John Stewart, above mentioned, was born in Stewartsville, New Jersey, September 27, 1796. After public school courses in Stewartsville, he spent a few years as a student in an Easton private school, and then entered business life. He organized the firm Stewart & Company, manufacturers of wire, and continued the head of the firm until his death.

John Stewart, the father of Edward F., was born on the old homestead in New Jersey, and emigrated to Pennsylvania in an early day, settling in Easton, where he embarked in the mercantile business, in which occupation he continued for a number of years. Later he formed a partnership with Charles Rodenbough, and established a nail and wire mill, and in this enterprise was very successful. He was also President of the First National Bank of Easton, and was a public-spirited man, closely identified in many ways with the upbuilding of the entire community. In politics he was first a Whig and afterward a Republican. He was an Elder in the Presbyterian Church, of which he was a valued member.