John M. Steward was born in Luzerne County, Pa. Jan 1, 1834. There he was educated in the public schools and for some years worked in the coalmines. He served during the Civil War as a soldier in the Union army and died on March 29, 1866, and is buried at Egypt. His wife was Alavesta Wright, and they had the following children: Nathan J.; William J.; Penrose J.; and Mary, wife of John Christman.