Career
In 1864, soon after wealth came to him through inheritance from the McClintocks" oil, the orphan John Steele left the farm which he had inherited from his foster or adoptive family, the McClintocks, and began a lavish and picturesque life, rapidly spending his way through his fortune. He was often seen in Philadelphia riding in his carriage with "the picture of an oil derrick, an oil tank, and a flowing well" painted on its doors. Steele eventually sold his farm to William H. Wickham.
After his lavish life-style, Steele fell into bankruptcy.
He shuffled around, moving to the Mid-West, eventually becoming a railroad station agent. According to his autobiography, written in 1901, after his fall he was hounded by the public and the press and became a recluse to avoid them.
"The Ballad of Coal Oil Johnny" by Angela Nuzzo
There are numerous stories that still circulate in Pennsylvania about him. Aites, Richard West. 2007.
The Legend of Coal Oil Johnny. iUniverse: Lincoln, Nebraska
His house has been preserved and moved. According to his autobiography, a brand of soap was named after him, much to his dislike.
