STEWART, ROBERT J.

STEWART, CLARK, JONES, SMITH

Posted By: Jean Kramer (email)
Date: 7/20/2003 at 18:11:03

Biography reproduced from page 226 of Volume II of the History of Kossuth County written by Benjamin F. Reed and published in 1913:

The identification of Robert J. Stewart with the state of Iowa dates back to the time when Indians roamed its hills and valleys and the present high state of civilization in this great state was not dreamed of. He owns one hundred and sixty acres of well improved land in Cresco township, Kossuth county, where he is a prominent and much respected citizen. He was born in Canada, February 22, 1868, a son of George and Mary (Clark) Stewart, the father a native of Scotland and the mother of Canada. The father at the age of twenty years emigrated to Canada and there bought land which he operated for several years. Disposing of his property in the dominion he came, in April, 1869, with his family to Kossuth county and purchased land on section 23, Riverdale township. His first purchase comprised one hundred and fifty acres and upon this land he made his home, erecting suitable improvements and bringing his farm under a high state of cultivation. He later purchased more land and at one time owned two hundred and thirty-eight acres. He operated this farm until the time of his death, which occurred July 4, 1899. His wife, who survives him, is sixty-seven years of age, and is at this writing visiting a daughter in Montana, but her home is with her children in Kossuth county.

Robert J. Stewart was reared and educated in Iowa, attending the district schools, and remained with is parents until he was of age. After attaining his majority he rented a farm, which he operated for seven years, after which he bought eighty acres in Riverdale township, upon which he lived for four years. He then sold his eighty acre tract and purchased one hundred and sixty acres in Cresco township where he operated for three years. He then sold that property and purchased another one hundred and sixty acre farm where he now resides. This farm he has finely improved and has operated it since it became his property.

Mr. Stewart was married December 9, 1891, to Miss Viola M. Jones, a daughter of Andrew J. and Martha (Smith) Jones, the father being a native of Maryland while the mother was born in Pennsylvania. The former came to Kossuth county at a very early day at the age of fifteen years, with his father, who entered government land. When the family was established in Iowa the state was in a very primitive condition and in fact the Indians were numerous at that early day. When the father attained manhood’s estate he went into the farming business on his own account, purchasing land which he operated until 1897, when he retired and removed to Algona, where he is now living at the age of seventy-one years. His wife also survives and has reached the age of sixty-eight years. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Stewart was born one son, George Jackson, whose birth occurred February 27, 1894.

In his political views Mr. Stewart is a democrat. The family affiliate with the Presbyterian church, rendering material assistance to that denomination. Mr. Stewart is one of the well known and successful farmers of his county. He has always given his attention strictly to business affairs, spending very little time with other matters, and as a result he has acquired a comfortable fortune, owning a splendidly improved farm which is in an excellent state of tillage. He has long been one of the most respected citizens of his community and among his friends and neighbors is held in high esteem