Born in Ohio Co., Ind., in 1824. He received an education such as was to be had at the common schools. At the age of 14, he determined to learn the printer's trade, and served an apprenticeship of two and one-half years, after which his services being required at home, he returned there. He remained until 1849 and embarked for California via New Orleans and the Isthmus. After a journey of six months, he arrived at San Francisco in the spring of 1850. After mining for two years, he returned to Indiana, and September, 1852, came to Muscatine Co., Iowa, where he engaged in farming. On Sept. 6, 1855, he married Elizabeth, daughter of Valentine and Mary Woods, of that county, from Indiana. In the fall after their marriage, they removed to Lee Co. Mr. Stewart has served as Justice Peace for several years, and, in 1871 was elected to represent his county the State Legislature.