Biographical and historical memoirs of Mississippi, embracing an authentic and comprehensive account of the chief events in the history of the state and a record of the lives of many of the most worthy and illustrious families and individuals, Vol. II, Part 131

Author: Goodspeed Brothers
Publication date: 1891
Publisher: Chicago, Goodspeed
Number of Pages: 1314

USA > Mississippi > Biographical and historical memoirs of Mississippi, embracing an authentic and comprehensive account of the chief events in the history of the state and a record of the lives of many of the most worthy and illustrious families and individuals, Vol. II > Part 131

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BIOGRAPHICAL AND HISTORICAL

Kate V., and Fanny. Henry J., was a soldier in the Confederate army during the late war. The Stewart family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and are liberal in their support of enterprises deserving their patronage, and at all times manifest a very charitable and christian spirit. A paternal uncle of Isaac D. Stewart was presiding elder of the Meth- odist church and died about twenty-five years ago at Mount Pleasant, Iowa, having been a powerful and eloquent divine. Isaac D. Stewart was born on the 15th of December, 1852, and was educated at Fayette. On the 10th of April, 1889, having come to the conclusion that it is not good for man to live alone, he was married to Miss Josie J. Whitney, a daughter of Wesley Whitney, a planter of the county. She was born on the 4th of Novem- ber, 1867, and has borne her husband one child, a girl named Virgie. Mr. Stewart ranks among the most active business men of the county, is largely engaged in stock raising and has control or supervision of several extensive plantations. No man in the county is more universally respected and to know him is to have a high admiration for him, for he is pos- sessed of those sterling characteristics which make a true man. Genial and hospitable in his intercourse with those around him, he has a host of warm friends and very few, if any, enemies.

Col. James D. Stewart is an influential and well-known citizen of Jackson, Miss., and is of Scotch descent, his paternal great-grandfather, James Stewart, having been a fugitive from Scotland to South Carolina in 1745. After residing for some time in that state, he removed to Tennessee, of which he was one of the first settlers, and did his full share in the develop- ment of the section in which he lived. His son, James, was born on his plantation in Ten- nessee; was there reared and educated, and followed in the footsteps of his father, inasmuch as he made the calling of a planter his chief occupation throughout life. His efforts were rewarded by substantial success, and his latter days were spent in the enjoyment of a com- fortable competency. He died while on a visit to his sons in Mississippi, about the year 1826. His sou, William, the father of Col. James D. Stewart, was also born in Tennessee, but about 1805 he came to Mississippi, and, like many of his ancestors before him, began devoting his time and energies to planting, a calling to which he had been reared, and to which he was thoroughly adapted. He was of a very active and energetic temperament; and, possessing sound and practical views, he was very successful in the enterprises in which he engaged, and became very wealthy. He interested himself in, and was a liberal contributor to worthy enterprises, and became president of a branch of the Planters' bank at Woodville, Wilkinson county, which position he was filling at the time of his death in 1835. In this state he was married to Miss Frances M. Smith, whose ancestors were among the earliest settlers of Wilkinson county, Miss., her grandfather, Peter Smith, having emigrated to this state from South Carolina about 1785. He followed the life of a planter, and at his death, which occurred in 1837, at about the age of seventy years, he left a valuable estate and a large family of children to inherit it. Among his sons, Coatsworth Pinckney Smith became a noted lawyer, and became chief justice of the high court of errors and appeals. He died in 1862. Col. James D. Stewart was born in Wilkinson county, Miss., in 1824, the fourth of his parents' children. He was educated in the University of Virginia, from which institution he graduated in 1843, after which he continued the study of law at Cambridge, under Story & Greenleaf. Upon returning to his Mississippi home, he commenced the battle of life as a planter of Wilkinson county, and in 1850 was married to Miss Amanda Yerger, a daughter of George S. Yerger, a distinguished lawyer, and about 1852 moved to Hinds county. Three years later he took up his abode in the city of Jackson, and here practiced law for a short time. In 1863 he entered the Confederate army as chief of ordinance for Mississippi, receiv-

