John Stewart and Ruth Tutt of Buncombe Co, NC and Union Co, GA and Polk Co, TN

Special thanks to Minnie Ledford Barnes and Homer Barnes, Kathi Bobb, Pauline Stewart, Rick Stewart, and Caleb Teffeteller for sharing so much data on this family. Also many thanks to the many other folks who have shared data with me on more recent generations. Most are listed on the Stewart Researcher page.

Much of the data on this family is also thanks to the research of Ralph Johnson of GA. Kathi Bobb has been kind enough to share several early histories of the family, including a letter from Ralph Johnson to her (I'm not sure of the date, but between 1970 and 1978, I think). She also shared with me a letter written in 1972 from Jesse Rose to Lois Stewart, and a transcript of an interview with Laura Stewart Townsend (1875-1962) conducted by Ramona Brock. These three documents have been invaluable in recording family information. Throughout this text I'll refer to these documents.

John Stewart (just as often spelled "Stuart") was born ca 1806/1807 in Buncombe Co, NC. He was either born in the Newfound Creek region of Buncombe, or over the mountain westward into what later (1808) became Haywood County. I don't know for sure which area he was born in. John is a proven son of Noah and Nancy Stewart

John was apparently home with his parents for the 1810 census, and probably also in 1820 (that census record for Noah Stewart has not been found). John was apparently still at home with them for the 1830 census as well.

John Stewart married Ruth Tutt probably late in 1830 in Buncombe Co, NC. They lived somewhere in the Hominy Creek area of Buncombe County (border region with Haywood Co, NC). Ruth was born ca 1812/13 in Buncombe County, daughter of Benjamin Tutt and Elizabeth Moore.

John Stewart and his brother Dillard Stewart (both listed as Stuard) voted in the 1835 Congressional Election, and both were listed on that voter list in Buncombe Co, NC in Hominey Precinct.

John Stewart was listed on the 1840 census in Buncombe Co, NC. Judging by his neighbors, he was near Hominy Creek.

During the 1840's, John's parents and several siblings moved to Union Co, GA. John went with them, or joined them later. John and family were listed on the 1850 census in Union Co, GA, but not near any of the rest of the family. The birth places of their children show that the left NC after 1840 and were GA before 1842, so they moved within those two years.

In 1860, John and family were still in Union Co, GA, and listed two houses from their son James Archibald Stewart.

Shortly after the Civil War began, a roster of men eligible for service was taken. A list dated 2 Sep 1861 included John Stewart of Gum Log District, Union Co, GA. I don't know if John Stewart actually served in the Civil War. He was too old really, though to be eligible, you had to be between 16 and 60, so he fell into that category (at age 55).

By 1870, John and his younger children moved to neighboring Polk Co, TN, and were listed there on the 1870 census. His son William Stewart was next door, and nephew John Chandler on the other side. His son James Archibald Stewart was also listed there, but not nearby.

In the Ralph Johnson to Kathi Bobb letter (1970-78), he stated "When John Stewart lived in Polk Co he lived on the Grassy Creek section of Polk Co and some out near Turtletown TN."

This record shows that Ruth Tutt Stewart had died sometime between 1863 and 1870, though whether in Union Co, GA or Polk Co, TN, I can't say.

On 18 Mar 1871, John's parents (Noah and Nancy) applied for a Civil War Pension based on their son Noah Washington Stewart (1830-1865) service. Noah (Jr) took care of his parents, and when he was killed in the War, they had no means of support. The pension records include a list of their living children, including his son "John Stuart aged 67 years and who resides in the state of Tennessee".

This 1871 record is the last I have for John Stewart. I have not yet checked the 1880 census to see if he was still in Polk Co, TN or not.

Children

Most of John and Ruth's children are proven by the census records and by personal knowledge of several of my relatives, including Minnie Ledford Barnes, Kathi Bobb and Pauline Stewart as well as a few others.

James Archibald Stewart was born 9 May 1831 in Buncombe Co, NC. He was apparently home with his parents for the 1840 census in Buncombe Co, NC. He moved with them to Union Co, GA before 1842.

