William O. Steele

William Owen Steele (December 22, 1917 – June 25, 1979) was an American author from Tennessee.

Early life
William O. Steele was born on December 22, 1917, in Franklin, Tennessee. He was the son of Isore Steele and Susie Lee. He spent a large amount of his youth exploring the woods around his home. This led to an interest in the history of the area and of its pioneers. He attended Cumberland University.

Career
He became the author of thirty-nine books. He wrote his historical adventure stories in his home on Signal Mountain, Tennessee, which was the setting for many of his fiction stories. His book, The Perilous Road, which was published in 1958, won the Newbery Honor in 1959. Winter Danger earned the Lewis Carroll Shelf Award in 1962.

Personal life
He was married to another author, Mary Quintard Govan.

Death
He died on June 25, 1979, at the age of 61.