Whiteside County IL Archives Biographies.....Stuart, John 
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Deb Haines http://www.rootsweb.com/~archreg/vols/00003.html#0000719 January 31, 2008, 12:26 am

Author: Portrait/Bio Album, Whiteside County IL 1885

John Stuart, carriage manufacturer at Fulton, established his factory in 1865. 
He is a native of the North of Ireland, of Scotch descent, and was born May 8, 
1844. His parents were Alexander and Margaret (Ellis) Stuart. He emigrated 
with his family to Canada, in childhood, where he learned the black­smith and 
carriage trade, at Mitchell, Canada West, at which he served a regular 
apprenticeship of three years. His compensation was limited, and increased 
slowly. For the first year he received the princely sum of $25, the second 
$35, and the last year $45. But, strange as it may sound to modern 
apprentices, he had every dollar of his three years' wages at the close of his 
apprenticeship. He continued with his employer a half year longer, and in 
March, 1859, came to the United States. He first tried his fortunes in 
Missouri, but was obliged to abandon that field on account of the climate; he 
then came to Fulton, Ill., July 8, 1859, and engaged as journeyman black­smith 
with Mr. James Broadhead, at 50 cents a day. He continued to work as 
journeyman till March, 1862, when, having accumulated a cash capital of $65, 
he opened a blacksmith shop of his own. Three years later he began the 
carriage business in a small way at his present stand. The superior quality of 
his work, together with a reputation for fair dealing, soon increased his 
trade till he was obliged to erect additional buildings and to increase his 
force. This he has been doing from time to time, till he now has commodious 
quarters, and employs a force of from 12 to 16 men. His works turn out from 75 
to 100 single and double carriages yearly, of various styles and of the finest 
workmanship. Mr. Stuart uses Ohio timber, and builds his work up from the 
rough to the last touch of the painter's brush, or the final stitch of the 
upholsterer. His market is principally in Iowa, although his trade, to a 
considerable extent, extends to California and the Territories. In 1873 
William Stuart, a younger brother, purchased an interest in the business, and 
the firm became J. & W. Stuart. This connection continued till Feb. 29, 1884, 
when John bought him out and now operates his factory alone. Mr. Stuart was 
married at Fulton, Ill., Nov. 12, 1863, to Miss Mary A. Stevenson, daughter of 
Simon and Mary (Irwin) Stevenson. They have had six children,—four sons and 
two daughters, John A., Simon, William, Mary, Fanny and Arthur,—all of whom 
are living except Fanny, who died aged seven years. Mr. Stuart is a member of 
the present City Council, from the First Ward, and has been Alderman once 
before from the same. He has been a member of Fulton City Lodge, No. 189, A. 
F. & A. M., since 1872, and is also a member of Fulton Chapter, No. 108, R. A. 
M., of which he is Treasurer. In politics he is a Republican.

Additional Comments:
Portrait and Biographical Album of Whiteside County, Illinois, Containing Full-
page Portraits and Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative 
Citizens of the County. Chicago: Chapman Brothers, 1885.

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