Joseph Steele was born in Easton, in January 1833, and pursued his education in the school conducted by Dr. Vandeveer in that city. He subsequently turned his attention to general merchandising, conducting a store in Easton up to the time of his death. He kept in touch with the advancement of the times in his business career, and prospered in his undertakings. His political allegiance was given to the Whig party until its dissolution, when he joined the ranks of the new Republican Party. Both he and his wife were members of the Lutheran church.