STEWART, John W. - 1890 Bio (1839-1909)

STEWART, FLETCHER, SWAIN, HUFF, CASE

Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 8/29/2007 at 17:21:47

Portrait and Biographical Album of Jefferson and Van Buren Counties, Iowa, Printed 1890 by Lake City Publishing Co., Chicago
Pages 449-450

J. W. STEWART, a farmer and stock-raiser of Polk Township, Jefferson County, residing on section 27, claims Ohio as the State of his nativity, his birth having occurred in Richland County in 1839. In a family of four children he was the eldest and the parents were Samuel and Eliza (FLETCHER) STEWART, the former a native of Ohio, and the latter of Virginia. They were married in the Buckeye State, where Mr. STEWART continued his farming operations until 1851, when he moved with his family to Van Buren County, Iowa, and purchased a partially improved farm. Four years later, however, he left the West and made a location in Fauquier County, Va., where he carried on agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred in 1862. His wife continued there to reside until she also received the final summons, her death occurring in February, 1876. There are one son and two daughters of the family yet living, the daughters being Mrs. Elizabeth SWAIN, of Fairfield and Mrs. Maranda HUFF, of Orleans, Neb.

The son, whose name heads this sketch, spent his boyhood days in Ohio, Iowa and Virginia. He was a lad of twelve years when he left his native State and became a resident of Van Buren County, Iowa, and at the age of fifteen years we find him with his parents, living in Fauquier County, Va., where he attained to man's estate. His time was spent in a manner not unlike that of most farmer lads and after attaining his majority, he embarked in farming for himself. He was married in Fauquier County, Va., in 1867, to Miss Elizabeth M. CASE, a native of Ohio and a daughter of Adam and Margaret (STEWART) CASE. Her father was born in New Jersey and her mother in Ohio. He came to Jefferson County, Iowa, in 1855, and for some years engaged in merchandising in Farifield, where he ranked among the leading business men. His death occurred in January, 1873. He took quite an active part in political affairs, supporting the Republican party and was an influential citizen in the community. His wife died the year of their removal to this county.

Mr. STEWART continued his farming operations in Virginia until 1876, when he too came to Fairfield. He spent the winter in that city and the following spring purchased an improved farm of one hundred and sixty acres. That quarter section is now one of the most highly improved in the township. Everything necessary to a model farm may there be seen; it is provided with good buildings and the home with its entire surroundings gives evidence of the capability and industry of him who has its operation in charge. The home is blessed with the presence of seven children, four sons and three daughters, as follows: Frank, Madge, Charles, Edward, George, Hattie and Helen. The parents are both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of Abingdon, and to all social, moral and educational interests, Mr. STEWART is a warm friend. As a member of the School Board, he has done efficient service for education by advancing the grade of schools and providing teachers who are capable of discharging the duties of the profession. As every true American citizen should do, he feels and manifests an interest in political affairs and casts his ballot for the Republican party.

*Transcribed for genealogy purposes; I have no relation to the person(s) mentioned.