Archibald Stewart married Catherine Ashe on 18 Mar 1849 in Union Co, GA. The marriage was performed by J. M. Rogers, Justice of the Peace.

J.A. Stewart was listed on a 26 May 1849 Voter List in Union Co, GA in Gum Log District.

For the 1850 census, Arch and wife were listed in Union Co, GA next door to his Uncle Jacob Stewart.

Archibald and family were on the 1860 census in Union Co, GA just two houses from his parents.

Shortly after the start of the Civil War, a roster of eligible men (age 16-60) was taken throughout Georgia, so they would know who was available to fight should they be needed. James Stewart was listed on the Union Co, GA List in Gum Log District on 2 Sep 1861.

On 7 Mar 1863 James A. Stewart enlisted as a Private in Company B, 7th Battalion, North Carolina Cavalry. He enlisted in Clay Co, NC. On 3 Aug 1863 he was transferred to Company F, 65th Regiment, NC Troops. He deserted and was dropped from the rolls around September - December 1863 timeframe. I'm not sure if Arch went to the Union Army or not, but he might have. Many other members of his family did.

After the War, Arch and his family moved to Polk Co, TN. They were listed there on the 1870 census. His widowed father was there as well, but they weren't listed near each other.

During the 1870's, Arch moved his family to Graham Co, NC and a great many of his descendants are still there today. He was listed on the 1880 census in Graham County, in Cheoah Township, with him and his family being the only Stewarts there in 1880.

Archibald and family were still in Graham Co, NC for the 1900 census. By this time many of his children had married, and were listed all around him, some close by, some further away, but none too far away.

Archibald Stewart died on 13 Oct 1909 in Graham Co, NC. Catherine Ashe Stewart died on 13 Feb 1913. Both are buried in the Carver Cemetery.

Margaret Emaline Stewart was born 11 Jan 1835 in Buncombe Co, NC. She was apparently home with her parents for the 1840 census. She was with them in 1850 Union Co, GA.

Margaret married Thomas M. Henderson on 28 Dec 1857 in Union Co, GA. They were listed on the 1860, 1870, 1880 and 1900 census in Union Co, GA. Thomas Henderson served in both the Confederate and Union Armies during the Civil War.

In the Jesse Rose - Lois Stewart Letter (1972) she states that her grandfather (James Archibald Stewart) had a sister named "Margaret Henderson", but gave no additional data.

Thomas Henderson died on 9 Jan 1909 in Union Co, GA. Margaret Stewart Henderson died on 18 May 1909 per her tombstone, but she was listed on the 1910 census, so perhaps this date is incorrect. They are both buried at the Henderson Cemetery.

William "Bill" Stewart was born ca 1836/37 in Buncombe Co, NC. He was apparently home with his parents for the 1840 census in Buncombe Co, NC. He was with them in 1850 Union Co, GA.

Bill went to nearby Habersham Co, GA to marry Martha Holcombe on 28 Dec 1856.

I didn't find William and family on the 1860 census, at least not on the index. They were probably in Polk Co, TN based on the birth places of their children from this time period.

William and family were listed in Polk Co, TN in 1870, and next door to his widower father John Stewart.

According to data shared by Rick Stewart, William Stewart died in Monroe Co, TN sometime around 20 Jun 1875.

By 1880, widow Martha and children had moved back to Union Co, GA. I don't have this listing typed up yet.

Much of this family was back in Monroe Co, TN later on. Most of the data that I have on this family is thanks to Rick Stewart.

Govan "Van" Stewart was born 10 Oct 1840 in Buncombe Co, NC. He was home with his parents for the 1840 census (apparently) and with them in 1850 in Union Co, GA. He was not with them in 1860, nor did I find him on that census. He would have been 19 or 20 then, and probably was residing with another family as a laborer, and not listed.

