In 1836 he moved to Logansport, Indiana, was admitted to the bar (February 20, 1837) and at once began the practice of this profession.
He was elected prosecuting attorney of the Eighth judicial circuit in 1844 and served one term.
In 1852 he was elected to the state supreme court for a term of six years over John B. Howe, but resigned, August 15, 1857, to take effect January 12, 1858, to become attorney for the Toledo & Wabash Railroad Company.
In 1870 he declined a nomination to return to the state supreme court.
They had three children, Venetia, Selden P. and Frances H. His wife died in 1846 and Stuart remarried in 1849 to Sarah Scribner Benedict, of Vernon, New York.