Marty and Karla Grant

[Home] [What’s New?] [Books for Sale] [Christian] [Genealogy] [Search] [Support] [About] [Contact]

John Stewart (c1808-aft 1871) and Ruth Tutt of North Carolina (Buncombe, Haywood), Georgia (Union) and Tennessee (Polk)

[Stewart Home] - [Table of Contents] - John Stewart (c1807-aft 1871)

 

Jump to Children’s section | Jump to Family Group Sheet

John Stewart and Ruth Tutt, his wife, are my 4 times great grandparents.

Special thanks to Minnie Ledford Barnes (1914-2002) and her husband Homer Barnes (1915-2002), Kathi Bobb, Pauline Stewart (1929-2019), Rick Stewart, Caleb Teffeteller and others for sharing data on this family.

Much of the data on this family is also thanks to the research of Ralph Johnson of GA. Kathi Bobb has been kind enough to share several early histories of the family, including a letter from Ralph Johnson to her (I'm not sure of the date, but between 1970 and 1978, I think). She also shared with me a letter written in 1972 from Jesse Rose to Lois Stewart, and a transcript of an interview with Laura Stewart Townsend (1875-1962) conducted by Ramona Brock. These three documents have been invaluable in preserving early family information. Throughout this text I'll refer to these documents.

John Stewart (just as often spelled "Stuart") was born ca 1806/07 in Buncombe Co., NC. He was either born in the Newfound Creek region of Buncombe, or over the mountain westward into what later became Haywood County (in 1808). He is a proven son of Noah and Nancy (Dillard?) Stewart per both family tradition and an affidavit filed by his parents in 1871 that stated he was their son.

It seems likely John was named for his paternal grandfather, John Stewart.

John was around two years old by the time of the 1810 census. Noah had one apparent son aged under 10 with him on that census. That would be John.

John would have been around 12 for the 1820 census. Unfortunately, Noah, and many members of his family, as well as other known residents of Haywood Co., NC, were not listed in 1820 for some reason. I suspect a page or two of the original census got lost somewhere along the way. Regardless, it is most likely that John was still in Haywood at that time.

John would have been about 22 for the 1830 census. Although old enough to be on his own, he was still unmarried and apparently at home with his parents in Haywood in the age 20-29 category.

John Stewart married Ruth Tutt probably late in 1830 in Buncombe Co., NC. The Tutts lived somewhere in the Hominy Creek area of Buncombe County (border region with Haywood County, so probably not far from the Stewarts in Haywood.

Ruth Tutt was born ca 1812/13 in Buncombe County, daughter of Benjamin Tutt and Elizabeth Moore.

John Stewart and his brother Dillard Stewart (both listed as Stuard) voted in the 1835 Congressional Election, and were listed on that voter list in Buncombe in Hominey Precinct.

John Stewart is listed on the 1840 census in Buncombe Co., NC. Judging by his neighbors, he was near Hominy Creek. I didn’t see any of his known relatives listed near him, though some of his wife’s kin was nearby. “Next door” neighbors were Martha Early and Henry Robards (Roberts), no known relations to the Stewarts.

1840 Census - Buncombe County, North Carolina

Page	Name (Males first row, females on second)	0-4	5-9	10-14	15-19	20-29	30-39	40-49	50-59	60-69	70-79	80-89	90-99	100+
155	John Stuart	2	1	-	1	-	1	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
	no slaves, no free colored persons	-	1	-	-	1	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-

My analysis (who each person *might* be)

1m 30-39 (1800/1810)       John Stewart (c1808)

1m 15-19 (1820/1825)       Unknown

1m 5-9 (1830/1835)            James Archibald Stewart (1831) son

2m 0-4 (1835/1840)            1. William Stewart (c1837) son

                                               2. Govan Stewart (1840) son

1f 20-29 (1810/1820)         Ruth Tutt Stewart (c1813 wife

1f 5-9 (1830/1835)              Margaret Emaline Stewart (1835) daughter

John, his parents, and several siblings moved to Union Co., GA between 1840 and ca 1842. They lived in the area known as Gum Log District or perhaps in neighboring Ivy Log.

John was listed on the 1850 census in Union Co., GA, but not near any of other family members. Martha Barnes was a next door neighbor.

1850 Census, Union Co., GA, 85^th District

Page 223 and 223B, House 299, Family 299

They were still in Union for the 1860 census. Son James Archibald was two houses away. Nephew John Chandler was living with John and Ruth. The census taker listed the younger Stewart children after him, but didn’t change the surname, so one would think they were Chandlers also, but they were Stewarts. Martha Barnes was still next door, which indicates they were in the same place as in 1850.

