By back-dating the information found on Howard Stewart's Tombstone, his date of birth is August 23rd 1852, and according to the data found in the Cape Girardeau, Missouri 1880 census, he was born in Indiana. The earliest reference to Howard is in the 1860 U.S. Census in Indiana in the family of Henry and Jane Stewart as an 8 year old. Also listed are siblings Robert, Martha, Margaret, James, William and Mary.
Howard Stewart was born just a short 29 years after the opening of the Land Office in Fort Wayne, Indiana in 1823, which is the closest to where I believe he was born. The Land Office openings followed the movement of the Indians as they moved north making the land available to settlers. Indiana was populated from South to North following this movement. The first immigrants to settle into Indiana were people of Ulser-Scot derivation (with some Germans and English Quakers) who came from Kentucky, Tennessee, western Virginia, western North Carolina, northwestern South Carolina, and western Pennsylvania. The main routes their ancestors and they used were (1) from Pennsylvania to western Virginia to western North Carolina (or SC) to Tennessee to Kentucky to Indiana, (2) from Pennsylvania to western Virginia to Kentucky to Indiana, (3) from Pennsylvania to western Virginia to Tennessee to Kentucky to Indiana, (4) from Virginia to western Virginia down the Kanawha River down the Ohio River to Indiana, (5) from Pennsylvania down the Ohio River to Indiana. The next immigrants who settled the central portion of the state were also from the southeastern states uplands (as above), from southern Indiana, and a very large number of people from the Mid-Atlantic States east of Indiana (PA, MD, DE, NJ, OH). Most of this last group came down the Ohio River or through the state of Ohio. This is the group which I believe Howard's parents belonged. In the 1880 census where I found Howard's birth state; his parents were listed as being born in Ohio (father) and Pennsylvania (mother).
Several events just prior to and within a few years after Howard's birth are pertinent to researching the family, so I will mention them here. In 1847, 5 years prior, married women were given the right to make a will indicating increased activity toward equal treatment. The first steam train connecting Indianapolis with Madison on the Ohio River was put into operation, launching an extensive railroad construction era. The Mexican War was fought 1846-48, with Indiana contributing over 5000 participants, over 500 of them dying of wounds or disease. The major event of the 1850's for the US was the growing animosity between the states. For Indiana, however, the major event of the 1850s was the acceptance of a new state constitution in 1851. The structure of the government was not radically changed, but greater emphasis was placed on free elementary public education. In early 1861, southern states challenged the Union by bombarding and capturing the Federal Fort Sumter in Charleston, SC. This marked the outbreak of the Civil War, with Indiana facing the conflict divided by sympathy for the south and loyalty to the north. When President Lincoln called for troops, Indiana met its quota with twice the number called for. At this time, it is unknown whether or not Howard's father may have fought in either the Mexican War, or the Civil War, but even at the end of the Civil War, Howard would have been too young at 11 years old to have participated.
Howard traveled to the Cape Girardeau, Missouri area with his parents and siblings in the early 1870s. His father's occupation on the 1880 Census is 'Teamster'. His future wife's father gave his occupation as 'Miller' on the 1880 Census. It is entirely possible that Howard and Luvinia met when helping his father drive a wagon to a mill where her father worked. The distance involved between their homes does not support any other explanation at this time. The first actual proven documentation I have for Howard is the record of his marriage to Luvinia L. Hatcher on October 22, 1873.
Howard Stewart To Luvina L. Hatcher; State of Missouri County of Bollinger; November 29, 1873; This is to certify that on the 22nd day of October A.D. 1873. Mr. Howard Stewart and Miss Luvina L. Hatcher were by me united in Marriage according to the Laws of God and of the State of Missouri at E.P. Hatchers in Bollinger County, Missouri. [signed] F.M. Sufherline J.P.
Filed for Record and recorded November 22nd A.D. 1873. [signed] Moses Whyson, Recorder."
As indicated in the marriage record, Howard and Luvinia were married in her father's home located in Marble Hill, Bollinger County, Missouri. This is further substantiated by a letter written to Fred M. Stewart, Sr. May 19, 1950 by Ellis M. Doughty, the husband of one of Luvinia's younger sisters.