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ing his appointment from the governor, aud held this position until the close of the war. He is a veteran of the Mexican war also, having served in company B, Jefferson Davis' regi- ment. Although the Colonel has never been an office seeker, yet he has been prominent in the affairs of his section, and the people of Wilkinson early showed their appreciation of his ability by electing hiu to the lower house of the state legislature, in which body he was an active and useful member during 1850. In 1879 he was elected to the state senate from Hinds and Rankin counties, discharging his duties in 1880 and 1882; and during those years he introduced bills which became laws, one being an act to prevent prize-fighting, and another for the prevention of cruelty to animals, both of which were wise and humane measures. In 1878 he was elected president of the Howard association, soon after the organization of that society, and was one of its most active and useful members during the yellow-fever epidemic of 1878. He visited patients day and night during that dark period, being utterly fearless in regard to his own danger, and many owe their lives to his faithful and watchful care. In 1855 he was appointed registrar of the United States land office at Jackson, which position he efficiently filled for four years. Of nine children born to Colonel Stewart and wife, the following are living: Ida, wife of Percy Lemly, a leading grocer of Jackson; George Yerger, a druggist; William N., a physician of Louisiana; Noland, a physician in the employ of the government, and Amanda. The family are members of the Episcopal church.

William Stewart (deceased), one of the county's very early settlers and prominent citizens, was descended from the noble family in Scotland of that name. He came to North Carolina in 1730, with several children and was at that time a widower. Soon after locating near Raleigh he met Jannet Williamson, a former lady-love of his single days who had come a widow to the Carolinas with her children. This acquaintance was renewed and resulted in their marriage, and by this union a family was reared. Patrick Stuart, one of the elder sons of William was a tory during the Revolution and a captain in the British army, and Duncan Stewart refused to spell his name as his brothers, owing to differences in political views. Thus the name is spelled by the others Stewart. Patrick Stuart was progenitor of Capt. J. Madison Bachelor, now of Vicksburg, Miss., who is the only representative of that branch of the family, being the great-grandson of Patrick. Duncan, James and Charles were the other sons of William by his first marriage, and he had also two daughters. These were: Mrs. Ventress, grandmother of the Ventress Bros., of LaGrange, Wilkinson county, Miss., and Janet, wife of John Stewart, a native of Scotland, and a half-pay British captain, who on the king's birthday always appeared in full regimentals much to the disgust of the patriots of Woodville, Miss., on one occasion narrowly escaping violence at their hands. Captain Stewart and his wife left no issue. Duncan and James emigrated to Ten- nessee in about 1797 or 1798, and settled in the vicinity of Clarksville. Duncan Stewart came to Mississippi territory and settled in Wilkinson county in about 1808 or 1809, and located the Stewart plantation in the southeastern portion of the county, became very wealthy as a planter and one of the most prominent citizens. He had been a member of the legislature while in Tennessee, and afterward became surveyor-general and lieutenant governor of Mississippi. He was a man of more than ordinary ability, a thorough politician, a man of learning, was very generous in his habits, brave and fearless, notably honorable and well respected, with a brilliant mind, and as a debater of public affairs had few equals in the state. He died in 1815, aged sixty years. He entered the Revolution- ary army as a private, and was promoted to the rank of colonel; but owing to delicate health was compelled to quit the service before his undoubted military genius had time to develop

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itself. He was married to Penelope Jones, of North Carolina, daughter of Tignal Jones of that state, who was also a colonel in the Revolutionary army. Mrs. Stewart died February 25, 1843, aged sixty-four years.

