My Genealogy Hound

THOMAS R. STEWART. Among the successful agriculturists who have contributed materially to the cultivation and development of township 7, Randolph County, we may well mention the name just given, for none are better known for industry and devotion to duty, as well as for the intelligent management of his affairs, than Thomas R. Stewart. He has been a resident of this county all his life, being born in Chester Precinct, April 25, 1841. The Stewarts are of Scotch descent.

The father of our subject, William Stewart, was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, and came to the Prairie State when a young man. He married Miss Nancy, daughter of Lott and Johanna (Hay) Douglas, who were natives of Scotland, and their union resulted in the birth of five children, all of whom are deceased with the exception of our subject and his sister Johanna. The latter is the wife of Charles Rupert and makes her home in Chester Precinct.

When a lad of nine years, Thomas R., of this sketch, was deprived of the care of his father, and he continued to aid his mother in carrying on the home farm, thus supporting the family until reaching his seventeenth year. At that time he went to work for his uncle, Adam Douglas, who lived in this township, and while there was permitted to attend school during the winter season for three years. When twenty years of age, he was very desirous of doing what he could toward preserving the union of the states and enlisted in Company 1, Tenth Illinois Infantry, and was mustered into service at Cairo, under Col. James D. Morgan. He was engaged in many hard fought battles of that period and was present at Shiloh and Corinth. He was with Sherman on his march to the sea, and when mustered out of service, in July, 1865, had been promoted to be Sergeant.

After the close of hostilities Mr. Stewart returned to his home in this county, and engaged to work on the farm of Isaac Russ, by whom he was employed for three years. At the end of that time he purchased property of his own, and has since engaged in tilling the soil, in which he has been more than ordinarily successful. He has been identified with the advancement of his home interests for many years, and, widely known, is highly esteemed for his business ability and sterling integrity of character.

In May, 1867, our subject was married to Miss Debby, daughter of Levi Moore, and of their union five children have been born. Clara, who married D. Lorton, makes her home in Fayette County, this state; William T. resides with his parents; Mayetta is a type-writer in St. Louis; Levi is at home, and Eva is engaged in teaching school in Williamson County, this state. Mrs. Debby Stewart died September 27, 1876, and the lady to whom our subject was married October 23, 1879, was Miss Reky Zang. To them have been born seven children, of whom Virgil R., Robert T., Aaron Z. G., Blanchard, Emmitt E. and Olis L. are living.

A prominent Grand Army man, our subject is a member of Swanwick Post No. 212 at Chester, and until 1892 was a strong Republican in politics. He is now rather conservative, and henceforth will vote for the best man regardless of party.