Excerpt from letter: "I doubt very much if you know very much about your Great Grand Parents on your father's side. Your Great Grand Father I believe was named Howard Stewart; he married a Miss Donna Hatcher, Daughter of Ellery Perry and Margaret Jane Hatcher of Marble Hill, Bollinger County, Mo. Howard Stewart owned a nice farm in Cape Girardeau County, Mo. and near the then village of Pocahontas, Mo. They reared four fine sons. - William P., Edward, Charles, and Clarence. They owned, as stated a fine farm and the Stewarts were highly regarded by all who knew them. Mrs. Stewart (Donna) and my wife were sisters."
Three months after their marriage, on January 31, 1874 one of the most famous train robberies in history occurred at Gads Hill, MO on the St. Louis, Iron Mountain and Southern Railroad main line north of Piedmont, Missouri. Piedmont is only 60 miles or so west of Cape Girardeau, MO.
As a farmer, Howard had to deal with a grasshopper plague in Missouri in 1875 that caused an estimated $15 million worth of damages.
Also in 1875 he would have had the opportunity to vote for or against Missouri's third Constitution which was adopted on Oct. 30.
I next found Howard in the Personal Tax Record of Cape Girardeau County, Missouri starting in 1875 in Welch Township through 1877. In 1878 Howard and his family moved to Randol Township and filed taxes there through 1884. In 1885 they moved once again, this time to Shawnee Township. During this period he owned and paid taxes on up to two horses, three head of cattle, eight hogs and a dog. On September 22nd, 1883, Howard and Luvinia purchased a farm from her brother, James D. Hatcher which is also supported in the recording of a Land Tax Record in Cape Girardeau County and indicated in the tax records for the years 1884 and 1885. Speculation suggests that the boundaries between Randol and Shawnee Townships were changed during this time period.
The State of Missouri took a state census in 1876. This census enumerated Howard with one white male under 10 years old, one white male between 21 and 45 and one white female between 21 and 45. Further in the census book, the family is again listed, but this time separately as follows: How Stewart, one white male 21 – 45; Wm.P., one white male under 10; Luvinia, one white female 21 – 45.
In the previously mentioned 1880 Census for Cape Girardeau County, Missouri, Howard and Luvinia are listed with three children; William Perry, James Edward, and Charles W. A fourth son was born after the census, but was mentioned in the letter by Ellis Doughty, and a fifth son was born June 28, 1881. The last was discovered by visiting the grave site of Howard and finding the grave of an infant son next to him also named Howard who died October 24, 1882.
Howard died of pneumonia July 21, 1889 as stated in the 'Physical Examination of a Recruit' filled out by William Perry Stewart on his enlistment into the Army in April 28, 1892. He is buried at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Fruitland, Missouri.
FootNotes
1) 1860 U.S. Census, Howard Twp, Howard County, Indiana; Microfilm Roll # M653-266, pg. 592
2) Schweitzer, George K., Ph.D, Sc.D.; Indiana Genealogical Research;Chapter 1, Section 6, page 19.
3) Schweitzer, George K., Ph.D, Sc.D.; Indiana Genealogical Research;Chapter 1, Section 6, page 22.
4) 1880 U.S. Census, Byrd Twp, Cape Girardeau Co. Missouri; Microfilm Roll # 79-678, page 16.
5) 1880 U.S. Census, Union Twp, Bollinger Co. Missouri
6)Bollinger County, MO; Marriage Records; Book 2, page 30
Howard Stewart was born just a short 29 years after the opening of the Land Office in Fort Wayne, Indiana in 1823, which is the closest to where I believe he was born. The Land Office openings followed the movement of the Indians as they moved north making the land available to settlers. Indiana was populated from South to North following this movement. The first immigrants to settle into Indiana were people of Ulser-Scot derivation (with some Germans and English Quakers) who came from Kentucky, Tennessee, western Virginia, western North Carolina, northwestern South Carolina, and western Pennsylvania. The main routes their ancestors and they used were (1) from Pennsylvania to western Virginia to western North Carolina (or SC) to Tennessee to Kentucky to Indiana, (2) from Pennsylvania to western Virginia to Kentucky to Indiana, (3) from Pennsylvania to western Virginia to Tennessee to Kentucky to Indiana, (4) from Virginia to western Virginia down the Kanawha River down the Ohio River to Indiana, (5) from Pennsylvania down the Ohio River to Indiana. The next immigrants who settled the central portion of the state were also from the southeastern states uplands (as above), from southern Indiana, and a very large number of people from the Mid-Atlantic States east of Indiana (PA, MD, DE, NJ, OH). Most of this last group came down the Ohio River or through the state of Ohio. This is the group which I believe Howard's parents belonged. In the 1880 census where I found Howard's birth state; his parents were listed as being born in Ohio (father) and Pennsylvania (mother).
