William R. Stewart facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William R. Stewart
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| Born | October 29, 1864 |
| Died | April 5, 1958 (aged 93) Youngstown, Ohio, US
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| Occupation | Lawmaker |
William R. Stewart (born October 29, 1864 – died April 5, 1958) was an important lawyer and politician in Ohio. He worked in the Ohio House of Representatives, which is like a state parliament. As an African American, he helped create laws to stop mob violence and also supported bills that gave pensions (retirement money) to public workers. He was the first African American lawyer in Youngstown, Ohio.
During his time as a lawmaker and his many years as a private attorney, Stewart worked on projects to make life better for African Americans. Later in his life, he was honored for helping different races work together. He kept his law practice until he became too old and sick. When he died, he was one of the most respected lawyers in Youngstown.
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Early Life and Education
Stewart was born in New Castle, Pennsylvania. His father, Lemuel A. Stewart, was a bricklayer. When William was a young child, his family moved to Youngstown, Ohio.
Even though his father wanted him to be a bricklayer, William loved to study. He went to Rayen School in Youngstown. He graduated from high school in 1883.
After high school, Stewart worked for a railroad company. He then decided to study law. He learned law by working in the Cincinnati office of Laurin D. Woodworth and Benjamin Franklin Wirt. Woodworth was a former congressman, and Wirt was a former state senator. During this time, Stewart helped Civil War veterans get their pensions from the government.
Becoming a Lawyer
Stewart earned enough money to go to Cincinnati Law School. He graduated in 1886. After finishing law school, he returned to Youngstown. He opened his own law office in a building called "the old Diamond block."
In 1895, he was chosen to run for state representative. This was at the Mahoning County Republican meeting. An article in The Youngstown Telegram newspaper supported Stewart. It said that his opponent, James B. Chambers, was using unfair language because Stewart was African American. The newspaper said, "We are in the North, where all men are equal." It also said Stewart was well-liked and qualified. Stewart won the election by more than 900 votes.
In 1897, Stewart was chosen again to run for re-election. At that time, state lawmakers voted for U.S. senators. Stewart promised to support Mark Hanna for senator. Hanna was a well-known politician from Cleveland. Stewart won his second election as well.
Important Work as a Lawmaker
During his two terms in the state legislature, William Stewart did many important things. He helped create laws that gave pensions to police officers and firefighters. He also made sure that taxes would help build St. Elizabeth's Hospital. He started the idea for the Market Street Bridge in Youngstown. This bridge helped new businesses grow in the city.
Stewart also supported the Smith Anti-Mob Violence bill. This law aimed to prevent groups of people from taking justice into their own hands. In 1897, during his campaign, Stewart hosted a meeting in Youngstown. This meeting was for the National League of Colored Voters from several states.
Stewart decided not to run for a third term. He felt that his work as a lawmaker was taking too much time away from his law practice. After trying for another political job and not winning, he stopped being involved in politics. From 1907 to 1914, he worked as a lawyer for the government of Austria-Hungary. He helped their embassy in Washington, D.C., through their office in Cleveland.
Family Life
In 1890, Stewart married Consuelo Clark. She was a doctor and the daughter of Peter H. Clark, a civil rights leader. When they moved to Youngstown, Consuelo Clark-Stewart became the first African-American doctor in the community. She also helped start a local chapter of the YWCA and Youngstown's first free kindergarten. Consuelo Stewart passed away in 1910, and William Stewart never married again.
Later Years and Legacy
In 1924, Stewart moved his law office to a new building. His old office building was torn down. He continued to practice law in downtown Youngstown even into his eighties. A broken hip later made it hard for him to move around.
Even in retirement, Stewart remained an important person in his community. In 1947, he was honored for being the first person to start a local group focused on helping people of different races work together. William Stewart died at his home at the age of 93. He had a condition called arteriosclerosis. His obituary in The Youngstown Vindicator newspaper called him "the dean of Youngstown's attorneys." This meant he was the most respected and senior lawyer in the city.
