Then in 1866 he came to San Antonio and entered the lumber business. He started his own business and became known for his Louisiana cypress and long-leaf Florida pine. His Lumber business rapidly expanded with the railroad in 1877. By 1882 he retired from active participation in the lumber business. His business is not currently in operation today.
He built his house on King William Street, along with other German immigrants, which came to symbolize their culture in frontier Texas. In his hopes of improving San Antonio he became Fair Association trustee, director of the San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railway and the Board of Trade, and chief volunteer of Volunteer Fire Company No.2.
Steves received a contract to pave Commerce Street with mesquite blocks. He also suggested that telephone, telegraph, and electric poles be removed and that cables be placed underground so as not to mar the beauty of the street. He gave the city a fountain for public use in Military Plaza. He owned the San Antonio racecourse and was a member of the Schuetzen Verein, the Turnverein, and the Casino Club. He died on April 20, 1890 and was buried in San Antonio
Bibliography:
The Handbook of Texas
Online: Steves, Edward