Several events just prior to and within a few years after Howard's birth are pertinent to researching the family, so I will mention them here. In 1847, 5 years prior, married women were given the right to make a will indicating increased activity toward equal treatment. The first steam train connecting Indianapolis with Madison on the Ohio River was put into operation, launching an extensive railroad construction era. The Mexican War was fought 1846-48, with Indiana contributing over 5000 participants, over 500 of them dying of wounds or disease. The major event of the 1850's for the US was the growing animosity between the states. For Indiana, however, the major event of the 1850s was the acceptance of a new state constitution in 1851. The structure of the government was not radically changed, but greater emphasis was placed on free elementary public education. In early 1861, southern states challenged the Union by bombarding and capturing the Federal Fort Sumter in Charleston, SC. This marked the outbreak of the Civil War, with Indiana facing the conflict divided by sympathy for the south and loyalty to the north. When President Lincoln called for troops, Indiana met its quota with twice the number called for. At this time, it is unknown whether or not Howard's father may have fought in either the Mexican War, or the Civil War, but even at the end of the Civil War, Howard would have been too young at 11 years old to have participated.
Howard traveled to the Cape Girardeau, Missouri area with his parents and siblings in the early 1870s. His father's occupation on the 1880 Census is 'Teamster'. His future wife's father gave his occupation as 'Miller' on the 1880 Census. It is entirely possible that Howard and Luvinia met when helping his father drive a wagon to a mill where her father worked. The distance involved between their homes does not support any other explanation at this time. The first actual proven documentation I have for Howard is the record of his marriage to Luvinia L. Hatcher on October 22, 1873.
Howard Stewart To Luvina L. Hatcher; State of Missouri County of Bollinger; November 29, 1873; This is to certify that on the 22nd day of October A.D. 1873. Mr. Howard Stewart and Miss Luvina L. Hatcher were by me united in Marriage according to the Laws of God and of the State of Missouri at E.P. Hatchers in Bollinger County, Missouri. [signed] F.M. Sufherline J.P.
Filed for Record and recorded November 22nd A.D. 1873. [signed] Moses Whyson, Recorder."
As indicated in the marriage record, Howard and Luvinia were married in her father's home located in Marble Hill, Bollinger County, Missouri. This is further substantiated by a letter written to Fred M. Stewart, Sr. May 19, 1950 by Ellis M. Doughty, the husband of one of Luvinia's younger sisters.
Excerpt from letter: "I doubt very much if you know very much about your Great Grand Parents on your father's side. Your Great Grand Father I believe was named Howard Stewart; he married a Miss Donna Hatcher, Daughter of Ellery Perry and Margaret Jane Hatcher of Marble Hill, Bollinger County, Mo. Howard Stewart owned a nice farm in Cape Girardeau County, Mo. and near the then village of Pocahontas, Mo. They reared four fine sons. - William P., Edward, Charles, and Clarence. They owned, as stated a fine farm and the Stewarts were highly regarded by all who knew them. Mrs. Stewart (Donna) and my wife were sisters."
Three months after their marriage, on January 31, 1874 one of the most famous train robberies in history occurred at Gads Hill, MO on the St. Louis, Iron Mountain and Southern Railroad main line north of Piedmont, Missouri. Piedmont is only 60 miles or so west of Cape Girardeau, MO.
As a farmer, Howard had to deal with a grasshopper plague in Missouri in 1875 that caused an estimated $15 million worth of damages.
Also in 1875 he would have had the opportunity to vote for or against Missouri's third Constitution which was adopted on Oct. 30.
