Stewart, Townsend (1814-1860) and Sarah Carter (1820-1902), Family Papers, 1836-1875 (C3930)

.2 linear feet

INTRODUCTION

Papers of the Stewart family, other relatives, family friends, and businessmen. The papers consist of a small group of genealogical documents prepared by twentieth century family members, and a larger, incomplete body of correspondence of family members, family friends, and a small number of businessmen.

DONOR INFORMATION

The Townsend and Sarah Carter Stewart Family Papers were donated to the University of Missouri by Jeanne Hubbard and Louise S. Packard on May 24, 1994 (Accession No. 5419).

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH

Townsend Stewart (1814-1860) and Sarah Marcia Carter (1820-1902) were married in 1836 in Fairfax County, Virginia. By 1840 the couple had migrated to Boone County, Missouri, where Townsend became a prominent merchant. Ten children were born to the couple (eight boys, two girls). Townsend died in 1860 after contracting an illness during an attempt to visit relatives in Fort Bridger, Wyoming Territory.

Hayward Stewart ( -1866), one of the elder sons, fought for the Confederacy during the Civil War and was severely wounded, losing an arm. Another brother, William Wormeley Stewart ( -1865) also fought for the Confederacy, was captured, and died in a military prison in Alton, Illinois. Eugenia and Betty Stewart kept in contact with their brothers during the war, keeping them informed of local family and news.

During his time in the army, Hayward was befriended by the Simmons family of Demopolis, Alabama, who sheltered him and helped him recover from his wound. Barbara Simmons remained in contact with the Stewarts after the war for many years.

A number of relatives lived in Fort Bridger, Wyoming Territory. These were members of the Carter family, and several Stewart family members.

SCOPE AND CONTENT NOTE

The Townsend and Sarah Carter Family Papers consist of a small group of genealogical documents prepared by twentieth century family members and a larger body of correspondence among family members, family friends and a small number of businessmen. The correspondence runs from 1836 to 1875 and large gaps exist in the correspondence throughout this time period. The most complete run of correspondence is from 1860 to 1865, but even here gaps exist.

The papers are divided into two sections: Biographical and Genealogical, and Correspondence. The Biographical and Genealogical series is comprised of a brief, three page, hand written family history of the Stewarts and Carters, a list of letter writers within this collection, and two genealogical charts of the families; one covering 1732 to 1951, and the other covering 1660 to 1902. The Correspondence series consists of letters from many of the Stewart and Carter family members, friends of the Stewart family, and several businessmen with whom the elder Townsend had dealings. Some of the subjects discussed which may be of interest are conditions and opportunities in Fort Bridger, Wyoming Territory, attitudes towards African Americans, and the Civil War. The correspondence speaks of both the hardships of pioneer life as well as the great opportunities available for those willing to risk this adventure.

It should be noted that throughout the collection, many family members's names are spelled differently and nicknames are used. Primary examples of this are Townsend or Townshend, Hayward or Haywood, Betty or Bettie, Wormley or Wormeley, W.A. or W.E. Carter, and Sarah, also known as Sally. There is also an elder Townsend and his son Townshend. Again, the spelling of this name varies.

The time gaps in the collection are also significant, many letters having been lost in a fire some years ago. Three visual items are included in the collection in folder 3. The first is the card of a businessman with whom the elder Townsend dealt, the second is a fading, small print of General Robert E. Lee, and the third is a small print of Libby Prison, Richmond, Virginia.

FOLDER LIST

f. 1	Biographical and Genealogical
f. 2	Correspondence, 1836, 1848, 1851, 1857-1860
f. 3	Correspondence, 1861-1864
f. 4	Correspondence, 1865-1867
f. 5	Correspondence, 1874-1875

INDEX TERMS

These index terms are the subjects, people, places, etc. under which this collection is listed in all available indexes at the Western Historical Manuscript Collection-Columbia. If you are interested in a specific index term, please contact the reference staff.

• Carter, M.E.
• Carter, William E.
• Civil War--Attitudes toward
• Civil War--Medical and sanitary affairs
• Civil War--Prisoners and prisons
• Davis, Jefferson
• Election, 1860, Presidential
• Fort Bridger, Wyoming Territory
• Lightning
• Missouri. Infantry, 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, Company E
• Missouri. Infantry, 1st Brigade, 6th Division, Company E
• Overland travel, 1850s
• Simmons, Barbara
• Slavery
• Slavery, Insurrections, etc.