STEWART, William G.

STEWART, William G. (Jonesville, WV, July 10, 1813-Dubuque, IA, May 23, 1900). President, Dubuque County Bank. Stewart came to Dubuque in March 1834, and became a miner and farmer. Wealthy when he arrived in Dubuque, Stewart was able to purchase nine hundred valuable acres north of Dubuque that were farmed using the modern techniques of his day. Stewart was financially involved with the Dubuque Harbor Company that was established to improve the lowlands along the riverfront. He remained an investor in this company until 1879 when he sold his interest.

Banks and RAILROADS were also of interest to Stewart. When the Illinois Central was organized to extend its lines west of the MISSISSIPPI RIVER, Stewart served as a director of the line for several years. Associated with the Iowa and Northern Railroad, Stewart also helped organize the Dubuque County Bank in 1875 and served as its first president.

Stewart was elected the first sheriff of Dubuque County in 1847 and remained in office for six years. He was then elected to one term in the Iowa Senate. In 1869 Stewart began his first term as the treasurer of Dubuque County, a position he held for twelve years.

Stewart's many contributions to Dubuque are often forgotten when compared to his donation in 1890 of several acres of land to the city with hope of creating a place where families could have outings. This area, then called Stewart Park, became UNION PARK. The route of the Northwest Arterial was shifted to avoid removing Stewart's home on the west side of Kennedy Road just north of 32nd Street. It was, however, later demolished.