FRANKLIN COUNTY OHIO - BIOS: STEWART, Francis (published 1880)
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History of Franklin and Pickaway Counties,  Ohio
Pub by Williams Bros.,  1880

FRANCIS STEWART,

the subject of this sketch,  was born at York,  Pennsylvania,  March 2, 
1788.  His early life was passed on his fathers farm,  until old enough
to be apprenticed to a carpenter.  Having served his apprenticeship, 
while in his twentieth year,  with his tools on his back,  he started to
walk from York to Columbus,  and arrived at his destination early in the
year 1808.  His health up to this time had been delicate,  and the
journey on foot was made partly in the hope of regaining it.  For a
short time after settling in Franklinton he worked at his trade but his
health would not permit the violent exercise necessary to that
business.  When the war of 1812 broke out,  he with most of the young
men of the place,  joined a volunteer cavalry company,  known as the
Franklinton Dragoons.  He remained with this troop as ensign until it
was disbanded,  in 1832 or 1833.  In 1815 he was elected sheriff of
Franklin County,  and served until 1819,  at the same time holding the
post of county collector,  an office long since abolished,  whose
encumbents duty it was to go through the county and collect the taxes. 
In 1870,  he married Miss Martha Sterett,  a lady of much beauty and
culture,  who was the mother of his seven children,  and who died in
Columbus,  July 20,  1834.  In the spring of 1819,  he removed to
Columbus and engaged in the dry goods business.  His store at this time
was located on the southwest corner of High and Chapel streets.  Mr.
Stewart here founded an extensive business,  and in 1831 or 1832, 
removed it to its present locality,  at No. 89 south High street,  where
it is conducted by the firm of Osborn & Company,  of which his eldest
grandson,  M.F. Stewart Knox,  is a member.  Mr. Stewart was the father
of seven children,  and,  with one exception,  survived all of them. 
Mary, the eldest,  wife of Joseph H. Geiger,  died March 20, 1854, 
leaving two daughters,  Lydiel J. and Ruth S.,  both of whom are living
in Columbus;  Olivia died September 20,  1844;  Sarah,  wife of Joseph
E. Baldwin,  died August 31, 1845,  leaving one daughter Martha S., wife
of Thomas H. Kennedy,  now living in Covington,  Kentucky;  Charles died
April 13, 1846,  John married Virginia Miner,  and died July 8,  1856, 
leaving two daughters,  Kate M.,  wife of Alpheus Cutter - died November
2, 1876 - and Sarah B.,  wife of George M. Dewey,  now living in
Brooklyn , New York;  Martha died May 20, 1835,  Ruth married F.W. Knox
of Virginia,  who died January 8,  1865,  leaving two sons,  F. Stewart
and Archie W.  She then married James Kooken, who died August 17, 1872. 
Mrs. Kooken,  the only surviving child,  is now living in Columbus.  Mr.
Stewart served one term in the legislature,  from 1832 to 1834.  In
December 1836,  he married his second wife,  Sarah Benfield.  About
1850, he retired from active business,  leaving it in the hands of Mr.
J.D. Osborn,  who had been associated with him from boyhood,  and whose
heirs are now in the firm of Osborn & Company.  On his eightieth
birthday Mr. Stewart entertained many of his friends,  among he moved
with so firm a step and erect carriage as made them forget he was an
octogenarian.  A few months later he lost his wife,  the devoted
companion of many years.  Mr. Stewart died JAnuary 3,  1874,  having
reached the unusual age of eighty-six years,  mourned by those who knew
him and respected by all.  He was a man of quiet,  modest habits, 
hospitable,  generous,  honest,  and possessed of strong commonsense. 
Though not a member of any church,  he was a firm supporter of law and
order.  Education and charity always found in him a generous friend; 
and after a long and useful life he died as he had lived,  a man.
--


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