1860 Census, Union Co., GA, Ivy Log PO

Page 497B, House 483, Family 482

Shortly after the Civil War began, a roster of men eligible for service was taken. A list dated 2 Sep 1861 included John Stewart of Gum Log District, Union Co., GA. I don’t believe John actually served for he was a bit too old. He may have served in the militia or home guard though.

In 1864, a census was made for the purpose of reorganizing the Georgia Militia. John Stuart, age 56 years, 7 months, Farmer, born North Carolina, was listed in Union Co., GA, 40^th Senatorial District, 1024^th Militia District. His brother Isom Stewart was also listed (as Stuart).

Ruth Tutt Stewart died sometime between ca 1863 and 1870, either in Union Co., GA or Polk Co., TN. I don’t know where she’s buried.

Sometime between 1864 and 1870, John (and perhaps Ruth) moved to nearby Polk Co., TN where he was listed on the 1870 census. He was listed between the households of George Barnes (where John’s nephew John Chandler was residing) and son William Stewart and family.

1870 Census, Polk Co., TN, 10^th Civil District, Hiwassee PO

Page 99, House 114, Family 114

In the Ralph Johnson to Kathi Bobb letter (1970-78), he stated “When John Stewart lived in Polk Co he lived on the Grassy Creek section of Polk Co and some out near Turtletown TN.”

On 18 Mar 1871, John's parents (Noah and Nancy) applied for a Civil War Pension based on their son Noah Washington Stewart (1830-1865) service. Noah (Jr) took care of his parents, and when he was killed in the War, they had no longer had any means of support. The pension records include a list of their living children, including son “John Stuart aged 67 years and who resides in the state of Tennessee.”

John died sometime between 1871 and 1880, though whether in Polk Co., TN or somewhere else, I can’t say.

---

Children

Most of John and Ruth's children are proven by the census records and by personal knowledge of several of my relatives, including Minnie Ledford Barnes, Kathi Bobb and Pauline Stewart as well as a few others.

1. James Archibald Stewart (1831-1909)

2. Margaret Emaline Stewart (1835-1909)

3. William "Bill" Stewart (1836/37-1875)

4. Govan "Van" Stewart (1840-1928)

5. Elizabeth "Bett" Stewart (1841/42)

6. Nancy C. "Priss" Stewart (1843/44)

7. Martha Stewart (1847/48)

8. Melvina Cecelia "Mel" Stewart (1852-1926)

9. John P. Stewart (1856-1948)

10. Isham Stewart (1862/63)

11. Cecelia Stewart

---

James Archibald Stewart was born 9 May 1831 (per tombstone) in Buncombe Co., NC. He was apparently home with his parents for the 1840 census in Buncombe Co., NC aged 5-9 (born 1830/35). He moved with them to Union Co., GA before 1842.

Archibald Stewart married Catherine Ashe on 18 Mar 1849 in Union Co., GA. The marriage was performed by J. M. Rogers, Justice of the Peace. She was born 7 Jan 1833 (per tombstone) in North Carolina somewhere. Others list her parents as Ephraim Ash and Elizabeth Lorentz, but I haven’t yet seen the proof for that.

J.A. Stewart was listed on a 26 May 1849 Voter List in Union Co., GA in Gum Log District.

For the 1850 census, Arch and wife were listed in Union Co., GA next door to his Uncle Jacob Stewart.

1850 Census, Union Co., GA, 85^th District

Page 227, House 351, Family 351

Archibald and family were on the 1860 census in Union Co., GA just two houses from his parents.

1860 Census, Union Co., GA, Ivy Log PO

Page 497B, House 481, Family 480

Shortly after the start of the Civil War, a roster of eligible men (age 16-60) was taken throughout Georgia, so they would know who was available to fight should they be needed. James Stewart was listed on the Union Co., GA List in Gum Log District on 2 Sep 1861.

On 7 Mar 1863 James A. Stewart enlisted as a Private in Company B, 7th Battalion, North Carolina Cavalry. He enlisted in Clay Co., NC. On 3 Aug 1863 he was transferred to Company F, 65th Regiment, NC Troops. He deserted and was dropped from the rolls around September - December 1863 time frame. I'm not sure if Arch went to the Union Army or not, but he might have. Many other members of his family did.

After the War, Arch and his family moved to Polk Co., TN. They were listed there on the 1870 census. His widowed father was there as well, but they weren't listed near each other. All the children were mistakenly listed as born in Tennessee.

1870 Census, Polk Co., TN, 5^th Civil District, Parksville PO

Page 48 & 48B, House 22, Family 22

During the 1870's, Arch moved his family to Graham Co., NC. a great many of his descendants are still there today.

