Sir Samuel B. Steele (1851 - 1919) Inducted 1966

Born at Purbrook, near Orillia, Samuel B. Steele was the son of Captain Elmes Steele, a retired navy captain. At the age of 19, he joined the Red River expedition and three years later signed up with the newly formed North West Mounted Police, who were to preserve law and order in the West, which was a huge territory.

The life of the police was an arduous one - patrolling of the plains, controlling of the desperado, enduring bitter winters and scorching summers. Steele was a big man and exceptionally strong. He was also a superb tactician, diplomat and detective.

A legend grew up around the brawny frontiersman and the Mounted Police. At the time of the Klondike Gold Rush, it was because of Steele there was so little lawlessness in Western Canada, as he had jurisdiction over all of the Yukon and British Columbia.

He served with distinction in the Boer War in South Africa. In 1915, he went to England as Major General in command of the 2nd Canadian Division and was knighted for his services.

He died in London in 1919 and is buried in Winnipeg. The building at 30 Peter Street South, which formerly housed the post office and police department, has been named The Sir Sam Steele Memorial Building.