Did I wreck the steering shaft changing seal

Well, if you are stuck for getting a new steering box, chuck the housing up in a vise, take the cover off to gain access to the shaft. Get some "quality emery cloth" 220 to 320 grit and buff the shaft to remove the jagged edges of the damage "only." Clean the shaft completely with MEK or acetone. Mix up a small amount of JB weld (not JB quick) and work the mixture into the damaged area "only", making sure the mixture you apply is (reasonably)piled up above the damage. Using scotch tape (preferably) or masking tape, wrap the shaft (tightly) with a layer of tape. After the mixture is cured (I would wait 24 hours) remove the tape. (use some goo-gone to remove the tape residue) Using the emery cloth, buff the mixture to a point that only the filled damage can be seen. Smooth the jagged edges of the seal land on the cover, install a new seal, with a little Permatex on the outer edge of the seal. Coat the shaft with a little silicone, or Vaseline and install the cover. This could get you going again.
Norm