He was listed on the 1880 census in Graham County, in Cheoah Township. They were the only Stewarts there at the time.

1880 Census, Graham Co., NC, Cheowah Township

Page 247B & 248, House 64, Family 64

Archibald and family were still in Graham for the 1900 census. By this time many of his children had married, and were listed all around him, some close by, some further away, but none too far away.

1900 Census, Graham Co., NC, Robbinsville Township

Page 129, House 116, Family 117

James Archibald Stewart died on 13 Oct 1909 (per tombstone) in Graham Co., NC. He’s buried at the Carver Cemetery.

Catherine was listed on the 1910 census in Graham County, Cheoah Township near many of her children and grandchildren.

1910 Census, Graham Co., NC, Cheoah Township

Page 18B, House 70, Family 72

Catherine Ashe Stewart died on 13 Feb 1913. She is also buried in the Carver Cemetery.

According to several family members and researchers, James Archibald Stewart had children with other women while still married to Catherine Ash. There is proof for this, but I haven’t really followed up on it. One was Nancy Jane Ash (1844-1913, never married), who was Catherine’s sister. The other was Judah Huldah Addison (1844-1927) who was first married to James Walkingstick Rogers (1844-1865). When she had her children with Arch Stewart in the 1860s and ‘70s, her surname was Rogers, thus the children bore that surname, as was the law.

---

Margaret Emaline Stewart was born 11 Jan 1835 (per tombstone) in Buncombe Co., NC. She was apparently home with her parents for the 1840 census, aged 5-9 (1830/35). She was with them in 1850 Union Co., GA (“Margaret” age 15, born NC).

Margaret married Thomas M. Henderson on 28 Dec 1857 in Union Co., GA. They were listed on the 1860, 1870, 1880 and 1900 census in Union Co., GA. Thomas Henderson served in both the Confederate and Union Armies during the Civil War.

In the Jesse Rose - Lois Stewart Letter (1972) she states that her grandfather (James Archibald Stewart) had a sister named "Margaret Henderson", but gave no additional data.

Thomas Henderson died on 9 Jan 1909 in Union Co., GA. Margaret Stewart Henderson died on 18 May 1909 per her tombstone, but she was listed on the 1910 census, so the year on her tombstone is obviously incorrect. They are both buried at the Henderson Cemetery.

See Thomas Henderson's own page for more information.

---

William "Bill" Stewart was born ca 1836/37 in Buncombe Co., NC. He was apparently home with his parents for the 1840 census in Buncombe Co., NC, aged under 5 (c1835/40). He was with them in 1850 Union Co., GA (“William” age 13, born NC).

Bill went to nearby Habersham Co., GA to marry Martha Holcombe on 28 Dec 1856. Martha was born 20 Feb 1842 in Habersham, a daughter of Oliver C. Holcombe and Catherine Henderson.

They are on the 1860 census in Polk Co., TN. His occupation was listed as “M. L.” which meant Mine Laborer. Polk County had numerous copper mines.

1860 Census, Polk Co., TN, 10 District, Benton PO

Page 199, House 1358, Family 1358

William and family were listed in Polk in 1870, next door to his widower father John Stewart.

1870 Census, Polk Co., TN, 10^th Civil District, Hiwassee PO

Page 99, House 115, Family 115

According to data shared by Rick Stewart, William Stewart was shot and killed eight miles north of Blairsville, GA sometime around 20 Jun 1875. That would probably put his death in or near Brasstown or Warne, Clay Co., NC.

By 1880, widow Martha and children had moved back to Union Co., GA and were listed in Gum Log Township. Her son Archibald Stewart was next door, and Thomas Henderson and Margaret (Stewart) Henderson were their other neighbors. Margaret was her sister-in-law (and 1^st cousin), and Thomas was her uncle.

1880 Census, Union Co., GA, Gum Log (1024) Dist

Page 155, House 237, Family 237

Martha is listed on the 1900 census in Monroe Co., TN with her son William. Taylor Stuart, William’s brother, is listed as a “boarder” instead of a brother, and he’s also listed as having been married for 9 years, but his wife isn’t listed with them.

They are next door to Mary M. Stuart, listed as divorced. She’s the ex wife of Noah L. Stewart, son of Isam Stewart, who was Martha’s late husband’s uncle.

1900 Census, Monroe Co., TN, 20^th Civil Dist

Page 240, House 26, Family 26

I wasn’t able to find Martha on the 1910 census.

Martha Holcombe Stewart died on 14 Sep 1912 in Monroe Co., TN. I don’t know where she is buried.

Most of the data that I have on this family is thanks to Rick Stewart.

