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Maj. David B. Stewart, for nearly ninety years a resident of Monongahela County, died at his home, in Morgantown, W. Va., on March 21, 1915. While he retired from active business in 1897, Major Stewart retained his interest in affairs almost to the last. He was a son of William and Elizabeth Cunningham Stewart. His ancestor were Scotch-Irish, and the founders of the family in this section of Virginia went to Monongahelia County from Lancaster County, Pa. David B. Stewart was born November 4, 1826; and after receiving his early education in the schools of his native county, he studied at Kingswood Academy and at Monongahla Academy, at Morgantown, especially fitting himself in engineering, and it was he who introduced horizontal land measurements in surveying in that section. At the outbreak of the War between the States David Stewart was commissioned by Governor Letcher, of Virginia, as major in the active volunteer forces of the State and was ordered to report to Colonel Porterfield at Grafton, He took part in the engagement at Rich Mountain, and on August 1, 1861, he was assigned to the 48th Virginia Infantry, with which he served until the regiment was reorganized in May, 1862. In this year he was authorized by the Confederate War Department to raise a battalion of partisan rangers, and while engaged in this work he was captured and taken to Camp Chase, Ohio. After being exchanged at Vicksburg he made his way to Richmond and proceeded with the organization of the Rangers. The command was later reorganized as cavalry and made a part of the 20th Virginia, under Col. (later Gen.) William L. Jackson, In 1863 and 1864 Major Stewart was a member of the Virginia Legislature and during the latter part of the war and aid on Gen. William L. Jackson's staff. He took part in the battles of Philippi, Rich Mountain, Kernstown, third battle of Winchester, Mononcacy, Walkerville, and many smaller engagements, including those of Jackson's expedition to Beverly, in June, 1863. He was also with Gen. Jubal Early in all his expeditions, including the advance on Washington. After the surrender at Appomattox, Major Stewart lived on his famr until 1897, when he removed to Morgantown. His forst wife was Miss Rhena Snider: and of their three children, a son, Terence, survives. His second marriage was to Miss Sarah Jane Evans.
SOURCE: Confederate Veteran Magazine, June, 1915.
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