George was the 5th son born to Nathaniel and Dameris Johnson Steele in Delhi, Delaware, New York. He worked on the farm and received his education at Oberlin College in Ohio. The discovery of gold in California enticed he and his cousin, Rensaeleer to journey west on a steamer in 1855. After an unsuccesful year mining, they moved toward the coast, settling in Marin County. They were joined by brothers E.W. (Edgar) and Isaac and their father establishing a very successful dairy business, first in Marin, then in San Mateo and finally in San Luis Obispo.
In 1860, George Steele was nominated by the Republicans of Marin for the Assembly, but the time for Republicans had not arrived and a Democrat was elected. Having studied law, he was in 1863, elected Judge of Marin County, which office he held until 1866 when he resigned to join his brothers in the management of the property then purchased in San Luis Obispo, and in this county he stayed. Land was offered for sale at very low rates, and the Steele brothers became the purchasers of several large ranchos aggregating about 48,000 acres. Upon this land they brought their large herds of cows from Marin and San Mateo and introduced the business of dairying.
In politics, Judge Steele had always been a Republican. In 1872, he was nominated for the Senate from this district, and in 1878 was elected to the convention which framed the present Constitution. In the convention, he was regarded as one of the ablest and clearest headed members. In 1880, he was the Republican nominee for the Assembly, but was defeated by Hon. P.W. Murphy by 15 votes. (This was a questionable election) From the History of San Luis Obispo by
In 1886-7 Directories for San Luis Obispo, George Steele and Huntley own a market and there is a Steele & Wheelan flour mill.
In 1890 the list for San Luis Obispo businesses lists George Steele as President of the Thomson-Houston Electric Light Company.
In a directory for the town of McKenney, George Steele is listed as a Senator.
Hon. George Steele.