---

Govan "Van" Stewart was born 10 Oct 1840 in Buncombe Co., NC. He was apparently home with his parents for the 1840 census, aged under 5 (born 1835/40), which suggests he was either born in 1839 instead of 1840, or the census taker was late coming round that year. The census was supposed to be as of June 1st, 1840. He was with his parents in 1850 in Union Co., GA (“Govan” age 10).

He was listed on the 1860 census in Polk Co., TN with another family, no known relationship. He was as mine laborer, presumably in the copper mines. Joseph B. Love, the head of household, and wife Jane Chapman Love married in 1843 in Gilmer Co., GA. I don’t know of any connection between either of them and the Stewarts other than Van residing with them here in 1860. James Patterson, also in the household, might be the same person as James M. Patterson of 1850 Gilmer Co., GA census, son of Hiram Patterson whose mother was Nancy Chapman, thus making him potentially related to Jane Chapman Love. I mention that because I’m also a Patterson descendant, though not related to these, but interested in them.

1860 Census, Polk Co., TN, 10 District, Benton PO

Page 456B, House 1301, Family 1301

For the Civil War, Van Stewart enlisted on 31 Aug 1861 in Union Co., GA in Company K, 23rd Regiment, Army of Tennessee as a 2nd Sergeant. He was last on the rolls on 28 Feb 1862. He was commissioned in the Union Army on 23 Sep 1864 as a Captain in Company C, 5^th Mounted Infantry in Tennessee. He mustered out on 17 Jul 1865 after the war was officially ended. He spent the last several months of his service under arrest for failing to have his men properly guard a supply train which was attacked and burned by guerilla fighters, also resulting in some of his men getting captured.

Van Stewart married Margaret Catherine Chandler on 21 Sep 1865 in Tennessee. I don't know what county, though probably Polk where her family was in 1860. Margaret was born 4 Feb 1847 in Buncombe Co., NC, daughter of John Chandler and Celia —. I would assume she was somehow related to James S. Chandler (d 1837) who’d married Van’s aunt Mary Stewart in 1835.

They moved to Arkansas between 1865 and 1870. They are listed on the 1870 census in Benton Co., AR just a few houses from David Chandler (c1805 NC), who could be Margaret’s uncle or otherwise related.

1870 Census, Benton Co., AR, Round Prairie Township, (Blank) PO*

Page 352B, House 572, Family 578

* Double Springs PO on previous page and next page, so likely the same for them.

They are still in Benton Co., AR for the 1880 census. I didn’t see any known relatives listed nearby this time.

1880 Census, Benton Co., AR, Hico Township

Page 344, House 309, Family 225

Sometime between 1880 and 1900 they moved to what is now Oklahoma, but was then still Indian Territory. They were in the north eastern corner of the territory in the Ottawa Nation which borders Missouri and is just above Arkansas. Their entry has a few issues, like Margaret being listed as Martha, etc., but I’m certain this is the right family.

1900 Census, Ottawa Nation, Indian Territory, Township 28 N, Range 23 E, Miami

Page 119B, House 179, Family 183

* Listed as 12 months unemployed.

Van Stewart is listed on a 1903 Civil Service list for the Indian Territory, Northern District, Eighth Circuit as a Constable, born North Carolina, employed in Miami, $600 compensation, (presumably his annual salary).

In 1907, Oklahoma was admitted as a state. Consequently, Ottawa County was formed from the north eastern portion where the Stewarts resided. They are listed there on the 1910 census.

1910 Census, Ottawa Co., OK, Miami Township, Miami City

Page 162, House 274, Family 275

They were in the same place for the 1920 census.

1920 Census, Ottawa Co., OK, Miami City

Page 27B, House 242, Family 252, 121 C Street

Is Van’s occupation a census error? Or did he get into banking between 1910 and 1920?

Van Stewart died in Ottawa Co., OK on 20 Aug 1928 and is buried at the Grand Army of the Republic Cemetery in Miami, Ottawa Co., OK.

His will, dated 25 Sep 1908, was admitted to the record on 17 Sep 1928. However, the Will itself, though oft mentioned in the probate records, was not included. Regardless, it was stated that his wife was his only heir at law and that they never had any children. His only other relatives would be nieces and nephews in Tennessee, names and addresses unknown to his widow.

Margaret is listed on the 1930 census, though listed under her late husbands name. It should probably say Mrs Van Stewart, but does not.

1930 Census, Ottawa Co., OK, Miami City, 121 C Street

Page 107, House 5

She is listed in the same place on the 1940 census.

