Samuel L. Steckel, slate operator, of Slatington, was born on the Steckel homestead near Egypt in 1868. He was educated in the public schools and at the age of 18 years began teaching school. When less than 21 years old he became clerk in John C. Mack's slate office, and when the office was removed to Philadelphia he accompanied it as head bookkeeper and remained there four years. In 1892 he returned to Slatington and engaged in the buying and selling of roofing slate and became connected with a number of successful quarries. He is an executor and trustee of the estate of A. A. Kern, his father in law, and is one of the leading businessmen of the borough, employing a large number of men. Mr. Steckel is a member of the advisory board of the Republican county committee, and a prominent factor in the political life of the community. He served in the borough council several years and was for two years its president. He and his family are members of St. John's Reformed Church and he has been superintendent of the Sunday school since 1903. Mr. Steckel married. in 1891, Lillian C., daughter of A. A. Kern, of Slatington. They had three children: Harry A., a graduate of the Boston Conservatory of Music, who is a piano tuner with the Kramer Music House, of Allentown, Mildred, died aged 11 years, and Rachel. Mr. Steckel has interested himself in the education of the motherless children of his brother, and has sent his nephew. H. B., through a medical school.