I next found Howard in the Personal Tax Record of Cape Girardeau County, Missouri starting in 1875 in Welch Township through 1877. In 1878 Howard and his family moved to Randol Township and filed taxes there through 1884. In 1885 they moved once again, this time to Shawnee Township. During this period he owned and paid taxes on up to two horses, three head of cattle, eight hogs and a dog. On September 22nd, 1883, Howard and Luvinia purchased a farm from her brother, James D. Hatcher which is also supported in the recording of a Land Tax Record in Cape Girardeau County and indicated in the tax records for the years 1884 and 1885. Speculation suggests that the boundaries between Randol and Shawnee Townships were changed during this time period.
The State of Missouri took a state census in 1876. This census enumerated Howard with one white male under 10 years old, one white male between 21 and 45 and one white female between 21 and 45. Further in the census book, the family is again listed, but this time separately as follows: How Stewart, one white male 21 – 45; Wm.P., one white male under 10; Luvinia, one white female 21 – 45.
In the previously mentioned 1880 Census for Cape Girardeau County, Missouri, Howard and Luvinia are listed with three children; William Perry, James Edward, and Charles W. A fourth son was born after the census, but was mentioned in the letter by Ellis Doughty, and a fifth son was born June 28, 1881. The last was discovered by visiting the grave site of Howard and finding the grave of an infant son next to him also named Howard who died October 24, 1882.
Howard died of pneumonia July 21, 1889 as stated in the 'Physical Examination of a Recruit' filled out by William Perry Stewart on his enlistment into the Army in April 28, 1892. He is buried at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Fruitland, Missouri.
FootNotes
1) 1860 U.S. Census, Howard Twp, Howard County, Indiana; Microfilm Roll # M653-266, pg. 592
2) Schweitzer, George K., Ph.D, Sc.D.; Indiana Genealogical Research;Chapter 1, Section 6, page 19.
3) Schweitzer, George K., Ph.D, Sc.D.; Indiana Genealogical Research;Chapter 1, Section 6, page 22.
4) 1880 U.S. Census, Byrd Twp, Cape Girardeau Co. Missouri; Microfilm Roll # 79-678, page 16.
5) 1880 U.S. Census, Union Twp, Bollinger Co. Missouri
6)Bollinger County, MO; Marriage Records; Book 2, page 30
By back-dating the information found on Howard Stewart's Tombstone, his date of birth is August 23rd 1852, and according to the data found in the Cape Girardeau, Missouri 1880 census, he was born in Indiana. The earliest reference to Howard is in the 1860 U.S. Census in Indiana in the family of Henry and Jane Stewart as an 8 year old. Also listed are siblings Robert, Martha, Margaret, James, William and Mary.
Howard Stewart was born just a short 29 years after the opening of the Land Office in Fort Wayne, Indiana in 1823, which is the closest to where I believe he was born. The Land Office openings followed the movement of the Indians as they moved north making the land available to settlers. Indiana was populated from South to North following this movement. The first immigrants to settle into Indiana were people of Ulser-Scot derivation (with some Germans and English Quakers) who came from Kentucky, Tennessee, western Virginia, western North Carolina, northwestern South Carolina, and western Pennsylvania. The main routes their ancestors and they used were (1) from Pennsylvania to western Virginia to western North Carolina (or SC) to Tennessee to Kentucky to Indiana, (2) from Pennsylvania to western Virginia to Kentucky to Indiana, (3) from Pennsylvania to western Virginia to Tennessee to Kentucky to Indiana, (4) from Virginia to western Virginia down the Kanawha River down the Ohio River to Indiana, (5) from Pennsylvania down the Ohio River to Indiana. The next immigrants who settled the central portion of the state were also from the southeastern states uplands (as above), from southern Indiana, and a very large number of people from the Mid-Atlantic States east of Indiana (PA, MD, DE, NJ, OH). Most of this last group came down the Ohio River or through the state of Ohio. This is the group which I believe Howard's parents belonged. In the 1880 census where I found Howard's birth state; his parents were listed as being born in Ohio (father) and Pennsylvania (mother).