1940 Census, Ottawa Co., OK, Miami City, 121 C Street

Page 116, House 216

Margaret Chandler Stewart died in Vinita, Craig Co., OK (next door to Ottawa County) on 3 Feb 1945. She was a day short of her 98^th birthday. She is buried at the Grand Army Of The Republic Cemetery in Miami, Ottawa Co., OK.

---

Elizabeth Ann Avaline Stewart (alias Bett or Betsy) was born ca 1841/42 in Union Co., GA. She was home with her parents for the 1850 census in Union Co., GA (“Elizabeth” age 8, born GA).

She was rather difficult to trace. In the Jesse Rose - Lois Stewart Letter (1972) she states that her grandfather (James Archibald Stewart) had several sisters, including "another married a Turner, Aunt Ruthie Smith's mother was one of her daughters." She did not mention the name of the sister who married a Turner, nor the full name of Mr. Turner.

In the Ramona Brock Interview with Laura Stewart Townsend (probably in the 1950s or 1960s), Laura reported that "Bett" Stewart married “John Turner.” Someone else mentioned that Archibald Turner was another child.

Thanks to the above information I was eventually able to find out more on Elizabeth’s family, though I’ll admit it was rather difficult to piece it together.

Elizabeth wasn’t home with her parents in 1860, nor did I find her listed elsewhere. She wasn’t married yet, because her soon to be husband, John Turner, was still with his parents in Lumpkin Co., GA in 1860, apparently single.

It seems that Elizabeth Stewart married John Turner sometime just after the 1860 census, perhaps in Lumpkin Co., GA where he lived, or in some other county. I didn’t find a marriage record for them in Lumpkin, White or Union Counties. John was born ca 1835/36 in Georgia, perhaps Lumpkin County. He was a son of Jesse Turner (c1810 SC) and Elizabeth (—) (c1814 SC). John was with them in 1850 and 1860 in Lumpkin.

I found them on the 1870 census in White Co., GA, which bordered both Lumpkin and Union Counties. They were next to his brother Hiram and just a couple of pages from his now widowed mother Elizabeth. None of Elizabeth Stewart’s relatives were nearby as far as I noticed. There was a Francis Ash quite close by who could be related to Catherine Ash who married Elizabeth’s brother James Archibald Stewart. I don’t know that the two Ash’s are related though.

1870 Census, White Co., GA, 135 Subdivision, Cleveland PO

Page 34, House 430, Family 430

John Turner made his Will in 1878 in Lumpkin Co., GA naming only his wife, listing her as “Betsy Ann Avaline Turner.”

John Turner died Jul 1879 in Lumpkin Co., GA of consumption. (Per the 1880 census Mortality Schedule).

Widow Elizabeth Stewart Turner is listed on the 1880 census in Lumpkin Co., GA. John’s sister Sarah is residing with her, and she’s listed as also having consumption.

1880 Census, Lumpkin Co., GA, Chestatee 1116 GM

Page 324B, House 46, Family 46

I wasn’t able to find Elizabeth on the 1900 census. Her youngest son Archibald, still single, was residing with an older brother in 1900, which suggests Elizabeth had died before then.

I don’t know where she died nor where she is buried.

---

Nancy C. "Priss" Stewart was born ca 1843/44 in Union Co., GA. Nancy was home with her parents for the 1850 census (“Nancy” age 6) and 1860 census (“Nancy C.” age 15) in Union Co., GA, and with her widowed father in 1870 Polk Co., TN (“Nancy” age 23).

In the Jesse Rose - Lois Stewart Letter (1972) she states that her grandfather (James Archibald Stewart) had a sister named "Pussie married a Heddon"", but gave no additional data. None of the records I've found for Nancy showed her with this nickname, but she did marry a Heddon, so this is the same person most likely. Other sources show "Priss" as her nickname. That is usually short for Priscilla, but her middle initial is “C” per the 1860 and 1900 census. It could be that she had two middle names, Priscilla being one of them.

In the Ramona Brock Interview with Laura Stewart Townsend (probably in the 1950's or 1960's), Laura reported that Pris Stewart married Henry Headon. This is correct.

Nancy C. Stewart married Henry Hedden between 1870 and ca 1873. They may have married in Union Co., GA, though I didn't find a marriage record for them there, nor in any neighboring county. Henry Hedden was born 1851/52 (per age on the 1860 census) in Georgia, likely Rabun County where he was residing in 1860. His parents are John and Sarah. He was with them on the 1860 census in Rabun, “Henry” age 8, born GA. In 1870, Henry and his parents were listed in Polk Co., TN, he as Henry, age 18.

Henry and Nancy are on the 1880 census in Union Co., GA.

