Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Stewart moved to Texas in 1845 with his parents, who settled in Galveston.

He was admitted to the bar in 1854 and commenced the practice of law in Marlin, Texas.

He served as prosecuting attorney for the thirteenth judicial district from 1856 to 1860.

Stewart enlisted in the Confederate States Army and served throughout the Civil War, first in the Tenth Regiment of Texas Infantry and later in Baylor's Cavalry.

This article incorporates public domain material from the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress