A reference librarian at Elmira's Steele Public Library is
trying to discover whether Joel Dorman Steele and Samuel Clemens
were socially acquainted.

Steele lived in Elmira from 1866 to 1886. He was an educator and
successful textbook author, and his wife, Esther Baker Steele,
established the town's public library in his name. (More
information about Steele can be found at
http://www.ccld.lib.ny.us/steelbio.htm ). - He was not found in
Mark Twain in Elmira, published by the Mark Twain Society in
1977, nor in other consulted references.

Both of us will appreciate any clues on this acquaintanceship,
or lack of it.

Justine Roberts