Laban Stewart & Family

Laban STEWART was born 14 June 1803 in Virginia, and died 27 June 1885 in Williamson County Texas.  He married Nancy Ellen WELLS in Rhea County Tennessee 10 September 1823.  Nancy, the daughter of James and Margaret (WILLIAMS) WELLS, was born in North Carolina 3 June 1806, and died in Williamson County Texas 5 December 1883.

Per descendant Karen:

The bondsman at the wedding was named Edward STEWART. The Family can be found in the 1830 Rhea County Tennessee census.  In 1840, they were in Jackson County Alabama.

In 1838, “Labon” STEWART served as a Private in Capt. Moses Glasscock’s Company, Norwoods’ Battallion, Alabama Militia, Jackson County Alabama.  He applied for bounty land in Barry County, Missouri 7 July 1855 with W. L. H. Frazier, age 42 and A. J. Wells, age 37 signing the affidavit (BLWT #44337).  Laban STEWART enrolled 4 Jun 1838 for 3 months in Bellefonte, Alabama (mustered in 9 Jun 1838; mustered out 18 Jul 1838 in Landing, Alabama).

Laban STEWART is listed as an early settler in Capp’s Creek, Barry County, Missouri in 1888 Goodspeed.  Capp’s Creek Township.– First Settlers: James Stone, William Montgomery, Laban Stewart, Stephen Wallace, James White, Rev. M. Ervin, W.L.H. Frazier, John Goodnight and others. In that part of the county the prairie and valley lands are of good quality and very rich, productive, with that and other advantages, being near the railroad town, Pierce City, makes that part of the county a very desirable part of it…

Although the family cannot be found in the 1860 census, Laban STEWART is listed on the 1861 Tax List for Barry County, Missouri.  In 1870, the family was in Williamson County Texas.

“Labon” STEWART signed an application made in Williamson County, Texas, for service pension, War of 1812 for James Pugh. The application was dated August 1, 1879, and Labon’s age was listed at 78 years.  Suzanne’s notes:  James PUGH was an in-law of Laban’s.  James was born in 1795 in Charlottesville Virginia, and died 6 November 1882 in Williamson County Texas.  As Laban was born in Virginia, I wonder if he too were born in Charlottesville, and they were boyhood friends.  As I have only researched briefly, I admittedly don’t know where James Pugh is buried, but would not be surprised at all if he were buried in Pond Springs Cemetery.

Known children of Laban and Nancy (WELLS) STEWART:

i.  James Washington STEWART, born in Tennessee in 1825, died in Missouri in 1856.  Married Nancy Jackson PUGH in 1845.  Nancy married two more times after the death of James.  Known children of James and Nancy (PUGH) STEWART:

1  Mary Amanda STEWART, born in Missouri ca. 1847.

2  Andrew STEWART, born in Missouri ca. 1848.

3  Laura Louise STEWART, born in Missouri ca. March 1850.

4  Thomas James STEWART, born in Missouri ca. 1854.

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Obit

Waco Daily Times-Herald

13 June 1914

Nancy Garrison Pioneer resident is dead-

Mrs. Nancy Garrison for over 50 years a resident of Mclennan County died at 7:30 last night at the reisdence of her daughter, Mrs. L.L. Orelle, on the old Dallas road, four miles north of Waco. Mrs. Garrison would have passed her 84th birthday on 11 July. She is survived by eight children. Her daughter, Mrs. Orelle, with whom Mrs. Garrison lived, is the only child living in Mclennan county. Mrs. Garrison is survivrd by a number of grandchildren.

Mrs. Garrison was married three times. A daughter, Mrs. Annie Speegle, lives at Blue Rock, Texas. Two sons live in Washington State, Jim Garrison and Young Staton. Tom Stewart, another son, lives in Burnett County, Texas. Mrs. Lillie Smith a daughter, lives in South, Texas. Another son lives in Mexico.