Several events just prior to and within a few years after Howard's birth are pertinent to researching the family, so I will mention them here. In 1847, 5 years prior, married women were given the right to make a will indicating increased activity toward equal treatment. The first steam train connecting Indianapolis with Madison on the Ohio River was put into operation, launching an extensive railroad construction era. The Mexican War was fought 1846-48, with Indiana contributing over 5000 participants, over 500 of them dying of wounds or disease. The major event of the 1850's for the US was the growing animosity between the states. For Indiana, however, the major event of the 1850s was the acceptance of a new state constitution in 1851. The structure of the government was not radically changed, but greater emphasis was placed on free elementary public education. In early 1861, southern states challenged the Union by bombarding and capturing the Federal Fort Sumter in Charleston, SC. This marked the outbreak of the Civil War, with Indiana facing the conflict divided by sympathy for the south and loyalty to the north. When President Lincoln called for troops, Indiana met its quota with twice the number called for. At this time, it is unknown whether or not Howard's father may have fought in either the Mexican War, or the Civil War, but even at the end of the Civil War, Howard would have been too young at 11 years old to have participated.
Howard traveled to the Cape Girardeau, Missouri area with his parents and siblings in the early 1870s. His father's occupation on the 1880 Census is 'Teamster'. His future wife's father gave his occupation as 'Miller' on the 1880 Census. It is entirely possible that Howard and Luvinia met when helping his father drive a wagon to a mill where her father worked. The distance involved between their homes does not support any other explanation at this time. The first actual proven documentation I have for Howard is the record of his marriage to Luvinia L. Hatcher on October 22, 1873.
Howard Stewart To Luvina L. Hatcher; State of Missouri County of Bollinger; November 29, 1873; This is to certify that on the 22nd day of October A.D. 1873. Mr. Howard Stewart and Miss Luvina L. Hatcher were by me united in Marriage according to the Laws of God and of the State of Missouri at E.P. Hatchers in Bollinger County, Missouri. [signed] F.M. Sufherline J.P.
Filed for Record and recorded November 22nd A.D. 1873. [signed] Moses Whyson, Recorder."
As indicated in the marriage record, Howard and Luvinia were married in her father's home located in Marble Hill, Bollinger County, Missouri. This is further substantiated by a letter written to Fred M. Stewart, Sr. May 19, 1950 by Ellis M. Doughty, the husband of one of Luvinia's younger sisters.
Excerpt from letter: "I doubt very much if you know very much about your Great Grand Parents on your father's side. Your Great Grand Father I believe was named Howard Stewart; he married a Miss Donna Hatcher, Daughter of Ellery Perry and Margaret Jane Hatcher of Marble Hill, Bollinger County, Mo. Howard Stewart owned a nice farm in Cape Girardeau County, Mo. and near the then village of Pocahontas, Mo. They reared four fine sons. - William P., Edward, Charles, and Clarence. They owned, as stated a fine farm and the Stewarts were highly regarded by all who knew them. Mrs. Stewart (Donna) and my wife were sisters."
Three months after their marriage, on January 31, 1874 one of the most famous train robberies in history occurred at Gads Hill, MO on the St. Louis, Iron Mountain and Southern Railroad main line north of Piedmont, Missouri. Piedmont is only 60 miles or so west of Cape Girardeau, MO.
As a farmer, Howard had to deal with a grasshopper plague in Missouri in 1875 that caused an estimated $15 million worth of damages.
Also in 1875 he would have had the opportunity to vote for or against Missouri's third Constitution which was adopted on Oct. 30.
I next found Howard in the Personal Tax Record of Cape Girardeau County, Missouri starting in 1875 in Welch Township through 1877. In 1878 Howard and his family moved to Randol Township and filed taxes there through 1884. In 1885 they moved once again, this time to Shawnee Township. During this period he owned and paid taxes on up to two horses, three head of cattle, eight hogs and a dog. On September 22nd, 1883, Howard and Luvinia purchased a farm from her brother, James D. Hatcher which is also supported in the recording of a Land Tax Record in Cape Girardeau County and indicated in the tax records for the years 1884 and 1885. Speculation suggests that the boundaries between Randol and Shawnee Townships were changed during this time period.
The State of Missouri took a state census in 1876. This census enumerated Howard with one white male under 10 years old, one white male between 21 and 45 and one white female between 21 and 45. Further in the census book, the family is again listed, but this time separately as follows: How Stewart, one white male 21 – 45; Wm.P., one white male under 10; Luvinia, one white female 21 – 45.
