My Genealogy Hound

JAMES F. STEWART, who is now living in Yellow Springs, Greene County, having retired from the more arduous labors of life was born in Clark County, where he lived for many years. His labors there were crowned with success in the accumulation of a goodly share of this world’s goods, and were not without their influence over his fellow-men as an example of strict morality, true religion and usefulness in various departments of life. In 1886 he became a resident of Yellow Springs, occupying a cozy residence which he. had erected, and where he and his estimable wife enjoy pleasant intercourse with their many friends.

The parents of our subject were James and Jane (Elder) Stewart, natives of Pennsylvania, whence they removed to the Buckeye State in 1811. They located in Hamilton County, but after a residence of three years sold out and changed their location to Clark County, where they spent the remainder of their lives. Both were members of the United Presbyterian Church, and possessed noble characteristics which their offspring love to remember, and to which their children owe much of their own uprightness and usefulness. Mr. Stewart was Treasurer of the church to which he belonged for many years, held a similar office in the township for fifteen years, and was an earnest advocate of good schools. He held a prominent place among the farmers of the vicinity, his landed estate at one time amounting to five hundred acres. He breathed his last in 1857, his wife surviving until 1863. Their family comprised ten children, he of whom we write being the fourth in order of birth. The others were: Elijah, now deceased; Robert, who died in infancy; Ann, the widow of Samuel Barnett; Mary, the widow of David Millen; Eliza, the wife of Harvey Jobe; John, whose home is in Nebraska; Susannah, deceased; David who occupies the homestead; and Adeline, the widow of William Caruthers.

The gentleman with whose name this sketch is introduced was born on the old homestead in Green Township, Clark County, December 6, 1818. He attended the subscription schools and acquired an excellent common-school education, to which, having a desire for information, he has added a knowledge of general topics and current events throughout his life. He remained with his father until twenty-five years of age, his parent having given him one hundred and twenty-five acres of land, with the understanding that while he remained at home he should have half the proceeds, but that he should pay $50 the first year and $100 the following five years, in order to secure the deed of the property. He did so, and believes the lesson of prudence and self-help which he learned was the best to fit him for his after life and its duties.

Among the schoolmates and childish friends of James F, Stewart, was one for whom his regard deepened as they grew to manhood and womanhood, and whom he desired as a companion in a closer relation than that of friends. After a successful wooing they were united in marriage December 12, 1843, and at once took up their abode on their own land, having only the farm and the energy of their natures as their capital in life. Mrs. Stewart bore the maiden name of Sarah Jane Bogle, and was born November 25, 1824, receiving an excellent education in the common schools. Her parents, James and Sarah (Stewart) Bogle, were natives of Pennsylvania and Maryland, respectively, and came to Ohio at an early day. They were the parents of seven children who grew to maturity. Mr. Bogle was a farmer of considerable prominence.

On the farm where they began their wedded life, Mr. and Mrs. Stewart remained forty-one years, leaving it only for the home which they now occupy. The homestead was placed under excellent improvement and cultivation, and added to until the acreage amounted to one hundred and fifty. Mr. Stewart also owns a well-tilled farm of two hundred and twelve acres in Jennings County, Ind., and two hundred and fifty well-improved acres in Wilson County, Kan.; his realty also includes some fine residence property in Springfield and in Yellow Springs. The income from these various pieces of property is considerable, and insures the couple all the comforts of life, together with an opportunity to exercise their hospitality and benevolence upon many worthy objects. They have never been blessed with children, and expend the affection of their natures upon their fellow-men, especially manifesting their loving kindness to those in need.

In 1861 Mr. Stewart began keeping a diary and has kept up the practice ever since, it being a source of practical benefit as well as of pleasure. He and his wife are members of the United Presbyterian Church, his connection with that body dating from 1844. He has been an Elder for over forty years, and is now Treasurer of the congregation, having held that office for some years. Both are active in the Sunday-school department, having been teachers for years, and he has held the office of Superintendent for sixteen years. In educational affairs also, Mr. Stewart has been actively interested, as he has been in matters political. He affiliated with the Republican party until Cleveland’s election to the Presidency, since which time he has been a Prohibitionist. He was Clerk of Green Township, Clark County, for several years, and Trustee of the same at the time of the Civil War and for years thereafter. During the war he belonged to the militia, which was ordered out, but on reaching Springfield he hired a substitute and returned to his home. Although somewhat advanced in years, both Mr. and Mrs. Stewart are in good health, and it is hoped that their useful and honored lives will yet be spared many years.

A lithographic portrait* of Mr. Stewart may be found elsewhere in the Album.

*A portrait was included in the original printed volume.