J. T. Stewart, a citizen of Fairport, and senior member of the firm of J. T. Stewart & Co., general merchants, was born in Hardin County, Ky., on February 18, 1856. He is the second of seven children born to A. H. and Adner (Lewis) Stewart, both natives of Hardin County, Ky. They reside at present in Daviess County, Mo., to which point they removed in 1872. The father has been a very successful farmer and stock raiser. J. T. was reared on the farm, and received his education in the district schools of Kentucky, and in the high school at Gallatin, Mo. He remained on the farm until February 1, 1880, when he removed to Fairport and engaged in his present business. The firm now carries a stock valued at between $5,000 and $6,000, including dry goods, clothing, boots and shoes, hats, notions, groceries etc. They do an annual business of from $25,000 to $30,000. On August 3, 1887, Mr. Stewart was united in marriage with Hattie Brant, who was born in Ohio. She is the daughter of William Brant, who lives near Stewartsville, De Kalb County.
Source: History of Andrew and DeKalb Counties, Missouri (Chicago: Goodspeed Publishing Company, 1888), pp. 586-587.