The funeral will be held this afternoon at 4:30 from the residence of Mrs. Orelle. Burial will be at the Greenwood Cemetery.

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ii.  Mary Jane STEWART born in 1827 in Tennessee.  Married Martin Benson/Brown NELSON.

iii.  William Riley STEWART born in Tennessee in 1830, died in Port Hospital, Galveston Texas 1865. William and his brother Andrew both served in the 1st Regiment Texas Cavalry Company D.  William married Zebuline Harrison STARKEY.

William R. Stewart was in the first Texas Cavalry of the Union Army…Brief Timeline:
Company D contained many men from Travis County. The first Texas Regiment’s main objective was to capture Galveston, Texas. September 13, 1863 they left New Orleans for Galveston, Texas October 19, 1863 they fought the battle of Galveston Bay. They fought against General Tom Green and his Travis Rifles, a confederate unit of Travis County men. The First Texas Regiment lost. They returned to New Orleans. In New Orleans they sailed the steamer “George Peabody” to Texas.  November 8,1863 they arrived in Brownsville, Texas. They stayed in Brownsville until June 21, 1864. June 21, 1864 they took the steamer”Clinton” to New Orleans. November 21, 1864 they left for Baton Rouge LA. December 30, 1864 they took the steamer “Belvadeer” to New Orleans. A.J.Stewart died April 13,1865. On May 23, 1865 they were at Baton Rouge LA. They left there for Miss. They stayed in Natches Miss from May 27 to June 29, 1865. June 29, 1865 they began marching toward San Antonio Texas where they were to be discharged. July 1865 William R. Stewart died.

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Natchez, Miss
June 8,1865

Dear Wife,
I take this opportunity to try to get a few lines to you to let you know where I am and that I am yet living. Thought my life is no pleasure to me if it was not for the hope that I have of returning home it would be little worthwhile for me to try to live for when I look upon the pensive faces of the two pictures I have with it almost melts my heart with grief to think that cannot enjoy the presence of them for they are the ones that have their names engraved upon my heart- I think the time is close at hand when I can return home if it is the will of God to permit me to enjoy that happy hour. I have enjoyed good health ever since I left home thought I will have to tell you the sad news of the death of Brother Jack – he died April 13th 1865 at Baton Rouge LA. His sickness was the diarrhea and flux. I stood around his bed of affliction while he was sick- he left with good consolation his friends and relations. He told me while he was in his right mind to tell all his friends to meet him in heaven – he said he felt that his peace was made with God – and all was well. When he appeared to be laboring under great deal of pain and affliction he said who would think that death was a friend. I received a letter from Jasper day before yesterday. He was well. He was in Illinois. He said John Buttery and the old man was well- it is not necss for me to try to say or explain anything about the bounties that I have experienced for it has been great. I have not yet time to write all I would if I had more time for the man that I expect to send it by is going to start away in a few moments. Zebey I will say to you do the best you can and the children- kiss Mary Austin and Franklin for me and take the same for yourself. If it be the will of God to spare my life I will return home as soon as possible. This leaving me will I hope when it comes to hand it may find you enjoying good health. I will close it by subscribing my name your affectionate loving husband…till death W. R. Stewart
(continuing same letter) Could I this morning be honored with the presence of the loved ones I have so long been absent from the pleasure it would afford me would be inexpressible. I have been a soldier for nearly two years. I expect to be mustered out of the service. (6 unclear words) Give my respects to all inquiring friends and relatives that is interested in my welfare. W.R.S

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Known children of William Riley and Zebuline (STARKEY) STEWART:

1  Mary Austin STEWART, born ca. 1857 in Barry County Missouri.

2  William Franklin STEWART, born ca. 1861 in Austin, Travis County Texas, died 6 October 1947 in Wheaton, Barry County Missouri.

iv.  Pleasant L. STEWART, born in Tennessee 17 September 1832, died in Williamson County Texas on his 67th birthday.  Married Alice Agnes STARKEY (23 August 1834-19 November 1894).  Both are buried Pond Springs Cemetery.  Known children:

1  James M. STEWART, born in Missouri ca. 1856.

2  George W. STEWART, born in Missouri ca. 1858.

3  Bella STEWART, born in Texas ca. 1861.

4  Martha STEWART, born in Texas ca. 1866.

5  Nancy STEWART, born in Texas ca. 1868.

6  John STEWART, born in Texas ca. 1873.

7  William STEWART, born in Texas ca. 1876.

v.  Elizabeth Melissa STEWART, born 7 April 1835 in Tennessee, died 8 June 1926 French Camp California.  Married James Purvey/Percy PUGH, brother of the above Nancy Jackson PUGH.  Known children:

1  Malvina PUGH, born in Missouri ca. 1851.

2  Samuel O. PUGH, born in Missouri ca. 1852, died 1935.

3  Nancy Ann PUGH, born in Missouri ca. 1853.

4  James Edward PUGH, born in California ca. 1856.

5  Melinda G. PUGH, born in California ca. 1858.

6  Mary PUGH, born in California ca. 1860.

vi.  Andrew Jackson “Jack” STEWART, born 1838 Alabama, died 13 April 1865 Baton Rouge Louisiana.  He enlisted in Company D, 1st Regiment Texas Cavalry, with his brother William Riley Stewart.  The  unit was organized in New Orleans 6 November 1862.  Married Asenath M. FLANAGAN.  Asenath died 10 November 1862, possibly a few weeks after her husband left to join his unit, and is the first documented burial in Pond Springs Cemetery.  Known child:

1  Andrew STEWART, born in Texas November 1862.

vii.  Susan Catherine STEWART, born 25 December 1840 in Alabama, died 23 February 1932 in Williamson County Texas.   Married Green McCLURE in Barry County Missouri 11 February 1857.  Green and Susan McCLURE are buried in Pond Springs Cemetery.  Per descendant Karen:

“Green McClure enlisted July 8, 1862 in the Texas Confederate Army at Georgetown Texas, known as Camp McCullough.  He was in Company D, 30th Regiment of the Texas Calvary, (Armstrong Regiment).  He was discharged as a private at the end of the war.  The original McClure home was located just off current day highway 183 between Leander and Cedar Park, Texas.  The property is rectangular in shape. According to Susan Catherine’s Confederate States Army pension application (number 45063) filed 11 Dec 1928, she married Green McClure, the 11th day of February 1857 in Joplin, Missouri, was born 25 December 1840 in Alabama and resided in Williamson County for 67 years. Wednesday, February 24, 1932.”

“Obituary:  Mrs. S. C. McClure, resident of Cedar Park nearly all her life, succumbed at her home Tuesday at the age of 91. Funeral services were held at 3:P.M. Wednesday and interment was in Pond Springs Cemetery. Mrs. McClure is survived by three sons W. L. McClure of Ackerly, J. E. McClure of Santa Anna and R. B. McClure of Lodi, Cal. Survivors also include 27 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren and two great, great grand children.  She was buried on February 25, 1932 in Pond Springs Cemetery, Cedar Park, Williamson County, Texas.”

Known children of Green and Susan Catherine (STEWART) McCLURE:

1  Andrew Jackson McCLURE, born in Missouri 18 February 1859, died in San Antonio, Bexar County Texas 23 January 1931.  Per his death certificate, he was married to Emma; Gilbert Bailey Informant.  Andrew J. McCLURE is buried in San Jose Cemetery.  Per descendant Karen, Emma’s maiden name was GOWER.

2  William Lafayette McCLURE, born in Texas 19 June 1862, died in Lamesa, Dawson County Texas 7 February 1934.  Per descendant Karen, he married Julie Margaret BUTTERY (daughter of John and Mary Elizabeth (WELLS) BUTTERY)

3  John Edward McCLURE, born in Williamson County Texas 23 February 1866, died in Santa Anna, Coleman County Texas 18 March 1947 (death certificate).  Per descendant Karen, he first married Olivia JOHNSON; his second marriage was to Alice Ardelia INSALL.