For the Civil War, Van Stewart enlisted on 31 Aug 1861 in Union Co, GA in Company K, 23rd Regiment, Army of Tennessee as a 2nd Sergeant. He was last on the rolls on 28 Feb 1862. We know that at some point he went over to the Union Army, but I don't have those records yet. He was a Captain by the end of the War.

Van Stewart married Margaret Catherine Chandler on 21 Sep 1865 in Tennessee. I don't know what county. At some point in time, this family moved to Oklahoma, where Van died in Ottawa Co, OK on 10 Aug 1928, and Margaret in Craig Co, OK on 3 Feb 1945. I have no additional record of their family.

Elizabeth "Bett" Stewart was born ca 1841/42 in Union Co, GA. She was home with her parents for the 1850 census in Union Co, GA.

In the Jesse Rose - Lois Stewart Letter (1972) she states that her grandfather (James Archibald Stewart) had several sisters, including "another married a Turner, Aunt Ruthie Smith's mother was one of her daughters". She did not mention the name of the sister who married a Turner, nor the full name of Mr. Turner.

In the Ramona Brock Interview with Laura Stewart Townsend (probably in the 1950's or 1960's), Laura reported that "Bett" Stewart married "John Turner".

Bett married John Turner sometime between 1850 and 1859, presumably in Union Co, GA (no marriage record found there). I have not yet located them on the 1860, 1870 or more recent census records.

Nancy C. "Priss" Stewart was born ca 1843/44 in Union Co, GA (the 1900 census shows her birth as March 1850, which can't be correct). Nancy was home with her parents for the 1850 and 1860 census in Union Co, GA, and with her widowed father in 1870 Polk Co, TN.

In the Jesse Rose - Lois Stewart Letter (1972) she states that her grandfather (James Archibald Stewart) had a sister named "Pussie married a Heddon"", but gave no additional data. None of the records I've found for Nancy showed her with this nickname, but she did marry a Heddon, so this is the same person most likely. Other sources show "Priss" as her nickname.

In the Ramona Brock Interview with Laura Stewart Townsend (probably in the 1950's or 1960's), Laura reported that "Pris" Stewart married "Henry Headon".

Sometime between 1870 and ca 1873 Nancy married Henry Heddon. They may have married in Union Co, GA, though I didn't find a marriage record for them there.

They were listed on the 1880 census in Union Co, GA, but I don't have it typed up yet for inclusion here.

Henry Heddon died between 1888 and 1900, presumably in Union Co, GA. Nancy, now widowed, was listed on the 1900 census in Union Co, GA. I don't have this record typed up yet.

Later in her letter (1972), Jesse Ross continued about this family: "Guss Headon come to Santeetlah once when I was very small. Don't know how many children there was. They had John, Harrison, and Rossie d.y. I think the boys both settled in Ga if still living", referring to children of Henry Heddon and Nancy Stewart.

Martha Stewart was born ca 1847/48 in Union Co, GA. She was home with her parents for the 1850 and 1860 census in Union Co, GA. She was not with her widowed father for the 1870 census, so she probably had married by then.

In the Jesse Rose - Lois Stewart Letter (1972) she states that her grandfather (James Archibald Stewart) had a sister named "Mattie Burnette", but gave no additional data. "Mattie" is a common nickname for Martha, so I'm sure this is who she was referring to.

So all we know is that Martha married a Burnette, but we don't know who or where. I have nothing else on her. I found no marriage record in Union Co, GA for her, so it is possible she married in Polk Co, TN or elsewhere.

* Note: I have found a possible match for her. There is a Nelson G. Burnette and wife Martha A. in Gilmer Co., GA in 1870, in Fannin in 1880, 1900, and 1910, and in Putnam Co., GA in 1920. This Martha is a perfect match, but I don't have proof she is the same person I seek. I found online genealogies (without documentation of course) that do show she was a Stewart, so that helps too, but some proof would be helpful.

Melvina Cecelia "Mel" Stewart was born 27 Mar 1852 in Union Co, GA. She was home with her parents for the 1860 (Union Co, GA) and 1870 (Polk Co, TN) census.

