Biographical Sketch of

Elisha J. Stewart

Transcribed by Sandra Boudrou



Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, 
published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 596 - 597 


Elisha J. Stewart, a retired farmer, residing in Wild Rose, is an honored pioneer of Waushara County, and 
deserves special mention in this volume for the active part which he has taken in its upbuilding and progress.  
In the years which have passed since his arrival he has seen wild prairies transformed into beautiful homes 
and farms, the rude log cabins of the few settlers replaced by commodious residences, churches and schools 
thickly scattered through the community, manufacturies and industries introduced, and the work of progress 
and civilization carried forward until the county occupies a front rank in the State.  The noble hand of men 
and women who bore the hardships and trials incident to frontier life have done a work for humanity which 
cannot be repaid, yet the future generations will revere them and in order to perpetuate their memory we 
present this written record of the citizens of the community.
 
Mr. Stewart was born in Rose, Wayne Co., N. Y., Nov. 8, 1825, and is of Scotch and German descent.  His father 
was William A. Stewart and his mother was in her maidenhood Miss Mahala Husted.  They were married in Schoharie 
County, N. Y., and unto them were born six children--Wealthy, who became the wife of Joseph H. Bailey, one of 
the early settlers of Wautoma, where his death occurred in 1887; Charles, a resident of Denver, Col., served 
his country in the 31st Wisconsin Infantry and accompanied Sherman on the celebrated march to the sea; Elisha 
J., of this sketch, is third in order of birth; John W., who was also a member of the 31st regiment, is now 
living in New Madrid, Mo.; Mary, who became the wife of David C. Clapper, died in New London, Wis.; and William 
is the pastor of the Christian Church in Sheboygan.  The family became residents of Waushara County in 1854.  
In early life Mr. Stewart and his wife were members of the Methodist Church, but afterwards became members of 
the United Brethren Church.  They were held in the highest regard by all who knew them and their loss was 
deeply mourned in the community where they made their home.  The husband died several years ago and his wife 
in New London in 1877.  He supported the Democratic party until the question of slavery became the leading 
issue before the people, when he joined the new republican party, formed to prevent its further extension, 
and continued one of its warm advocates until his death.
 
Elisha J. Stewart, whose name heads this notice, passed the days of his boyhood and youth in the Empire State, 
and after attaining his majority was united in marriage with Miss Jane C. Jeffers, on the 1st of January, 1849.  
The lady is a daughter of Samuel and Harriet (Robinson) Jeffers, who were natives of New York, and had a family 
of eight children, five of whom are living--Loren G., an architect of Kansas City, Mo.; Iantha, widow of 
Frederick Barnes, one of the early settlers of Waushara County; Jane C., the honored wife of our subject; Samuel, 
of El Paso, Tex., and John R., a soldier of the late war, who is now a resident of this county.  The parents came
to Waushara County in 1850, but are both deceased.
 
Believing that he could better his financial condition by a removal to the West, Mr. Stewart with his young wife 
started for Wisconsin in 1850.  They made the journey by water to Milwaukee and thence by teams to Dartford, where 
Mrs. Stewart remained while her husband sought a location.  The traveler of to-day can scarcely imagine the 
unsettled condition of the country at that time.  Much of the land had not yet come into market and in fact had 
not been divided into townships, but became the property of him who first settled permanently thereon.  Mr. Stewart 
made a claim on section 1, in the town of Wautoma, Waushara County, and subsequently removed to section 36 in the 
town of Rose.  On his arrival that town did not contain a single settler.  The nearest mill was at Dartford and 
the market was some miles away.  Oxen were principally used for farming purposes, especially in breaking prairie 
and the agricultural implements were very crude in comparison with those of the present day.  Mr. Stewart developed 
a fine farm and was quite successful in his operations in that line, so much so that he is now numbered among the 
substantial citizens of the county, although he had nothing when he came to the West.  His perseverance and industry 
overcame all obstacles and he is now living a retired life, enjoying the fruits of his former labors.  He has done 
much for the upbuilding of the community and has served his fellow citizens in various official positions, including 
that of Justice of the Peace, which office he has held for nearly forty years.  He was also Chairman of the town 
board for six years and gave evidence of his loyalty to his country by gallantly defending the Union during the 
late war.  He served as a member of Company D, of the 37th Wisconsin Infantry, and was principally engaged in guard 
duty near Petersburg, with the exception of nine months when he was confined in the hospital by sickness.  He is a 
stanch supporter of the Republican party which he has supported since its organization.
 
To Mr. and Mrs. Stewart have been born five children--Charles L., who married Ida Keeler, and resides in Osborne 
County, Kan.; James W., Justice of the Peace of Harlan, Kan.; Kate, wife of Frank Taylor, of Wautoma, Wis.; Fred 
B., who wedded Lottie Clintsman, and is a resident farmer of the town of Rose, while Hattie B., who completes the 
family, is the wife of Will Hughes of Wautoma.  The parents are both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
and their circle of friends in the county is extensive.






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