Clark County NV Archives Obituaries.....STEWART, Helen J. March 6 1926
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Las Vegas Review - 3/12/1926
 

PIONEER CITIZEN OF LAS VEGAS IS CALLED BY DEATH

 

LONG AND USEFUL LIFE OF GOOD WOMAN COMES TO CLOSE AFTER ILLNESS

 

    Helen J. STEWART, well known and beloved pioneer of Las Vegas, passed away 

at her home on the Stewart Ranch here on Saturday, March 6, at 3:00 p.m., at 

the age of 72 years.

    Pioneer and frontierswoman of the old West, Helen J. STEWART was the first 

white woman to settle in what was destined to become the City of Las Vegas.  

She was known and reverenced by thousands of friends for her lovable character 

and unfailing energy in the upbuilding of her chosen state.

    Helen J. WISER was born in Springfield, Illinois, on April 16, 1854.  At an 

early age she crossed the plains with her parents on their way to Sacramento, 

California.  She was educated in the public schools of Sacramento county and 

graduated from Woodland College, Yolo county, California.  On April 9, 1873, 

she married Archibald STEWART at Stockton, California.  To this union was born 

five children, of whom three survive her, Miss Tiza STEWART of Kansas City, 

Missouri, Mrs. Evelyn STAY of Las Vegas, and County Commissioner W. J. STEWART, 

who were at their mother's bedside when she passed away.  Two grandchildren, 

Leslie STEWART of Logandale, Nevada and Mrs. Geneva SHUH of Los Angeles, 

California, were here to attend the funeral.  She leaves three sisters, Mrs. 

Flora MYERS of Berkely, California, Mrs. Rachel HASKINS of Galt, California, 

and Mrs. Acinth ROACH, of San Francisco, California.

    In 1872 the family came to Nevada and in 1882 settled on the ground that is 

now known as the Stewart Ranch, which at that time comprised a large portion of 

the present town site of Las Vegas.

    Helen J. STEWART was a charter member of the Mesquite Club and a member of 

the U-Wah-Un Study Club.  In November of 1916 she was elected a member of the 

High School Board and took office January 6, 1917.  She was made Clerk of the 

board and served in that capacity until January 21, 1921.

    Her work among the Indians of Nevada and particularly Southern Nevada is 

history.  The Indians were her friends and their esteem was manifested in the 

tribute which they paid by their presence at the funeral.

    Helen J. STEWART was the author of many articles for the Nevada Historical 

Society and wrote chapter five of volume one of the History of Nevada.  A true 

pioneer, she did all that was in her power to do for the good of her State and 

her people.  The services which she has rendered to Nevada will long keep her 

memory green among all those who knew her directly, or indirectly through her 

good works.

    At her home on the Stewart Ranch she left the largest and most magnificent 

collection of Indian baskets in the world.  These baskets, collected over a 

long period of years, have drawn hundres of people here who were interested in 

the art of basketry.  Fabulous sums were offered her for the collection, with 

which she refused to part.  Several years ago a descriptive pamphlet was issued 

by the government telling of this collection.

    The funeral services were held on Wednesday, March 10, at 3:30 p.m. at the 

Methodist church, Rev. W. I. STOCKTON officiating.  Music was furnished by the 

choir of the L. D. S. church.  Two songs, "Jesus Lover of my Soul," and "Nearer 

My God to Thee," were sung by a special quartet.  Hundreds of friends from all 

over the State sent flowers and many came from long distances to be present.  

The casket and entire front of the church was a bower of blossoms, paying the 

silent tribute of the community and State.  The largest funeral procession ever 

witnessed in Las Vegas wended its way from the house on the Stewart Ranch to 

the Church where the services were held.  After the services the body was 

returned to the shrine of flowers at the home there to await the completion of 

a vault which is been hewn out of the solid stone in the family plot.  When the 

vault is completed the body will be interred and the vault sealed.

    J. M. ULLOM, C. C. RONNOW, M. M. RILEY, Dr. W. S. PARK, Ed. W. CLARK and 

Harley A. HARMON acted as pall bearers.

    Out of respect the business houses, Post office and schools were closed 

during the progress of the funeral.

 

LAS VEGAS REVIEW

3/19/1926

 

MRS. HELEN J. STEWART IN FINAL RESTING PLACE

 

    The body of Mrs. Helen J. STEWART was placed in the vault hewn from the 

solid rock in the family burial plot Tuesday afternoon.  Only the immediate 

family and pall bearers were present when Rev. HUMBERT preached the funeral 

sermon, taking as his text: "Eternity."

 

    



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