On the 6th of March, 1895, there passed away one of the oldest residents in Miami county, for Clark E. Stewart was called to his final rest that day, at the age of ninety-five years. Like the day with its morning of hope, its noontide of activity, its evening of completed and successful effort, ending in the grateful rest and quiet of the night, so was the life of this honored man, and his memory remains as a blessed benediction to all who knew him. He was born in New Jersey, September 5, 1800, his parents being David and Sarah (Clark) Stewart, both natives of the same state. Emigrating westward in the early part of the century, they located in Staunton township, Miami county, in 1817, and there secured a tract of government land, on which the father erected a log cabin. He then began clearing his land in true pioneer style, but his labors in his new home were of short duration, as he was attacked by milk sickness, to which so many settlers fell victims. He died in 1820, about three years after locating here. His wife and daughter also died of the same disease in three days' time. The only surviving child, Clark E. Stewart, was also prostrated with this terrible disease, but eventually recovered from his illness, after which he made his home with his uncle for about three years. He then began learning the mason's trade under the direction of Abraham Miller, of Piqua. He remained with his employer for six years, and became an expert workman, taking an active part in the building interests in his section of the county.

On the 25th of November, 1834, Mr. Stewart was united in marriage to Miss Hannah E. Rollins, a daughter of Josiah and Nancy (Tucker) Rollins, both natives of New Hampshire, whence they came to Ohio in 1815. They were among the pioneer settlers of the county, and took an active part in opening up this region to civilization. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Stewart were born ten children, one of whom died in infancy. The others are: Josiah R.; David C. and Richard W., now deceased; Sarah A., wife of David Rusk, of Troy; Mayhew H., deceased; Abigail W., wife of James Whisman, of Piqua; Elizabeth, deceased; Phoebe, deceased, wife of John Drake, of Piqua; and Mary J.

After his marriage Mr. Stewart resided for twenty-one months on the Winans farm, and then purchased a tract of land adjoining the farm where he spent his last days. He there remained for a year and a half when he came to the place now known as the Stewart homestead. When he started out in life for himself he had no capital, but was possessed of strong energy and determination, and as a result of his resolute purpose and capable management he worked his way steadily upward, overcoming all the difficulties and obstacles in his path. He was ably assisted by his wife, who proved to him an excellent helpmeet, and thus they acquired a good farm and home for themselves and their children. He had seventy- one acres of rich land on section 19, Staunton township. The house which he erected was built of brick manufactured on the farm, and all the improvements upon the place stand as monuments to his thrift and enterprise. He reached a very advanced age, and his career was certainly a long, useful and honorable one, meriting the confidence of all with whom he was associated. He gave his political support to the Democracy, and was a faithful and consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church. His wife died July 27, 1889, and he survived her for six years, passing away on the 6th of March 1895. He retained his mental and physical faculties largely unimpaired until the last, and was able to read without glasses almost up to the time of his death. He possessed a strong constitution, and the way in which he husbanded his resources undoubtedly led to his long lease on life. Miss Mary J. Stewart now resides upon the old homestead, and superintends the farm. She is a good business woman, and a kind, generous lady, who stands high in the community where her many good deeds have won her the love and esteem of all who know her.