4  Laura Jane McCLURE, born in Texas 12 February 1868, died 13 September 1892.  Laura is buried in Pond Springs Cemetery.  Married William T. CAMPBELL in Williamson County Texas 7 January 1886.  Per descendant Karen,

“She died of blood poisoning, caused by a bee stings during a swarm. Della Campbell Strickland related to her daughter, Fae, that her mother, Laura, was attacked by a swarm of bees, miscarried a child, and died. Della, then nearly five, recalled seeing bees in her mother’s hair as she lay dead.  William Campbell apparently felt the McClures could better raise the children than he could. The McClures, over the years, it is said, helped raise sixteen orphaned children of various relatives.  Nevada And Bessie McClure helped their mother raise the 2 Campbell children.  Nevada & Bessie were the last McClures to live on the farm. After his wife’s death William moved to Idaho and had a small store and pool hall.  He died in an auto accident in 1929.  Della Campbell related that all of his children were very attached to him, that he visited when he could, bringing gifts and tales of cave exploring.  After his death, the Campbell farm at Leander was left to all his children, as well as his assets in Idaho.”

5  Nancy Ellen McCLURE, born in Texas 8 November 1869, died 19 September 1880.  Ellen is not listed with the family in the 1880 Williamson County Texas census.  She is buried in Pond Springs Cemetery.  According to descendant Karen, she was blind from birth.

6  Nevada Ann McCLURE, born in Austin Texas 27 July 1871, died in Austin Texas 8 January 1958, and is buried in Capital Memorial Gardens, Austin.

7  Louisa McCLURE.  According to descendant Karen, Louisa was born 28 November 1872  She married Joel Crockett STANFORD in 1894.  Lousia died of “Milk Fever” 8 December 1903.

8  Richard Benton McCLURE.  According to descendant Karen, Richard was born 2 July 1874 in Cedar Park, William County Texas.  He married Jessie May WHITE 10 November 1909.  Richard died 17 November 1934 in San Joaquin, Sacramento County California.

9  Walter Green McCLURE, born in Texas 16 March 1876, died 2 August 1918.  Walter’s death certificate has not been found in Texas; he was in New Mexico in the 1910 census. “WG” is also buried in Pond Springs Cemetery.  Per descendant Karen, Walter died in a train accident in Texas.  Walter married Bertha LEWIS ca. 1903.

10  Bessie Ida McCLURE, born in Austin Texas 20 September 1878, she died in Cedar Park Texas 22 February 1958, and is buried in Capital Memorial Gardens, Austin.

viii.  Eliza Ann STEWART, born 1843/1845 in Missouri.

ix.  Jasper Newton STEWART, born 14 April 1843 in Missouri or Tennessee, died 21 April 1912 in Texas.  Jasper married Ann BUTTERY 18 March 1862 in Travis County Texas.  Ann’s parents were William and Ann BUTTERY, buried in Pond Springs Cemetery.  Ann was born in England 21 April 1840, and died 14 December 1932 in Texas.  Suzanne’s Notes:  It is interesting to note that a “Newton B. STEWART” with the exact same birth date as Jasper’s is listed in the records of Company B, 33rd Ohio Infantry Regiment.  But he died 1 January 1909 and is buried in Evans Cemetery, Butler County Pennsylvania.  I would really like to find a death certificate or Family Bible record on “our” Jasper Newton Stewart, just to satisfy my own curiosity that these men had the same birth date and almost the same name !   Known children:

1  Mary STEWART, born in Texas ca. 1864.

2  William Riley STEWART, born in Texas 22 March 1866, died in Fort Worth, Tarrant County Texas 22 June 1946.  Married Myrtle Maud BEARD.  William and Myrtle were both deaf and attended the Austin School for the Deaf.

