The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1914-11-26
FORMER GOVERNOR STEWART
CELEBRATES ssth BIRTHDAY
In Interview With Newspaper Man the
Former Governor Comments Fs-
cetiously on Current Events.

cetionsly on Current Events.
1 Middlebury, Nov 23--yermont'.
grand old man. oldest living governor
and Middlebury'S most distinguished
living citizen, former governor and
ext. S. Senator John W. Stewart will
be SO years old tomorrow. Though
\ living on borrowed time according
TO the statisticians. the governor Is my
no means an "old man" as he figures
experience, age etc. Tonight when
asked II be had any message to his
legion Of friends tomorrow, on his
birthday, Governor Stewart said that
he had nothing particular to say un-
less il was to mention that he has
taken up bridge whist.
"Tell my friends" said Gov. Stew
art, that practiced law for 30 years
and then took up bridge. ! am prob
ably the poorest bridge player in the
country and on that account may re-
turn TO the law" Gov, Stewart asked
The Herald TO extend his compliments
of the season to his friends and to say
that though he has passed the four
score milestone and nearly reached
half another score of years he is en-
joying excellent health.
Will Give Up Smoking
That he intends to turn over a
new leaf even at this late date in his
career is shown by the announcement
which he made to The Herald that
after using tobacco 70 years he is to
stop smoking.
Gov. Stewart returned tonight from
several weeks visit with his daughter
in Detroit, Mich, being accompanied
by his son, Philip B. Stewart of Colo,
RADIO Springs, Colo.
Born in Middlebury, Nov. "a, 1925
John Wolcott Stewart, former gov
ernor and United States senator, was
born in Middlebury on November "a,
1926, the son of Ira and Elizabeth
(Hubbell) Stewart He was educated
in the old Middlebury academy and at
Middlebury college, graduating from
the latter institution.
Four years before he left college
he married Emma Battell, daughter
of Philip Battell, and granddaughter
of Hon. Horatio Seymour. He read
law in the Office of Mr.. Seymour and
was admitted to the Vermont bar and
began practice in Middlebury in 1850.
In 1854 he formed partnership with
the late U. s. Senator Phelps which
continued until the death of the latter
in 1885.
In 1853 Mr.. Stewart became di-
rector of the Middlebruy bank and for
several years prior to 1881 was its
president.
He has always been a staunch Re-
publican, from 1852 to 1854 was
states attorney for Addison county.
In the Legislature of 1856, '57, ga, '65,
66 and '67 he represented Middlebury,
serving as speaker in the last three
erms. In 1861 and 1862 he served
Is senator from Addison county and
rom 1870 to 1872 was governor, being
he first to be elected for a two-year
erm.
In 1876 he was returned from Mid
Ilebury as member of the lower
ranch of the General Assembly and
rom 1882 to 1888 was member of
congress from the first Vermont dis
riot. On the death of U. S. Senator
.edfield Proctor he was appointed to ,
IL out the unexpired term by Gov.
fletcher d. Proctor.
Incident in Public Career
An interesting incident of Gov. 7
tewart's public life is connected with 7
is service in the Legislature of 1876. Q
n October of that year he was in
lew York and did not arrive at Mont ,
elier until the Legislature had con-
ened and the roll of the House was
eng called. Gov. Stewart found his :.
ay to a seat which had been reserv-
by friend and 10 minutes after
Is arrival he had been chosen speak :
: of the House on the first ballot,
Is Republican opponent having only !.
few votes. {
When Gov. Stewart becomes remin- !
cent he refers to the part he played
the Republican convention which :
minated President Lincoln in 1856.
e says that he was the Original"
incoln man. For IS years he has a
.en trustee of Middlebury college,
I'd while student of the institution, h
as charter member of the local
nj Psi chapter. He is planning to :
END most Of the winter at his home "
this village.