My Genealogy Hound

Below is a family biography included in Portrait and Biographical Record of Berrien and Cass Counties, Michigan published by Biographical Publishing Company in 1893.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

* * * *

G. FRANK STEWART is a man of more than ordinary intelligence, energy and force of character, and for the upright and honorable career he has led he is held in universal respect and esteem. His life has been rather an uneventful one, but while he has continued to pursue the even tenor of his way, he has been a deep reader and thinker, and every important question of the day is given his earnest attention. As a farmer he has attained an enviable reputation, for in conducting his operations he has brought his good sense and his practical views to bear, and as a result has accumulated a fair share of this world’s goods.

Mr. Stewart is a native of Van Buren County, Mich., born in Paw Paw in the year 1843, and was one of the first children born in the county. His parents, Archibald and Eliza A. (Tanner) Stewart, were natives respectively of Pennsylvania and New York, and their nuptials were celebrated in the latter State. The father was a practical mechanic and followed his trade in the Empire State until about 1838, when he decided that he could improve his chances in the far West. He brought his family to Michigan, located in Paw Paw and there worked at his trade with much success for some time. Later he removed to Watervliet, and there continued his former occupation until about 1861, when he went to Coloma, where he resided until his death. He was a man possessed of an unusual amount of energy and determination, and in every walk of life he acquitted himself with honor and renown.

The marriage of Mr. Stewart was blessed by the birth of eight children, as follows: Helen M., wife of Dr. Marvin, of Covert, Mich.; William E., who is proprietor and editor of the Sentinel at South Haven; G. Frank, our subject; Archibald, of Coloma, Mich.; Eliza, wife of Edwin R. Havens, of Lansing, this State; Charles H., who died about 1885; and Lucy D., wife of Charles Merrifield, of Chicago. These children all grew to manhood and womanhood and became law-abiding and much-esteemed citizens. The second child died in infancy. The original of this sketch was the fourth child in order of birth and grew to manhood in Paw Paw Township. In the year 1862 he enlisted in Company I, Nineteenth Michigan Infantry. He was mustered in as Corporal September 5, 1862; appointed Sergeant January 15, 1864; appointed First Sergeant July 2, 1864, and was promoted to be First Lieutenant January 11, 1865. He commanded Company F from March 30, 1865, until mustered out of service. He joined the Army of the Cumberland, and was with Gens. Rosecrans and Sherman in the march to the sea, participating in the engagements at Spring Hill, Resaca, Carsville, New Hope Church, Culp’s Farm, Golgotha, Peach Tree Creek, siege of Atlanta, Avreysboro, Bentonville, up through the Carolinas, and was present at the Grand Review at Washing ton. He was fearless in the discharge of duty and fought bravely for the Old Flag.

After cessation of hostilities Mr. Stewart returned to Bainbridge, Berrien County, Mich., and in the year 1866 was married to Miss Henrietta L. Beyers, daughter of Martin Beyers, one of Berrien County’s oldest and most respected citizens. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Stewart; Stella A., A. N., Mabel G., Henry M. and Charles E. A. Mr. Stewart served two terms as Clerk of Bainbridge, and in the spring of 1885 he was elected Supervisor of Bainbridge Township, an office he has held successively since. He is a Republican in politics and an active worker for his party. To all enterprises that tend to the development and growth of the country Mr. Stewart extends a helping hand, and he is very social, friendly and accommodating. He was Postmaster at Bainbridge from October 12, 1868, until August 26, 1874. He is a member of the Grand Army Post at Coloma, and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Bainbridge. Mr. Stewart has passed all the chairs in the Keeler, Covert and Bainbridge lodges, and represented each lodge in the Grand Lodge of the State.

* * * *

This family biography is one of numerous biographies included in the Portrait and Biographical Record of Berrien and Cass Counties, Michigan published in 1893. 

View additional Berrien County, Michigan family biographies here: Berrien County, Michigan Biographies

View a map of 1911 Berrien County, Michigan here: Berrien County Michigan Map

Use the links at the top right of this page to search or browse thousands of other family biographies.