Merchant; born in
Lisburn, Ireland, Oct. 12, 1803; came to the
United States in 1823 and settled in New York, where he taught school for a time.
Later, by the death of his father, he received a moderate fortune, with which he established a small drygoods store on
Broadway.
This business grew until in 1862 he owned the largest retail store in the world.
At the time of his death his wealth was estimated at $50,000,000. His gifts to charity include $50,000 to the sufferers by the
Chicago fire, 50,000 francs to the sufferers by the floods in
Silesia, and other donations to similar objects.
He died in New York City, April 10, 1876, and was buried on April 13, in St. Mark's church-yard, from which his remains were stolen on Nov. 7, 1878.
In the midst of the excitement following the discovery of the robbery it was alleged that
Judge Hilton, the executor of
Mr. Stewart's estate, had been notified by one of the robbers that the remains would be surrendered on the payment of a specified sum, and that while the widow was willing to accede to the demand
Judge Hilton declined negotiations on account of the large amount asked.
It was afterwards stated that the remains were recovered and deposited in the mausoleum of the
Cathedral of the Incarnation, erected by
Mrs. Stewart in memory of her husband, at
Garden City, L. I. 
