Robert Williamson Steele

Robert Williamson Steele
Governor of the Territory of Jefferson (Extra-legal)
In office November 7, 1859 – June 6, 1861
Preceded by	Various (Territory split between Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, and Utah territories)
Succeeded by	William Gilpin (as Governor of the Territory of Colorado)
Personal details
Born	January 14, 1820 Chillicothe, Ohio
Died	February 7, 1901 (aged 81) Colorado Springs, Colorado
Political party	Democratic
Spouse(s)	Susan Willis Russel
Children	4
Profession	Miner, businessman, politician

Robert Williamson Steele (January 14, 1820 – February 7, 1901) was governor of the extralegal Territory of Jefferson, which existed in the western United States of America from 1859 to 1861, when it was replaced by the Territory of Colorado.

Steele was born near Chillicothe in Ross County, Ohio. He farmed until 1846, when he began the study of law at Fairfield, Iowa. In 1848 he married Susan Nevin at Hillsboro, Ohio, and graduated from the Law School of Cincinnati four years later. In 1855, Steele moved to Omaha, settling in Douglas County of the Nebraska Territory. He was elected as a Democrat to the Nebraska Territorial House of Representatives to represent Douglas County in 1857.

The following year, news reached Omaha of gold discovered along the South Platte River. On March 25, 1859, Steele set out for the gold fields with his wife Susan and four children in an ox-drawn prairie schooner. They arrived at Denver City in May. Steele soon moved to Central City, where he prospected for gold. He also served as president of the Consolidated Ditch Company. Steele built a log cabin on the Ute Trail midway between Denver City and Central City; he named the spot Mount Vernon in honor of George Washington.

On September 29, 1859, Steele was nominated for Governor of the proposed Territory of Jefferson. On October 24, 1859 the formation of a provisional government was approved and Steele defeated J.H. St. Matthew for Governor.

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