John Steel of the Parish of Little Dunkeld Perthshire,

The accompanying text in the volume states as follows:

"The sturdy beggar, of whom this is a likeness at the advanced age of one hundred and nine years, resided, as intimated on the Print, in the parish of Little Dunkeld, Perthshire. He was a man of uncommon strength, and was usually designated Steele Dhu, or Black Steele. He lived in a manner at free quarters - helping himself without scruple to whatever he required-few of his neighbours daring to come into angry collision with him. He was originally, we believe, a sort of blacksmith or tinker, and used to frequent fairs and markets, vending fire-irons and other articles of his own manufacture.

His children, like himself, were remarkable for their strength. He had two daughters, each of whom, it is said, could carry a load of turf from the hill sufficient for the back of a horse."