She was back in Union Co, GA by 1872 for on 4 Jan 1872 she married Frank Waldroup (listed as Franklin Waldroop on the marriage bond, with her listed as Melvina Stuart) in Union Co, GA.

In the Jesse Rose - Lois Stewart Letter (1972) she states that her grandfather (James Archibald Stewart) had a sister named "Mellie Waldroup, Uncle Frank Waldroup's wife".

The remained in Georgia until sometime between 1876 and 1878 when they moved to Graham Co, NC. They were listed on the 1880 census in Graham County, NC in Cheoah Township (east of Robbinsville, bordering Cherokee and Swain County). Melvina's brother James Archibald Stewart was listed in that township as well, but not listed close by.

For the 1900 census, Frank and family were still in Graham Co, NC, and this time they were in the midst of many of the Stewarts in Cheoah Township.

Melvina C. Stewart Waldroup died on 30 Jun 1926 in Graham Co, NC, and Frank Waldroup died on 25 May 1928 in Graham Co, NC. They are both buried at the Carver Cemetery, as were many of their children and grandchildren.

John P. Stewart was born 15 Mar 1856 in Union Co, GA. He was with his parents for the 1860 census in Union Co, GA and with his widower father in 1870 Polk Co, TN.

John returned to Union Co, GA for on 9 Jan 1873 John Stuard married Catherine Shook there.

They moved over into neighboring Towns County, Georgia, where they were listed on the 1880 census. I don't have this record typed up yet for inclusion here.

Apparently, they remained in Towns County, for John died there on 5 Dec 1948. I don't have a death date for Catherine.

Isham Stewart was born ca 1862/63 in Union Co, GA. He was home with his father John for the 1870 census. Strangely, none of the family records written about this family mention a son named "Isham", so that may indicate that he died shortly after this. It is also possible that Isham was a grandson instead of a son of John's. I have no further information on him.

Cecelia Stewart. In the Jesse Rose - Lois Stewart Letter (1972) she states that her grandfather (James Archibald Stewart) had a sister named "Cecelia (who married) a Moore", but gave no additional data. I haven't been able to figure out who this is. Melvina Stewart Waldroup was listed as "Cealy" on the 1900 census. "Cealy" is a common nickname for Cecelia, so I wonder if Jesse Rose was confused about who it was the married a Moore.

Later in the same letter, she goes on: "...Cecila Moore settled somewhere down below Charlotte, so Aunt Laura told me".

Researcher List

1. John¹ Stewart , born 1806/07 in Buncombe Co, NC; died aft 1870 in Polk Co, TN, son of Noah Stewart and Nancy (---) . He married in 1830/31 in Buncombe Co, NC Ruth Tutt , born 1812/13 in Buncombe Co, NC; died 1863/70 in Polk Co, TN, daughter of Benjamin Tutt and Elizabeth Moore .

Children of John Stewart and Ruth Tutt were as follows:

+ 2 i James Archibald² Stewart (Pvt) , born 9 May 1831 in Buncombe Co, NC; died 13 Oct 1909 in Graham Co, NC. He married (1) Catherine Ash ; (2) Nancy Jane Ash .

+ 3 ii Margaret Emaline² Stewart , born 11 Jan 1835 in Buncombe Co, NC; died 18 May 1909 in Union Co, GA. She married Thomas M Henderson (Pvt) .

+ 4 iii William "Bill"² Stewart , born 1836/37 in Buncombe Co, NC; died abt 20 Jun 1875 in Monroe Co, TN. He married Martha Holcombe .

5 iv Govan "Van"² Stewart (Cpt) , born 10 Oct 1840 in Buncombe Co, NC; died 10 Aug 1928 in Ottawa Co, OK. He married on 21 Sep 1865 in TN Margaret Catherine Chandler , born 4 Feb 1847 in Buncombe Co, NC; died 3 Feb 1945 in Craig Co, OK.

+ 6 v Elizabeth "Bett"² Stewart , born 1841/42 in Union Co, GA. She married John Turner .

