Born in Ogle county. Illinois, on the 23nd of October, 1856, son of Samuel and Ellen (Graham) Stewart. He was only thirteen years of age when his parents located in Iowa, so that practically his entire life has been spent in Polk county, in the district schools of which he acquired his preliminary education, which was later supplemented by three terms at Simpson College, Indianola. After completing his courses he began teaching school following the vocation in the winter and farming in the summer until 1882, at which time the town of Grimes was incorporated. Subsequent to this event he established a drug store in the new town which he conducted most successfully for seventeen years, and then he sold out and engaged in banking. Mr. Stewart was instrumental in the organization of the Grimes Canning & Preserving Company. He also assisted in the organization of the Farmers Mutual Telephone Company in 1902. Mr. Stewart married Miss Ella A. McKee in September, 1884. He was elected to represent Polk county in the Twenty-third General Assembly, 1890. He and his wife were members of the Presbyterian Church.