History of Wexford County, MI. Compiled by John H. Wheeler Published in 1903 by B. F. Bowen Biography Page 103 - 104

JOSEPH STEWART

Joseph Stewart, who resides in Clam township, Wexford county, is one of the citizens of Michigan who have crossed the border from the Dominion. He was born in the county of Ontario, Canada, on the 15th of April, 1851, and is a son of John Stewart, who died in that country when more than eighty years of age. His mother bore the maiden name of Ann Thornell, and, surviving her husband for a time, passed away in Canada at the very advanced age of eighty-five years. They were the parents of eight children, of whom Joseph Stewart is the fifth in order of birth. In the county of his nativity Joseph Stewart was reared and the public schools afforded him his educational privileges. His training in business was received upon his father's farm, where he early became conversant with the practical methods of producing good crops and caring for stock. He has been connected with no other occupation during his entire life. Entering upon his business career in Canada, he there engaged in farming until his removal to Wexford county, Michigan, which occurred in the spring of 1888. On his arrival here he took up his abode upon his present farm in Clam Lake township, and now he has a valuable property, which is indicative of his careful supervision and enterprising spirit. He has erected a very pleasant brick farm residence and good barns and all the other necessary outbuildings, and he owns eighty acres of land, most of which is cultivated. The passerby can see at a glance that the owner is a man of practical ideas and that neatness and thrift are characteristics of his work. Ere leaving Canada Mr. Stewart was united in marriage, in Ontario county, to Miss Esther Newson, who was born in that county, a daughter of William Newson, of Ontario, who is now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Stewart have become the parents of four children, of whom the eldest, Anna is now the wife of Thomas Nichols. William wedded Miss Mabel Nixon. Eliza is the wife of Victor Gurnet, and Ethel is still under the paternal roof. Mr. Stewart and his family are widely and favorably known in the county, having gained many warm friends, who hold them in high regard. Mr. Stewart is member of the board of reviews in Clam Lake township, and is also serving as supervisor of the Hobart school. Realizing the value of education as a preparation for life's practical duties, the schools have ever found in him a warm friend, and he has put forth every effort in his power to secure good teachers and raise the standard of education here. He and his wife are earnest, consistent Christians, holding membership with the Baptist church, and their lives and influence have been potent factors in its growth and progress. Mr. Stewart is deeply interested in the material, social, intellectual and moral advancement of his community. He has so lived as to command the respect and good will of all with whom he has come in contact, and he is now classed among the leading representatives of agricultural interests here. In his business career he has placed his dependence, not upon speculation or fortunate combination of circumstances, but upon perseverance, labor and sound judgment, and upon these he has builded his prosperity.