1880 Census, Union Co., GA, Gum Log (1024) Dist

Page 152B & 153, House 190, Family 190

Henry Hedden died between 1888 (birth of last child) and 1900, presumably in Union Co., GA.

Nancy, now widowed, is listed on the 1900 census in Union Co., GA.

1900 Census, Union Co., GA, Gum Log District

Page 267B, House 14, Family 14

She is on the 1910 census in Polk Co., TN.

1910 Census, Polk Co., TN, 8^th Civil District

Page 119, House 85, Family 91

Nancy is on the 1920 census in Cherokee Co., NC with her son William.

1920 Census, Cherokee Co., NC Shoal Creek

Page 107B, House 53, Family 53

Nancy C. Stewart Hedden died on 28 Dec 1922 in Polk Co., TN. Her death record listed her father as John Stuart. Mother was listed as “don’t know.” Sam Hedden, her youngest son, was the informant. She is buried at Ducktown Cemetery in Polk Co., TN. There is no marker, apparently.

Later in her letter (1972), Jesse Ross said more about this family: “Guss Headon come to Santeetlah once when I was very small. Don't know how many children there was. They had John, Harrison, and Rossie d.y. I think the boys both settled in GA if still living,” referring to children of Henry Heddon and Nancy Stewart. Of those, I don’t know who “Rossie” is.

---

Martha A. Stewart was born 14 Jul 1849 per a modern tombstone, or ca 1847/48 per 1850 census. She was born in Union Co., GA. She was home with her parents for the 1850 census (“Martha” age 2) and 1860 census (“Martha” age 11) in Union Co., GA. She was not with her widowed father for the 1870 census, so she probably had married by then.

In the Jesse Rose - Lois Stewart Letter (1972) she states that her grandfather (James Archibald Stewart) had a sister named "Mattie Burnette", but gave no additional data. "Mattie" is a common nickname for Martha, so I'm sure this is who she was referring to.

I didn’t find marriage or other records to indicate who Martha married, but thanks to cousin Catherine Love, a descendant of hers, we now have that information. Martha married Nelson G. Burnett. He was born ca 1849 in Union Co., GA, a son of Spencer Burnett and Margaret. He was with his parents in Union Co., GA on the 1850 and 1860 censuses. He and Martha Stewart married before ca 1869.

They were on the 1870 census in Gilmer Co., GA.

1870 Census, Gilmer Co., GA, Sub Division 55, Ellijay PO

Page 56, House 809, Family 809

They were in Fannin Co., GA in 1880.

1880 Census, Fannin Co., GA, Colwell 980^th Militia District

Page 629, House 55, Family 55

They were still in Fannin in 1900.

1900 Census, Fannin Co., GA, 980 Colwell

Page 257B, House 32, Family 32

Nelson died between 1900 and 1910 presumably in Fannin Co., GA. I’ve seen online trees that give his death as 6 Mar 1907 at Copper Hill, Tennessee (Polk County). I don’t know the primary source for that, but it fits.

Martha was still in Fannin for the 1910 census with daughter Nora Pless.

1910 Census, Fannin Co., GA, Mobile District

Page 78, House 198, Family 198

By 1920 she was in Putnam Co., GA still with daughter Nora.

1920 Census, Putnam Co., GA, Ashbank District 389

Page 124B, House 105, Family 111

Martha A. Stewart Burnett died on 16 May 1925 in Putnam Co., GA. She’s buried at the Harmony Southern Baptist Church’s cemetery there. I couldn’t find a death certificate for her.

---

Celia Melvina “Mel” Stewart was born 27 Mar 1852 in Union Co., GA. She was home with her parents for the 1860 census (“Melvina” age 9) in Union Co., GA and 1870 (“Melvina” age 18) in Polk Co., TN.

She was soon back in Union Co., GA by 1872 for on 4 Jan 1872 she married Frank Waldroup (listed as Franklin Waldroop on the marriage bond, with her listed as Melvina Stuart) in Union Co., GA. Francis Marion Waldroup (also listed as Frank, or Franklin on records) was born 9 Aug 1843 in Georgia or North Carolina. Some give his middle name as McClellen instead of Marion. I’m not sure which is correct.

He’s a child of Abel Waldroup and Sarah Mason. They were in Gwinnett Co., GA in 1850 and 1860, and Cherokee Co., GA in 1870.

“Waldroup” is a name that is spelled many different ways on the records. Waldrop, Waldroop and Waldroup being the most common, I think.

In the Jesse Rose - Lois Stewart Letter (1972) she states that her grandfather (James Archibald Stewart) had a sister named "Mellie Waldroup, Uncle Frank Waldroup's wife".

