explored advancements in animal husbandry and scientific farming methods. He took on leadership roles such as President and organizer of the Peterborough Savings Bank. Moreover, he served as a Selectman in 1846 and participated as a delegate at New Hampshire’s constitutional convention in 1850.
Death and burial
Steele passed away in Peterborough on July 3, 1865, and was interred at Village Cemetery.