My Genealogy Hound

DAVID STEEN, coal-merchant, Putnam, was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, in 1815, a son of William Steen (a farmer) and Rachel (Mickman) Steen. He was left an orphan at the age of three years, but was cared for by an uncle, with whom he remained until twelve years of age. At that time, accompanied by an older sister, he came to America, landing in Philadelphia, where they remained two years. From the Quaker City David came direct to Pittsburgh, in 1829, then a town having but two principal streets, and here for three years he was employed driving a dray. He then commenced mercantile business at the corner of Washington and Webster streets, where he remained eighteen years. After that he opened a general merchandise store in the country, and continued same four years; was three years engaged in the coal business at Osceola, and in 1865 came to Mansfield and purchased his present house and ten acres of land. He still continues in the business, and by his strict attention and long experience has become a successful operator. He ships direct to the markets on his own cars. Mr. Steen married, in 1840, Mary Dickson, daughter of Thomas Dickson, of Ireland, and seven children were the result of this marriage, five yet living: William John, Thomas D., James B., Margaret (Mrs. Walker), Rachel (Mrs. Blackmore). Mr. Steen superintends the coal business, ably assisted by his sons. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church; politically a republican.