3  Pleasant Newton “Ples” STEWART, born in Texas 24 November 1867.  Married Frances “Fannie” RINGSTAFF on 24 November 1889 in Williamson County Texas.  Fannie was born 38 March 1872 and died 29 April 1905 and is buried in Pond Springs Cemetery in between two babies, Burney Stewart and Unknown.  “Newton” is found in the 1910 Travis County Texas census as a widower (census erroneously states that his father was born in Ireland).  Their son Jasper was living with his Uncle Dink and Aunt Beulah in 1910.  Pleasant died 5 October 1955 and is buried in Austin Memorial Park Cemetery.

4  Flora STEWART, born in Texas November 1869, died in Texas September 1875.  Likely buried in Pond Springs Cemetery.

5  Eli STEWART, born in Williamson County Texas 18 January 1874, died 15 August 1953 in Austin, Travis County Texas.  Married Caroline Permelia RIFFE, granddaughter of John RIFFE who is also buried in Pond Springs Cemetery.  Caroline was born to James and Naomi (CHAMPION) RIFFE 3 March 1878.  She died 28 March 1962.  Both Eli and Caroline are buried in Cedar Park Cemetery.

6  Euell/Ewell Dee STEWART, born in Texas1 January 1876, died at the age of 97 in Fort Worth, Tarrant County Texas 9 March 1973.  Married Hulda H. SCHMITT.  Hulda was born to in Texas to native Germans John and _____ (WEIDERHOLDT) SCHMITT on 23 October 1877.  She died in Fort Worth Texas 10 June 1957.  Both Euell and Hulda are buried in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Fort Worth Texas.

7  Arthur Dink STEWART, born in Cedar Park, Williamson County Texas 24 April 1879, died 11 September 1955 Williamson County Texas.  Married Beulah ELLER.  Dink and Beulah are buried in Pond Springs Cemetery in unmarked graves.

Many thanks to descendant Jean for her kind help with Jasper and his descendants.

x.  Nancy Irwin STEWART, born 12 December 1848 in Missouri, died 16 July 1944 in the Confederate Woman’s Home in Austin Texas.  Nancy married Jesse DOUGLAS ca. 1865.  Jesse was born in Tennessee ca 1825, and died in Erath County Texas in 1886 (buried Turnbow Cemetery).  Nancy DOUGLAS is buried next to her parents in Pond Springs Cemetery.

The Stewart family is part of the fabric of Pond Springs Cemetery.  The cemetery’s story seems to be their story.  I hope I have done them a bit of justice here.  There are more Stewarts in Pond Springs Cemetery than any other surname.  Fascinating family that seems to be related to so many other families buried here.  If you are a descendant, please contact this blog.  Better yet, if you are a descendant of this family, or feel that you may be, and have had your DNA tested, please submit any DNA profile numbers (such as Gedmatch, and all others) by commenting to this post, for others to dig into and possibly link to you.

– Suzanne

Arthur Dink and Beulah (ELLER) STEWART with Jess. Photo retrieved from Ancestry.com

Jasper Newton and Annie (BUTTERY) STEWART and family. Baby “Ethal” was born ca. 1902; photo taken ca. 1905? Photo courtesy of descendant Jean.

Susan Catherine (STEWART) McCLURE, daughter of Laban STEWART. Photo from Ancestry.com

Elizabeth Matilda STEWART, daughter of Laban STEWART. Photo from Ancestry.com

L to R, Nancy STEWART, Laban STEWART, Nancy STEWART DOUGLAS

McClures in front, Stewarts in back, ca 2005 or 2006

L to R: Agness (STARKEY) STEWART, P L STEWART.  To the left of Agnes (outside of the fence) is the grave of an Unknown.  Undoubtedly a Stewart, it might be the grave of their son James M. Stewart (born ca 1856, died 1860-1870).

Confederate Woman’s Home, Austin Texas, 1909