Stewart was a pharmacist, merchant, and signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence. He was born in Charleston, South Carolina in 1806 and studied medicine. He worked as a druggist and merchant in various places before coming to Texas in 1830 and setting up shop in Brazoria. He later moved his shop to San Felipe and became involved in the independence movement, attending both the 1832 and 1836 conventions. He moved to Montgomery in 1837 and practiced medicine. He was also on the committee appointed to design a new flag for the Republic, with Stewart believed to have created the initial draft of the Lone Star flag. After annexation, Stewart served as a representative to the Texas Congress for three nonconsecutive terms. He died in 1885.