+ 7 vi Nancy C "Priss"² Stewart , born Mar 1843/44 in Union Co, GA. She married (1) Henry Heddon ; (2) (---) Moore .

8 vii Martha² Stewart , born 1847/48 in Union Co, GA. She married in 1860/70 in Polk Co, TN (---) Burnette .

+ 9 viii Melvina Cecelia "Mel"² Stewart , born 27 Mar 1852 in Union Co, GA; died 30 Jun 1926 in Graham Co, NC. She married Frank M Waldroup .

+ 10 ix John P² Stewart , born 15 Mar 1856 in Union Co, GA; died 5 Dec 1948 in Towns Co, GA. He married Catherine Shook .

11 x Isham² Stewart , born 1862/63 in Union Co, GA.

Generation 2

2. James Archibald² Stewart (Pvt) (John¹), born 9 May 1831 in Buncombe Co, NC; died 13 Oct 1909 in Graham Co, NC. He married (1) on 18 Mar 1849 in Union Co, GA Catherine Ash , born 7 Jan 1833 in NC; died 13 Feb 1913 in Graham Co, NC, daughter of Ephraim Ash and Elizabeth Lorentz ; (2) in Not married Nancy Jane Ash , born 24 Dec 1844 in NC; died 30 Sep 1913 in Graham Co, NC, daughter of Ephraim Ash and Elizabeth Lorentz .

Children of James Archibald Stewart (Pvt) and Catherine Ash were as follows:

12 i David W³ Stewart , born 20 Sep 1851 in Union Co, GA; died 29 Feb 1904 in Chattanooga, Hamilton Co, TN. He married on 22 Jan 1874 in Cherokee Co, NC Nebraska "Bricie" Odum , born 1852 in Union Co, GA, daughter of George Odum and Caroline Rhodes .

+ 13 ii Mary Ann³ Stewart , born 21 Sep 1853 in Union Co, GA, GA; died Dec 1946 in Riceville, McMinn Co, TN. She married James "Jim" McCollums .

+ 14 iii Andrew Young "Doc"³ Stewart , born 18 Feb 1856 in Union Co, GA; died 10 Jan 1943 in Graham Co, NC. He married Nancy Jane "Sissie" Odum .

15 iv Ruth Elizabeth "Bett"³ Stewart , born 19 May 1858 in Union Co, GA; died 29 Jan 1922 in Graham Co, NC.

+ 16 v John Fane "Cracker"³ Stewart , born 2 Jun 1860 in Union Co, GA; died 12 Jan 1935 in Graham Co, NC. He married (1) Josephine Millsaps ; (2) Dollie Ann Self .

17 vi Margaret Rhoda³ Stewart , born 26 Aug 1862 in Polk Co, TN; died 29 May 1946 in Graham Co, NC.

+ 18 vii Sherman Daniel³ Stewart , born 28 Jul 1865 in Polk Co, TN; died 2 Mar 1947 in Woodward Co, OK. He married Zimena S Colvard .

+ 19 viii Ulysses Grant³ Stewart , born 12 Mar 1868 in Polk Co, TN; died 20 Mar 1944 in Graham Co, NC. He married Elva Ann Carver .

+ 20 ix Archibald Benjamin³ Stewart , born 2 Apr 1870 in Union Co, GA; died 30 Nov 1950 in Graham Co, NC. He married Mary Cisca Carver .

21 x Thomas Alfred³ Stewart , born 21 Dec 1872 in Polk Co, TN; died 6 Aug 1877 in Graham Co, NC.

22 xi Nancy Laura³ Stewart , born 10 Apr 1875 in Union Co, GA; died 8 Jan 1962 in Graham Co, NC. She married on 14 Jan 1921 in Graham Co, NC Newt Townsend .

Children of James Archibald Stewart (Pvt) and Nancy Jane Ash were as follows:

+ 23 i Jeff³ Ash , born 30 Oct 1869 in Polk Co, TN. He married Lonesome Farley .