In the previously mentioned 1880 Census for Cape Girardeau County, Missouri, Howard and Luvinia are listed with three children; William Perry, James Edward, and Charles W. A fourth son was born after the census, but was mentioned in the letter by Ellis Doughty, and a fifth son was born June 28, 1881. The last was discovered by visiting the grave site of Howard and finding the grave of an infant son next to him also named Howard who died October 24, 1882.
Howard died of pneumonia July 21, 1889 as stated in the 'Physical Examination of a Recruit' filled out by William Perry Stewart on his enlistment into the Army in April 28, 1892. He is buried at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Fruitland, Missouri.
FootNotes
1) 1860 U.S. Census, Howard Twp, Howard County, Indiana; Microfilm Roll # M653-266, pg. 592
2) Schweitzer, George K., Ph.D, Sc.D.; Indiana Genealogical Research;Chapter 1, Section 6, page 19.
3) Schweitzer, George K., Ph.D, Sc.D.; Indiana Genealogical Research;Chapter 1, Section 6, page 22.
4) 1880 U.S. Census, Byrd Twp, Cape Girardeau Co. Missouri; Microfilm Roll # 79-678, page 16.
5) 1880 U.S. Census, Union Twp, Bollinger Co. Missouri
6)Bollinger County, MO; Marriage Records; Book 2, page 30
Howard Stewart was born just a short 29 years after the opening of the Land Office in Fort Wayne, Indiana in 1823, which is the closest to where I believe he was born. The Land Office openings followed the movement of the Indians as they moved north making the land available to settlers. Indiana was populated from South to North following this movement. The first immigrants to settle into Indiana were people of Ulser-Scot derivation (with some Germans and English Quakers) who came from Kentucky, Tennessee, western Virginia, western North Carolina, northwestern South Carolina, and western Pennsylvania. The main routes their ancestors and they used were (1) from Pennsylvania to western Virginia to western North Carolina (or SC) to Tennessee to Kentucky to Indiana, (2) from Pennsylvania to western Virginia to Kentucky to Indiana, (3) from Pennsylvania to western Virginia to Tennessee to Kentucky to Indiana, (4) from Virginia to western Virginia down the Kanawha River down the Ohio River to Indiana, (5) from Pennsylvania down the Ohio River to Indiana. The next immigrants who settled the central portion of the state were also from the southeastern states uplands (as above), from southern Indiana, and a very large number of people from the Mid-Atlantic States east of Indiana (PA, MD, DE, NJ, OH). Most of this last group came down the Ohio River or through the state of Ohio. This is the group which I believe Howard's parents belonged. In the 1880 census where I found Howard's birth state; his parents were listed as being born in Ohio (father) and Pennsylvania (mother).
Several events just prior to and within a few years after Howard's birth are pertinent to researching the family, so I will mention them here. In 1847, 5 years prior, married women were given the right to make a will indicating increased activity toward equal treatment. The first steam train connecting Indianapolis with Madison on the Ohio River was put into operation, launching an extensive railroad construction era. The Mexican War was fought 1846-48, with Indiana contributing over 5000 participants, over 500 of them dying of wounds or disease. The major event of the 1850's for the US was the growing animosity between the states. For Indiana, however, the major event of the 1850s was the acceptance of a new state constitution in 1851. The structure of the government was not radically changed, but greater emphasis was placed on free elementary public education. In early 1861, southern states challenged the Union by bombarding and capturing the Federal Fort Sumter in Charleston, SC. This marked the outbreak of the Civil War, with Indiana facing the conflict divided by sympathy for the south and loyalty to the north. When President Lincoln called for troops, Indiana met its quota with twice the number called for. At this time, it is unknown whether or not Howard's father may have fought in either the Mexican War, or the Civil War, but even at the end of the Civil War, Howard would have been too young at 11 years old to have participated.
Howard traveled to the Cape Girardeau, Missouri area with his parents and siblings in the early 1870s. His father's occupation on the 1880 Census is 'Teamster'. His future wife's father gave his occupation as 'Miller' on the 1880 Census. It is entirely possible that Howard and Luvinia met when helping his father drive a wagon to a mill where her father worked. The distance involved between their homes does not support any other explanation at this time. The first actual proven documentation I have for Howard is the record of his marriage to Luvinia L. Hatcher on October 22, 1873.