By this union were born William (who died in infancy), Tignal Jones, James A., Charles D., Catherine, and Eliza. Tignal J., the eldest that lived to be grown, was well educated, and a man of fine attainments. He was elected state senator from this district, also to the house, where he was founder of the bill protecting the rights of married women in holding property, real estate, etc. He was a man of prominence, and one of this county's ablest and best citizens. He was honorable, generous and popular, and very fond of field sports, hunting, etc., and through it all, was a polished gentleman. He married Miss Sarah A. Randolph, daughter of Peter Randolph, United States district judge, of Mississippi, appointed by Andrew Jackson in 1823, and by this union was born two daughters, Sarah A. and Penelope. Sarah A. married William J. Fort, and owns a portion of the old home place. She now resides in Louis- iana, West Feliciana parish, and is very highly respected, and a cultured lady. She is a widow. Penelope is the widow of Charles L. Mathews, of the same parish, where she resides, com- fortable and happy. Tignal J., the father of these two daughters, died March 20, 1855. He was born April 20, 1800, in Tennessee. His widow is yet living with her daughter, Mrs. Fort, in her eighty-second year, an honored and respected lady, and one of the best of women, hospitable, kind, and loved for her many noble social qualities. James A., the second son of Duncan and Penelope Stewart, was born July 14, 1811, and died August 28, 1883. He was educated at Nashville, Tenn., and Troy, N. Y., and followed planting in Wilkinson county, where he became very prominent. He possessed fine business ability, and was dis- tinguished for his generosity. He became very wealthy and highly respected. He married Juliana Randolph, sister of Sarah, who married Tignal J. Stewart. She was a beautiful woman, of sprightly disposition, and possessed unusual social graces. She was educated by the wife of John James Audubon, the famous naturalist, and at the Convent Ursuline, at New Orleans. She is now living with her youngest daughter, Mrs. Simpson, both of whom are members of the Episcopal church. To James A. and Juliana Randolph were born nine children, seven of whom are yet living: Penelope J., widow of J. B. Sterling, at Leland, Miss., Duncan Stewart, who married Caroline, the daughter of Judge Edward and Mary Burruss McGehee, and lives at Laurel Hill, La., where Mr. Stewart is engaged in planting and raising fine stock, among which are Devonshire cattle, and a fine grade of horses. He is among the leading planters of the parish, and one of the most honored and respected citizens. He was reared in Wilkinson county, but his birth occurred October 7, 1836, at Bay St. Louis, Miss., while his parents were there spending the summer. He was educated at home by a private tutor, and at the University of Virginia, and for a time also attended Yale college. Returning home from school he managed a sugar plantation for his father in Pointe Coupee parish, La., until the breaking out of the war; he entered the secret service of the Confederacy during the latter part of the war.

Soon after the war he located at the present place, Laurel Hill stock farm. He is a member of the police jury of West Feliciana parish, which office he has held for many years. He was chairman of the democratic executive committee of the parish, which ended carpet- bag rule. He is a Master Mason of Woodville lodge, No. 63. To him and wife were born eight children, of whom two are deceased: George McGehee, Mary B. (who died aged nine- teen years), Louise F., Ida Randolph, Henry Martin, and Eugenia McGehee, Kate B. (deceased), and Edward McGehee. The family are highly esteemed, and enjoy a pleasant home. The third child of James A. is Catherine, the wife of J. Burruss McGehee, one of

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the prominent and leading citizens of West Feliciana parish, La., and a son of Judge Edward McGehee. They have one son, J. Stewart McGeliee, who lives on the Bowling Green plantation. Tignal J., the fourth child of James A. and Juliana Stewart, was a highly respected and educated gentleman, and served during the late war in the Confederate army, in the Washington artillery of New Orleans, and was commissioned lieutenant on Deering's staff during the latter part of the war. He married Mary Heyward, and now lives in New Orleans. Rosa Stewart, the fifth child of James A., was married first to St. Clair Suther- land, of Maryland, a near relative of the Knickerbocker family of New York, and secondly to her present husband, Capt. Hiram Sharp, of Alabama. They reside on a part of the old home place. She is a lady of fine social attainments, very highly cultured and a fine con- versationalist. Henry M., the sixth child of James A. and Juliana, was drowned in the Mississippi river from a burning boat, while trying to save a lady passenger, at the age of twenty-one years. He was a soldier in the late war in the Thirty-eight Mississippi regiment, was twice wounded and was distinguished for his bravery and coolness. He always kept his gun loaded, and when ordered by a superior officer to shoot a prisoner, he avoided the murder by stating that his gun was not loaded to shoot unarmed prisoners. He was the only man in the company who was known to have a loaded gun. He was a brave and daring soldier, and was loved and respected. Cornelia Randolph, the seventh child born to James A. and Juliana, a very beautiful and highly cultured lady, is the wife of Dr. Albert Bachelor, of Pointe Coupee parish, La. Ida, the eighth child born to James A. and Juliana, married Lenox Simpson, of Washington, D. C., a nephew of the celebrated Jurist Lenox, of Wash- ington. She is a highly cultured and attractive lady, now a widow. She and her mother travel a great portion of the time and own valuable property in Birmingham, Ala. Charles Duncan, the third son of Duncan and Penelope Stewart, was highly educated and settled in Pointe Coupee parish, La., where he became wealthy. He married Julia Black, daughter of Judge Black, who became United States senator.