The remained in Georgia until sometime between 1876 and 1878 when they moved to Graham Co., NC. They were listed on the 1880 census in Graham County, NC in Cheoah Township (east of Robbinsville, bordering Cherokee and Swain County). Melvina's brother James Archibald Stewart was living there then too, but not listed nearby.

1880 Census, Graham Co., NC, Cheowah

Page 256B, House 216, Family 216

For the 1900 census, Frank and family were still in Graham Co., NC, and this time they were in the midst of many of the Stewarts.

1900 Census, Graham Co., NC, Cheoah, Robbinsville Township

Page 129B, House 119, Family 120

They are on the 1910 census in Graham.

1910 Census, Graham Co., NC, Cheoah

Page 17, House 43, Family 43

They were still in Graham for the 1920 census. Son George was with them though also listed as head of household. The census taker named them “Head 1" and “Head 2.” Oddly, George’s wife was not in the household with them.

1920 Census, Graham Co., NC, Cheoah

Page 22B, House 123, Family 123

Melvina Celia Stewart Waldroup died on 30 Jun 1926 in Graham Co., NC, and Frank Waldroup died on 25 May 1928 in Graham Co., NC. They are both buried at the Carver Cemetery, as were many of their children and grandchildren. Though both died during the time death certificates were required, I couldn’t find one for either of them in Graham County, nor nearby counties.

---

John P. Stewart was born 15 Mar 1856 in Union Co., GA. I don’t know what his middle initial “P” stands for.

He was with his parents for the 1860 census in Union Co., GA (“John P.” age 4) and with his widower father in 1870 Polk Co., TN. (“John” age 15).

John returned to Union Co., GA for on 9 Jan 1873 John Stuard married Catherine Arminda Shook there. Catherine was born Jul 1855 (per 1900 census) in Union (now Towns) Co., GA a child of Alfred Shook and Clarinda Brown. She was with her parents on the 1860 census (“Catherine” age 5) and with them in 1870 (“Catharine” age 12).

They were listed on the 1880 census in Towns County.

1880 Census, Towns Co., GA, Brasstown Dist No 918

Page 477B, House 202, Family 214

* (Sic)

They were still in Towns County for the 1900 census.

1900 Census, Towns Co., GA, 918 G.M. District (Brasstown)

Page 211B, House 58, Family 62

* (Sic)

They were in Union Co., GA for the 1910 census.

1910 Census, Union Co., GA, Gum Log Dist 1024

Page 252, House 100, Family 100

They were still in Union for the 1920 census.

1920 Census, Union Co., GA, Gum Log Dist

Page 26, House 59, Family 60

They are in Towns Co., GA again for the 1930 census residing with their son Joseph, now widowed.

1930 Census, Towns Co., GA, Brasstown Militia District 918

Page 239B, House 29, Family 29

Arminda Catherine Shook Stewart died on 8 Jan 1931 in Towns Co., GA. Her place of residence was listed as Warne, NC. That’s a border area and was their post office despite physically residing in Georgia. She is buried at Many Forks Cemetery in Towns Co., GA. Her marker only has her name on it, no dates.

John is listed on the 1940 census in Union Co., GA as a resident of the “Alms House,” i.e. the poor folks home.

1940 Census, Union Co., GA, Blairsville District 865

Page 27, House 70

John died on 5 Dec 1948 at age 92. I don’t know what county. He is apparently buried at Many Forks in Towns Co., GA though there is no marker for him.

---

Isham G. Stewart was born ca 1862/63 in Union Co., GA. Strangely, none of the family histories written about this family mentioned a son named Isham. Does that mean he was simply forgotten? Or is it that he isn’t John and Ruth’s son after all, but perhaps a grandson or nephew they raised? I don’t know the answer for certain, but I’ll leave him as their son for now.

Isham (also Isom) is probably named for his uncle Isom Stewart. I don’t know what his “G” initial stands for.

He was with his parents in 1870 (“Isham” age 7).

He was listed on the 1880 census in Union County with Samuel N. and Elizabeth Bell, no known relationship to the Stewarts.

1880 Census, Union Co., GA, Gum Log (1024) Dist

Page 152, House 177, Family 177

On 19 Nov 1885, Isam Stewart obtained a marriage license in Union Co., GA to marry Ivian Johnson. (Perhaps her name is Ivy Ann?) They were married on 22 Nov 1885 by S. N. Bell, Justice of the Peace. This is the man Isham was residing with in 1880.

I was unable to find any additional information on Ivy Ann Johnson. No one of that name, or similar, was on the 1880 census in Union Co., GA, nor in Towns or Fannin Counties.

