Milford “Mike” Steele

1902 - 1986
Boulder

Milford Byron “Mike” Steele was born on April 17, 1902, at the Ed P. Steele Ranch in Boulder. Mike married Hannah Ellen Allen. Three children were born to their union. The family’s first recorded beef drive took place in November 1922. The cattle were driven by Mike Steele, John Steele, and J.H. Hawkins from Boulder to Rock Springs, around 100 miles, to the railroad to be loaded and shipped to Denver. The Desert Horse Growers Association was formed about 1917 when Mike Steele was riding for the association. In the spring the cowboys went south to Pacific Springs to gather the horses and drive them toward the East Fork River. Mike would leave with the riders and his mother would put his bedroll in the wagon when it came by their ranch. After calving and branding the cattle were then trailed to the BLM allotment that at one point went south almost to Farson. He was Foreman and Wagon Boss of East Fork Roundup Wagon 1929 to 1930 and Brand Inspector from 1962 through 1983. Mike died July 25, 1986.