They have a son John Black Stewart, who has distinguished himself as an author favorably known as " Archibald Clavering Gunter," and who resides in New York city. He is the author of "Mr. Barnes of New York," "Mr. Potter of Texas," "That Frenchman," "Miss Nobody of Nowhere," "Small Boys in big Boots," "The Daughters of America," "Ten Nights in Rome," and several others. "Mr. Barnes of New York," was dramatized and brought out under the management of Frank W. Sanger, of the Broadway theatre, New York, aud is one of the most successful plays now on the stage. The above novels have had, and are yet having, a phenomenal sale. "Mr. Barnes of New York," had, in 1889, reached its one hundred and ninetieth thousand, "Mr. Potter of Texas," its one hundred and fiftieth thousand, "Miss Nobody of Nowhere," its seventieth thousand, and the others in large numbers. "Small Boys in big Boots," a story for children, became at once very popular and had a large sale. His writings are characterized by vigor, boldness of conception, originality, are never dull, always singularly fresh and sparkling, and are filled with unexpected and powerful dramatic effect. The press of the United States is unanimous in his praises. Even the Thunderer, the great Times of London, England, of November 4, 1SS, says of him: "Mr. Gunter's books are more read than perhaps those of any other living writer." He married a highly accomplished lady, from New Jersey, Miss Elizabeth Luzby. Charles D., died in 1886, aged seventy-three years and in his middle life lost a great deal of his property by losing his eyesight, but the excellent management of his estimable wife regained the fortune. Catherine, the fourth child born to Duncan and Penelope, married Judge Harry Cage, by whom she had two sons, Albert and Duncan. Catherine died February 12, 1829,

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aged twenty-four years, four months and nine days. Her two sons served in the Mexican war, and in the late war, Duncan as colonel and Albert as captain. They were well to do planters before the war, both of whom have since died leaving large familes, now living in Louisiana. Eliza, the fifth child born to Duncan and Penelope Stewart, and the wife of Col. W. S. Hamilton, died in 1870. She had a large family, most of them deceased. Mr. Hamilton was of excellent parentage and highly respected. His son, Col. Jones S. Hamilton, held the office of sheriff in Wilkinson county, and was state senator from this district. He was the youngest official of note ever elected to office in this county. The family of Stewart is represented in all of the Southern and southwestern states, and is connected by ties of blood or marriage with many of the leading families of the United States. Through the Randolphs they are connected with ex-President Madison, Thomas Jefferson, the Claibornes, Monroes, Pages and Nelsons of Virginia. Charles, the twin brother, of Duncan, lies buried at the Ventress place one mile north of Holly Grove, the old Stewart estate, which is still owned by the family.

Prof. W. P. Stewart is one of the able, experienced and successful educators of the South, and his place among the leading men engaged in his line of work has been won by his own persistent endeavors and indomitable perseverance. He is a native of Mississippi, a thoroughly self-made man in every respect, and, although his parents were poor and unable to give him the advantages he craved, by many diligent hours of study by the fireside he managed to secure sufficient education to teach in the public schools of his native state. In this way he secured means to pursue a higher course of education, and first attended the Buena Vista college, Mississippi, afterwards the Iuka Normal institute, and last the National Normal university, of Lebanon, Ohio, where he graduated in the college of science, receiving the degree of B. S. in 1891.