Ivy Ann Johnson Stewart apparently died between 1885 and 1891 for he married again that year.

On 20 Jul 1891, I. G. Stuart married Rodah Weaver in Fannin Co., GA. J. B. Parham, Baptist Minister, performed the marriage. Rhoda H. Weaver was born Aug 1873, in Georgia, county unknown. She was with her parents Bry F. Weaver & Lucinda Bryson Weaver on the 1880 census in neighboring Clay Co., NC (“Rhoda H.” age 6, born Georgia).

They are listed on the 1900 census in Cherokee Co., GA.

1900 Census, Cherokee Co., GA, No 1015 G. M. District (Lickskillet)

Page 141B, House 198, Family 199

Rhoda H. Weaver Stewart apparently died between 1900 and 1903 for Isham married again in 1903.

On 21 Dec 1903, Isham Stewart obtained a marriage license in Cherokee Co., GA to marry Rilda Gossett. They were married that same day by M. J. Mullins, N. P.

Rilda was born ca 1885/86 in Georgia, both per her 1910 census entry. I haven’t figured out who her parents were yet.

They were still in Cherokee for the 1910 census.

1910 Census, Cherokee Co., GA, Lickskillet

Page 138B, House 155, Family 163

Isham and most of his children moved to Texas in the 1910s, but I didn’t find any of them on the 1920 census there or elsewhere. There is a man named Isham Stewart on the 1920 census back in Cherokee Co., GA, but it’s a younger man of the same name, connection unknown.

Isham’s oldest son Van Stewart registered for the draft for World War I on 5 Jun 1917 in Cobb Co., GA. He listed that he was born “near Murphy, NC” which is accurate enough. He stated that his father, wife and child were dependant on him (none named), and that he was a resident of Woodstock, GA, which is Cherokee County. He worked in Cobb Co., GA. This shows that his father was still in Cherokee Co., GA in 1917 at least.

Isham’s second son, Vaughn Stewart, registered for the draft on 5 Jun 1918 as a resident of Queen City, Texas. He stated he was born in Cherokee Co., GA. His next of kin was Lillian Stewart, relationship not stated. However, a marriage record shows Vaughn married Lilly Mae Roberts in 1917. He listed his birth date here as 2 Feb 1896 which differs from his tombstone which gives 2 Jul 1898. Regardless, this shows at least one of the Stewarts was already in Texas by 1917. Queen City is in Cass County which borders Bowie County.

Using the above information, I tried again to locate Isham Stewart and family on the 1920 census, but with no success. They should all be in Texas, but I couldn’t find them.

Our Isham’s youngest known child was born ca 1915 in Cherokee Co., GA, so we know that Rilda H. Gossett Stewart was still alive through ca 1915 at least. Did she die in Georgia or after the move to Texas? I don’t know, but she died before her husband.

Isham G. Stewart died in Bowie Co., TX on 26 Apr 1928. His death certificate listed both parents as “Don’t know.” His son-in-law William B. Foster was the informant. Isham is buried at Center Ridge Cemetery in Bowie Co., TX, however, there seems to be no tombstone there for him now. Several of his children are buried there too. There are several unrelated Stewarts buried there as well.

Isham’s children by his second wife went back to Georgia. His children by his 3^rd wife remained in Texas. I don’t know that he and his first wife had any children.

---

Cecelia Stewart. In the Jesse Rose - Lois Stewart Letter (1972) she states that her grandfather (James Archibald Stewart) had a sister named "Cecelia (who married) a Moore,” but gave no additional data. I haven't been able to figure out who this is. Melvina Stewart Waldroup was listed as “Cealy” on the 1900 census. “Cealy” is sometimes used as a nickname for Cecelia, so I wonder if Jesse Rose was confused about who it was that married a Moore? Celia Melvina was only married once and her husband outlived her, so it’s not a case of a Mr. Moore being a second husband for her.

Later in the same letter, she goes on: “...Cecila Moore settled somewhere down below Charlotte, so Aunt Laura told me.”

Using the information from the letter I attempted to locate Cecelia Moore, assuming she wasn’t the same person as Celia Melinda Stewart Waldroup. I found no likely matches on the 1850 through 1950 censuses.

My assumption for now is that she was mistaken about someone of this name being part of this family. It’s entirely possible they did exist, but it’s highly unlikely they fit at this generation.

---

For Family Group Sheet and other notes see my database pages for John Stewart and Ruth Tutt.

Revised: April 7, 2024

Copyright © 1996-2024 Marvin A. Grant, Jr. All Rights Reserved.

[Home] [What’s New?] [Books for Sale] [Christian] [Genealogy] [Search] [Support] [About] [Contact]