Legislator Details
Vital Records Information:
Marital Information:
married Sophia Streeter, dau. of George and Sophia (Lee) Parsons, 11/3/1835; Children: Marissa Jane, Charles Lee and Katherine Emma
Number of Children: 3
Background
Education:
common school
Biographical Sketch:
Son of Dr. Charles and Catherine (Parsons) Stuart. Studied law; admitted to the Seneca Co., NY bar in 1832 and commenced practice in Waterloo; moved to Kalamazoo, MI in 1835 eventually forming a practice with Governor Ransom; during the Civil War raised and equipped the 13th Reg., MI Volunteer Infantry, of which he was commissioned colonel, but resigned because of ill health. Retired after 1866 and was an invalid the rest of his life.
Notable Facts:
Elected as a Democrat to the 30th Congress to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Edward Bradley, who died en route to D.C.; served from 12/6/1847-3/3/1849; 32nd Congress (3/4/1851-3/3/1853; elected U.S. Senator from 3/4/1853-3/3/1859; President pro tempore of the Senate during the 34th Congress.
Influential in the establishment of Soo canal.
Personal riend of Stephen A. Douglas.