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Horace Stewart, son of *Major
Rufus, who died at Beebe Plain, May 25, 1883, was born here September 25,
1804. About 1826, after alternating between the farm and an indifferent
experience in trade, he went to Beebe Plain and erected the plain, yet
comfortable and substantial buildings, which still stands unimpaired by
time. He soon rose in the esteem of those around him and came to be regarded
as one of the first business men in the county. It is a little remarkable
that notwithstanding his large business, extending from the Connecticut
river far into Canada, and involving dealings with all kinds of men, he
never was charged with violating an agreement or indulging in a trick.
February 3, 1830, he married Catharine
Hinman, a woman of remarkable kindness and benevolence, who survives him.
There were four children born to them, only one of whom, a daughter, is
living. With the death of Mr. Stewart, Derby lost not only one of its most
enterprising business men, but one of the most kindly, courteous, and hospitable
gentlemen of the town, while his family has to mourn the departure of a
most considerate husband, father and brother. Mr. Stewart was a man of
commanding figure and gentlemanly deportment, of very even temper, ever
having a kind word for all, yet strict and rigid in rules of business.
*Major Rufus Stewart,
born in 1776, came to Derby in 1797, and made the first settlement upon
the farm now owned by George S. Eaton, where he resided until 1812, when
he removed his family to Morgan and joined the American army, ranking as
captain. He served three years, was at the battle of Plattsburgh, and,
in 1816, returned to Derby and purchased the farm now owned by his son,
Emery Stewart, where he died in June, 1846, aged seventy-one years. His
wife died in 1842. Two of their six children are living — Emery, on the
old homestead, and Nancy, widow of Aaron Hinman, at Derby village.
[Engraving
by B.B. Hall’s Sons, New York]
Source:
Gazetteer of Lamoille and Orleans Counties, VT; 1883-1884,
by Hamilton Child, July, 1883, page 255.
Additional
information available from Tom Dunn
who provided this photo and biographical sketch.
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