B. J. Stinson, son of John and C. J. (Clark) Stinson, was born January 18, 1859, a native of Lauderdale county, Miss., and grandson of Burwell Stinson, of North Carolina, born in 1777. In his early manhood he began teaching school, which vocation he has followed almost continuously to the present time. In 1881 he was married to Miss M. E. Pickett of Lauder- dale county. He has had five children, four of whom-May, Effie, Elsie and Mary, are living. Mr. Stinson is the junior member of the firm of Stinson & Son, nurserymen, who are experi- menting in the propagation of a November peach and who are sanguine of success. This firm is testing all the new varieties of fruits and berries with a view to supplying this latitude with paying stock. He has already given to the world the finest September and October peaches known in this section of the South: Stinson's September Cling and Free, and Stinson's Octo- ber by name. This is an institution which promises to be of great benefit to the section in which it is located, and indeed to the whole South, over which a correspondence and patron- age is fast spreading. Mr. Stinson is personally very social in his nature and has many friends. He is an educated gentleman, having graduated with the class of 1889 at Cooper Normal college. He is truly a representative, public-spirited citizen, and reflects credit on the county of his nativity.

William H. Stinson, a son of John and C. J. (Clark) Stinson, the former of whom began life in Alabama in 1825, and a grandson of Burwell Stinson of North Carolina, born in 1777, was born in Lauderdale county, Miss., in 1861. He was married in 1884 to Miss S. S. Eth- eredge. Providence has blessed him with two little ones-Bessie and Lawrence. Mr. Stin- son deserves great credit for the patience and perseverance he has displayed in reaching his present attainments. He graduated from Cooper Normal college in 1889, five years after his marriage. Few men are so persistent for an education as to undergo like hardships, which

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renders Mr. Stinson's achievements all the more commendable. He has established the Pleasant Hill high school, six miles southeast from Meridian, Miss., in Lauderdale county, which has already wrought for itself a character which has reached beyond county lines. Fortunate in the selection of a site, blessed with fine water, excellent drainage, good society and a wideawake patronage, it seems that nothing should interfere to prevent its complete success. The splendid furniture and latest school equipments found in the school are proof positive of the new life that has possessed the rural districts of the Southi in regard to educa- tional development. Mr. Stinson is a Baptist, but not at all sectarian in his school. At. present (1891) he stands as the choice of the democratic party for one of the three legisla- tive representatives of Lauderdale county, Miss. As to his election there can be no doubt, since he has no opposition whatever.

William B. Stinson, farmer and gardener, Canton, Miss., is a native of Kershaw county, S. C., born in 1840, and is the fourth of six children born to William and Martha (George) Stinson, both natives of South Carolina. The father followed the occupation of a farmer, was very successful in this, and died in 1845. The mother died about 1886. The children grew to mature years and four are now living: Sarah, wife of J. L. Jones of the Palmetto state; Robert S., a farmer of Madison county; George, died at Pensacola in 1861; William B., and Annette, wife of R. J. Cunningham of Texas. William B. Stinson passed his boyhood days in his native state, and received his education at a South Carolina college, graduating in 1860. The following year he enlisted in company G, Eighteenth Mississippi infantry, under Colonel Burt, and was assigned to Longstreet's corps, army of Virginia. He was in the engagements at Manassas, Leesburg and Malvern Hill, where he was wounded in the right arm. At Sharpsburg he was severely wounded in the left leg and hip and was left on the field. He was cared for by the enemy and in a few months was taken to Baltimore, where he remained until able to be exchanged. He then returned to his company, but was not able to serve. He acted as staff officer to General Humphrey, and was then assigned to the invalid corps, acting as recruiting officer for Mississippi, and remained in that position until cessation of hostilities. He entered the service as a private and served through the various ranks up to captain, while in active service, and as major in the invalid corps. His promotions were unsolicited by himself, and were the reward of bravery and faithfulness. After the war Mr. Stinson settled in Madison county, and was married in 1867 to Miss Kate Anderson, daughter of Dr. E. A. and Eliza (Green) Anderson. The result of this union has been nine children: Edward, William, Kate, Sallie, Mattie, Thomas, Louis, Annette and Eliza. Mr. Stinson engaged in merchandising in 1866, followed this occupation for several years, and was then obliged to abandon it on account of ill health. He subsequently engaged in farming and gardening, being one of the first of the place, and he has since found it both pleasant and profitable. He also has a farm of five hundred acres near this place, and has two hundred acres under cultivation. For ten years he held the office of superintendent of public instruction in Madison county, and filled that position in an efficient and highly capable manner. He is a member of the Knights of Honor, Knights of Pythias and the Masonic fraternity. He and Mrs. Stinson are members of the Presbyterian church, and he is elder in the same and is superintendent of the Sunday school.

