Steptoe, Edward Jenner, 1815-1865
Dates
- Existence: 1815 - 1865
Biographical History
Edward Jenner Steptoe (1816-1865) was a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army and was active throughout the Western United States.
Edward Jenner Steptoe was born on November 7, 1815 in Bedford County, Virginia to Nancy Brown and William Steptoe. He was educated at the U.S. Military Academy, graduating in 1837. During 1838-1842 he served in the Indian conflicts in Florida. He later fought in the Mexican War, where he was promoted to brevet lieutenant colonel.
In 1854 Steptoe traveled to the western United States on assignment from the United States government. While wintering in Utah, he was informed that President Franklin Pierce was appointing him as Governor of Utah Territory. He declined the appointment and continued with his assignment on the West Coast.
Steptoe later fought against Indians in Washington Territory and was injured there in 1858. He took sick leave until 1861, when he resigned his commission.
On January 18, 1860 Steptoe married Mary Rozanna Claytor (or Mary Rosanna Clayton). The couple had one daughter, Rosanna Eliza, who only lived two years. On April 1, 1865, Edward Steptoe died near Lynchburg, Virginia.
Citation:
FamilySearch, via WWW, Apr. 12, 2017 (b. Nov. 7, 1815 in Bedford, Virginia; parents Nancy Brown and William Steptoe; m. Mary Rosanna Clayton; daughter Rosanna Eliza died at two yrs.; d. Apr. 1 1865 near Lynchburg, Virginia)FindAGrave, via WWW, June 20, 2017 (Mary Rozanna Claytor Steptoe)
Utah History Encyclopedia, via WWW, Apr. 12, 2017 (U.S. Military Academy; graduated 1837; Indian conflict in Florida 1838-1842; Mexican war; brevet leiutenant colonel; 1854 assignment in western U.S.; winter in Utah; appointed by Pierce as governer; declined; fought in Washington Territory; injured 1858; sick leave; resigned 1861)
Found in 2 Collections and/or Records:
Colonel Edward J. Steptoe and the events and circumstances which cause him to decline the governorship of Utah
Typewritten, 36-page research paper for Larry Porter's Church History 324 course. Bagley writes about Steptoe's refusal to accept the governorship of Utah in 1854.
Edward Jenner Steptoe letter
Handwritten letter on blue paper from Steptoe to Sydney Webster, personal secretary of President Franklin Pierce, written on the day Steptoe discovered his appointment as Governor of Utah Territory by President Pierce. In the letter, he enumerates his reservations about the job, praises Governor Brigham Young, expresses doubt about the efficacy of limiting polygamy, and comments generally on the political climate in Salt Lake City. Dated February 7, 1855.