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         JOHN C. STEWART, now a resident of Morning Sun, is a respected pioneer of Louisa County. He is a native of Maryland, and was born at Williamsport, Washington County, on the 19th of September, 1814. His father was William Stewart, whose parents were from Ireland, and his mother was Rebecca Crumly, who was of German descent. Our subject, though born in Maryland, spent most of his boyhood days in Virginia, and his occupation was that of a farmer, as it has been most of the time through life. His educational advantages were very limited, his school days being confined to a few weeks’ attendance at the district school in the winter. After attaining his majority he went to Harrison County, Ohio, where he remained a few years, and then went to Licking County. In the month of April, 1843, he was united in marriage with Miss Jane Patterson, a native of Ohio, and five years later they came to Louisa County, Iowa, where Mr. Stewart entered 160 acres of land on section 7, Wapello Township. He immediately began improving his farm, and in connection with that labor, in company with John Myers, he made brick with which to build a small house.

To Mr. and Mrs. Stewart have been born nine children, eight of whom are yet living. The three oldest were born in Ohio, and the remaining six in this county. Emma A. is now the wife of F. G. Anderson, and resides in Wapello; Mary F. wedded William Vertrees, of Morning Sun; Omer F. is a commercial traveler, and resides in Morning Sun; Margaret R., now Mrs. Young, is living in Leon, Iowa; Elizabeth, now Mrs. Huffman, is living in Morning Sun; Lillie is the wife of H. W. Spaulding, of Omaha, Neb.; Ora wedded George D. Miller, also of Omaha; Jessie is the wife of W. B. Moffett, of Morning Sun; and William died at the age of fourteen. Mrs. Stewart departed this life in February, 1888, since which time Mr. Stewart has made his home with Mrs. Moffett. She was for many years a consistent member of the United Presbyterian Church. Mr. Stewart has been a life-long Republican in politics, and his first Presidential vote was cast for William Henry Harrison. He has not aspired to political distinction himself, though he has served his township as a Trustee, and has ever been ready and willing to assist in the management of any worthy public enterprise. He has for many years been a member and liberal supporter of the United Presbyterian Church. An honest Christian gentleman, he enjoys the respect and confidence of his fellow-citizens.