CHARLES
STEWART, one of the self-made men and esteemed citizens of the County of
Kent, now a retired farmer of the township of Harwich, residing on
Concession 5, Lot 15, was born October 66th, 1830, in Appin,
Argyllshire, Scotland.
William
and Catherine (Hastie) Stewart, his parents, were both born in
Argyllshire, and he is a descendant of the historic house of Appin and
Ardsheil. His father died in Jamaica, where he went to seek his
fortune, in 1842. The mother died in Scotland when their two sons,
Charles and Duncan, were but lads. Duncan still resides with his family
in Scotland, and is a leading business man of his community. In 1882 he
visited his only brother in Canada, and the reunion was very pleasant.
Charles
Stewart was eleven years of age when, in 1841, he started for the home
of his uncle, Duncan Johnson, who lived in Canada. The long journey was
made on a sailing-vessel to New York, and thence he came to Buffalo by
way of the Erie Canal, finally reaching the County of Kent by boat
across Lake Erie. He was employed by his uncle until he started in life
for himself. After earning the means he purchased 100 acres of wild
land, erected a little log cabin in the woods, and in 1850 married
Harriet Douglass, who died one year afterward, leaving one child,
Harried, born in 1851. She is now the widow of Samuel Rouse, of
Chatham, and has two children, Gertrude A. and Victoria Alma, and one
child, Grace, is deceased. Mrs. Stewart was a daughter of Dr. Douglass,
who lived and died in Scotland, she and two sisters coming to Canada
when young.
Soon
after the death of his wife Mr. Stewart sold his first homestad, but
continued to live in Harwich. In 1875 he married Mary J. Sloan, who was
born October 14th, 1843, in Tilbury, daughter of Samuel and Martha
(Cowan) Sloan, old pioneer settlers of Tilbury, who were natives of
Ireland. They lived in Tilbury until 1854, when they purchased Mr.
Stewart’s farm in Harwich, where Mr. Sloan died in 1888, his wife still
survives. Mrs. Stewart grew to womanhood in Harwich, where she was
educated. She is the eldest of a family of fourteen children, twelve of
whom are still living. In 1876 Mr. Stewart purchased his present home
on Concession 5. At that time the land was still wild, but he soon
erected a comfortable frame house and commodious barns, and with vigor
started in clearing up his second farm. Fro the past twenty-seven years
he has occupied this place, all the time improving it, and there are few
100-acre farms to be found in Canada which are more highly improved or
more carefully cultivated than this beautiful one of Mr. Stewart’s.
Children as follows have come to Mr. and Mrs. Stewart: William A., born
Christmas Day, 1876,who has been thoroughly educated both at home and at
Chatham, now owns and operates an adjoining farm, presented to him by
his father, and is one of the most worthy young men of the township;
Samuel J., born in February, 1879, assists in the management of the home
farm; Martha C., born in October, 1881, and Kate E., born in August,
1883, are refined and intelligent young ladies, prominent in Harwich
society; and Charles A., born in June, 1885, resides at home. Both Mr.
and Mrs. Stewart are members of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Stewart
has been one of its strong supporters, and for many years was one of the
officers of St Paul’s Presbyterian Church of Chatham, of which he was
one of the founders, and is now an elder.
Like
all intelligent men, Mr. Stewart has taken a deep interest in public
matters. He is identified with the Reform party and has filled a number
of local offices. For many years he encouraged educational work, was
instrumental in the building of schools in the township, and has very
capably filled the office of school trustee. He is a man of more than
ordinary ability, and possesses a mind well stored with useful
knowledge. His early years were filled with hard work, but he always
found time not only to cultivate his mind, but also to cultivate a
kindness of demeanor which has marked him through life. Naturally Mr.
Stewart has many friends. His pleasant smile and hearty handshake make
him a welcome guest in any circle. His upright character and sterling
honesty entitle him to be called a representative man, one to whom his
fellow citizens point with pride. He has always been a successful
agriculturist, and his fine farm is an example not only of his industry,
but also of the excellend methods which he has pursued. The family is
held in the highest esteem all through the County of Kent, and is noted
for thrift, intelligence and integrity, as were the forefathers for
their courage and loyalty.
p. 142,
143
