William Steward, in 1790, lived in Upper Mount Bethel Township, and had two sons under 16 years of age and 3 daughters. This enumeration, however, does not mention the name of Robert Steward, but in the description of he location of the 165 acre farm in the deed of release dated 1843, by the heirs of William Steward to Reuben Steward there is the following clause." Thence by Land of the late Robert Steward, nor 30 1/4 degrees, west 90 perches to a corner, ect" William Steward built a crudely constructed log house near an excellent spring and this served as a dwelling until after the erection of the present house. The log barn was razed in 1889 by W. R. Deshler.

William Steward was a farmer all his life. He and family were Lutheran members of the Stone church where they are buried. His wife was Catharine Kleppinger. They had 8 children: George; Reuben; James; William; Polly, m. William Reyer; Anna, m. Samuel Stem; Catharine m. Jacob Smoyer, lived near Tiffin Ohio; and Elizabeth, m. Edward Deshler.