George J. Stewart 1842 - 1908

STEWART, VALENTINE

Posted By: deb (email)
Date: 5/22/2014 at 20:43:03

George J. Stewart died yesterday morning at 7:15 o'clock at Burlington hospital. Some three years ago Mr. Stewart suffered a paralytic stroke. At one time it seemed as if he were going to recover, but of late his condition had grown worse, and it was apparent that the end was drawing near.
The death of George J. Stewart will be none the less regretted by practically everybody in Burlington. A successful and highly honorable business career of almost forty years is thus brought to a close. Of a kindly disposition, always ready to listen to the cry of distress, sympathetic and honorable in every sense of the word, George Stewart will be held in kindly remembrance.
He was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, December 15, 1842, came to this country when but sixteen months old, the family locating in Peoria, Ill., where young George received a good education. In 1862 he enlisted in the One Hundred and Fourteenth Illinois volunteer infantry and during the following three years he rendered his country valiant service, taking part in many of the hard-fought battles of the civil war in the west. He passed all through these battles unscathed, and, after receiving his discharge he went to St. Louis, where he learned the plumber's trade. In 1867 he came to Burlington where he worked at his trade until 1869 when he associated himself with William F. Hayden, establishing the business which survives him, and of which he has been the controlling spirit these thirty-nine years. Mr. Hayden died in May 1903, but his estate is still represented in the business.
George Stewart was a republican in politics, but had never held public office. He was a member of the First M.E. church, a man who carried his religion into his everyday life. He was a member of the Matthias post of the G.A.R., and always took prominent part in the work of that organization.
In 1870 Mr. Stewart was married to Miss Anna E. Valentine, of Keosauqua, Ia., who survives him. Of the five children who came to bless this union, three preceded the father to the better land. The survivors are Mrs. W.B. Pilger of this city, and Mrs. Charles Duffy, of Macon, Mo.
The funeral will be held from the residence, No. 316 South Gunnison street, to-morrow (Wednesday) morning at 10 o'clock. Friends are invited. The interment will be private.