Mrs. Penelope J. Stirling is a lady whose many admirable traits of character, whose kindly disposition and whose Christian life has endeared her to the hearts of many. She was born in Wilkinson county, Miss., in IS35, to James A. Stewart, a native of the same state and county, of which he became a prosperous planter. He was sent to Schnectady, N. Y., to be educated, and there made a good record for himself as a student, as he did for himself in after

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life as a public spirited citizen. He was married to Miss Juliana Randolph, a native of Vir- ginia, who still survives him, being seventy-four years of age. Mr. Stewart passed from life in 1885. The grandfather, Duncan Stewart, was a native of Tennessee, became a government surveyor and laid off the state of Tennessee, Stewart county being named in his honor. He became a man of considerable prominence and served in the legislatures of North Carolina, Tennessee and Mississippi, and at the time of his death was holding the position of lieuten- ant governor of the state of Mississippi. His wife was formerly Miss Penelope Jones, a native of Orange county, N. C. His father was descended from James I of Scotland, and was ban- ished from his native land. The grandmother's father, Col. Tignal Jones, was a North Caro- linian, and during the Revolutionary war served in the Colonial army. The mother was the daughter of Judge Peter Randolph, of the supreme bench of Mississippi, who was descended from Sir Edward Randolph, who was Queen Elizabeth's friend and adviser and ambassador to the courts of Russia and France. The maternal grandmother was a Miss Cocke, of Vir- ginia. Mrs. Penelope J. Stirling was reared in Mississippi and was educated by tutors and governesses at home. She was married in 1854 to James B. Stirling, who was born in Louis- iana, and by calling was a sugar planter. He came to this state in 1857, and successfully followed the calling of a planter in Washington county, until his career was closed in 1879. His father, Henry Stirling, was a native of Louisiana, and his grandfather was born in Scot- land, who, after coming to America, was married to Miss Ann Alston, of South Carolina, and was employed by the Spanish government to lay off the state of Louisiana. He was after- ward incarcerated in Moro castle, Cuba, by Spanish authorities, on account of his son's con- duct in an insurrection against the Spanish government, but was afterward released by order of Napoleon. To Mr. and Mrs. Stirling ten children were born: Julia Anna, Mary Isabel, Louisa Butler, James Stewart, Henry S., Mary Cornelia, James Bowman, Penelope, and two children who died in infancy. The only ones who are now living are Julia A., Louisa B. and James B. Mrs. Stirling is the owner of a fine plantation of five hundred acres, four hundred and fifty of which are devoted to the raising of cotton, and calls her place Avondale. Beside this she owns one thousand seven hundred and fifty acres in Alabama. She lives on her plantation, all alone the most of the time, and successfully controls and manages the sixty negroes who work her land. She is very intelligent and versatile, is an interesting conversa- tionalist, and, although she is now somewhat advanced in years, she thinks it a small inatter to get on her horse and ride all over her plantation to see that everything is in good working order. She is kindness itself to the negroes who are on her place, and it is a rare thing when she has any difficulty with them. She is a strict member of the Episcopal church, and over her renters she exerts a good moral influence. She is benevolent and hospitable and her home is a favorite resort of her numerous and warm friends.

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Biographical and historical memoirs of Mississippi, embracing an authentic and comprehensive account of the chief events in the history of the state and a record of the lives of many of the most worthy and illustrious families and individuals, Vol. II, Part 131

Author: Goodspeed Brothers Publication date: 1891 Publisher: Chicago, Goodspeed Number of Pages: 1314

Author: Goodspeed Brothers
Publication date: 1891
Publisher: Chicago, Goodspeed
Number of Pages: 1314