Howard Stewart To Luvina L. Hatcher; State of Missouri County of Bollinger; November 29, 1873; This is to certify that on the 22nd day of October A.D. 1873. Mr. Howard Stewart and Miss Luvina L. Hatcher were by me united in Marriage according to the Laws of God and of the State of Missouri at E.P. Hatchers in Bollinger County, Missouri. [signed] F.M. Sufherline J.P.
Filed for Record and recorded November 22nd A.D. 1873. [signed] Moses Whyson, Recorder."
As indicated in the marriage record, Howard and Luvinia were married in her father's home located in Marble Hill, Bollinger County, Missouri. This is further substantiated by a letter written to Fred M. Stewart, Sr. May 19, 1950 by Ellis M. Doughty, the husband of one of Luvinia's younger sisters.
Excerpt from letter: "I doubt very much if you know very much about your Great Grand Parents on your father's side. Your Great Grand Father I believe was named Howard Stewart; he married a Miss Donna Hatcher, Daughter of Ellery Perry and Margaret Jane Hatcher of Marble Hill, Bollinger County, Mo. Howard Stewart owned a nice farm in Cape Girardeau County, Mo. and near the then village of Pocahontas, Mo. They reared four fine sons. - William P., Edward, Charles, and Clarence. They owned, as stated a fine farm and the Stewarts were highly regarded by all who knew them. Mrs. Stewart (Donna) and my wife were sisters."
Three months after their marriage, on January 31, 1874 one of the most famous train robberies in history occurred at Gads Hill, MO on the St. Louis, Iron Mountain and Southern Railroad main line north of Piedmont, Missouri. Piedmont is only 60 miles or so west of Cape Girardeau, MO.
As a farmer, Howard had to deal with a grasshopper plague in Missouri in 1875 that caused an estimated $15 million worth of damages.
Also in 1875 he would have had the opportunity to vote for or against Missouri's third Constitution which was adopted on Oct. 30.
I next found Howard in the Personal Tax Record of Cape Girardeau County, Missouri starting in 1875 in Welch Township through 1877. In 1878 Howard and his family moved to Randol Township and filed taxes there through 1884. In 1885 they moved once again, this time to Shawnee Township. During this period he owned and paid taxes on up to two horses, three head of cattle, eight hogs and a dog. On September 22nd, 1883, Howard and Luvinia purchased a farm from her brother, James D. Hatcher which is also supported in the recording of a Land Tax Record in Cape Girardeau County and indicated in the tax records for the years 1884 and 1885. Speculation suggests that the boundaries between Randol and Shawnee Townships were changed during this time period.
The State of Missouri took a state census in 1876. This census enumerated Howard with one white male under 10 years old, one white male between 21 and 45 and one white female between 21 and 45. Further in the census book, the family is again listed, but this time separately as follows: How Stewart, one white male 21 – 45; Wm.P., one white male under 10; Luvinia, one white female 21 – 45.
In the previously mentioned 1880 Census for Cape Girardeau County, Missouri, Howard and Luvinia are listed with three children; William Perry, James Edward, and Charles W. A fourth son was born after the census, but was mentioned in the letter by Ellis Doughty, and a fifth son was born June 28, 1881. The last was discovered by visiting the grave site of Howard and finding the grave of an infant son next to him also named Howard who died October 24, 1882.
Howard died of pneumonia July 21, 1889 as stated in the 'Physical Examination of a Recruit' filled out by William Perry Stewart on his enlistment into the Army in April 28, 1892. He is buried at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Fruitland, Missouri.
FootNotes
1) 1860 U.S. Census, Howard Twp, Howard County, Indiana; Microfilm Roll # M653-266, pg. 592
2) Schweitzer, George K., Ph.D, Sc.D.; Indiana Genealogical Research;Chapter 1, Section 6, page 19.
3) Schweitzer, George K., Ph.D, Sc.D.; Indiana Genealogical Research;Chapter 1, Section 6, page 22.
4) 1880 U.S. Census, Byrd Twp, Cape Girardeau Co. Missouri; Microfilm Roll # 79-678, page 16.
5) 1880 U.S. Census, Union Twp, Bollinger Co. Missouri
6)Bollinger County, MO; Marriage Records; Book 2, page 30
Inscription
Farewell
He was a kind and affectionate husband a fond father, and a friend to all
HOWARD STEWART
Died July 21,1889
Aged 36 yrs 10 mo. 29d.
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