3. Margaret Emaline² Stewart (John¹), born 11 Jan 1835 in Buncombe Co, NC; died 18 May 1909 in Union Co, GA. She married on 28 Dec 1857 in Union Co, GA Thomas M Henderson (Pvt) , born 23 Aug 1834 in TN; died 9 Jan 1909 in Union Co, GA, son of James Henderson and Jane (---) .

Children of Margaret Emaline Stewart and Thomas M Henderson (Pvt) were as follows:

24 i William J³ Henderson , born 27 Oct 1858 in Union Co, GA; died Nov 1858 in Union Co, GA.

25 ii Rutha Jane³ Henderson , born 11 Apr 1860 in Union Co, GA; died 1880/1900 in Union Co, GA.

+ 26 iii Ibiline³ Henderson , born 3 Oct 1863 in Union Co, GA; died 26 Jun 1934 in Union Co, GA. She married Noah Washington Gilbert .

+ 27 iv Mary A "Molly"³ Henderson , born 23 May 1866 in Union Co, GA. She married Clark Rogers "Doc" Russell .

+ 28 v Elizabeth E "Bett"³ Henderson , born 26 Dec 1869 in Union Co, GA; died 24 Mar 1962 in Union Co, GA. She married James Lattie Ledford .

+ 29 vi Emma Ann Casedine³ Henderson , born 5 Sep 1871 in Union Co, GA. She married Rice Hogan .

+ 30 vii Dora Frances Laner³ Henderson , born 16 Dec 1874 in Union Co, GA; died 29 Aug 1935 in Union Co, GA. She married Joseph G Burnett .

31 viii James Thomas³ Henderson , born 20 Dec 1877 in Union Co, GA; died 30 Dec 1877 in Union Co, GA.

32 ix John Robert Washington³ Henderson , born 3 Oct 1880 in Union Co, GA; died Nov 1880 in Union Co, GA.

4. William "Bill"² Stewart (John¹), born 1836/37 in Buncombe Co, NC; died abt 20 Jun 1875 in Monroe Co, TN. He married on 28 Dec 1856 in Habersham Co, GA Martha Holcombe , born 20 Feb 1842 in Habersham Co, GA; died 14 Sep 1912, daughter of Oliver Cowan Holcombe and Catherine Henderson .

Children of William "Bill" Stewart and Martha Holcombe were as follows:

33 i Archibald³ Stewart , born 1857/58 in Polk Co, TN. He married on 24 Jan 1879 in Union Co, GA Samantha Hill , born 1861/62 in Union Co, GA.

34 ii Joseph³ Stewart , born 1860/61 in Polk Co, TN; died in Copper Hill, Polk Co, TN.

+ 35 iii John Thomas³ Stewart , born 1863/64 in Polk Co, TN; died 18 Apr 1911 in Graham Co, NC. He married (1) Matilda Thomas ; (2) Lady Gourley .

36 iv Sarah Ebbie³ Stewart , born 6 Nov 1865 in Polk Co, TN; died 4 Jan 1945 in Monroe Co, TN. She married on 15 Jul 1883 in Union Co, GA Charles Brownlow Bell , born 4 Jul 1863 in Union Co, GA; died 6 Apr 1941 in Monroe Co, TN.

37 v James Washington³ Stewart , born 1867/68 in Polk Co, TN; died 5 Mar 1923 in Roane Co, TN. He married on 30 Sep 1889 in Roane Co, TN Mary Dobson , born 1874; died 1925.

38 vi William Oliver³ Stewart , born 18 Nov 1872 in Union Co, GA; died 9 Mar 1952 in Monroe Co, TN. He married on 14 Feb 1901 in Monroe Co, TN Sarah Jane Miller , born 2 Nov 1880; died 24 May 1946 in Monroe Co, TN.

39 vii Taylor W³ Stewart , born 20 Jun 1875 in Union Co, GA; died 30 Aug 1967 in Lewis Co, WA. He married on 24 Sep 1891 in Monroe Co, TN Sarah "Sally" Taylor , born 2 Apr 1874; died 18 Jun 1931 in Monroe Co, TN.

6. Elizabeth "Bett"² Stewart