Lafayette A. Stewart, D. D. S., dental surgeon, practicing in Sullivan, Indiana, is a native of Sullivan county, born June 12, 1864, son of Lafayette and Emily (Peters) Stewart. The father was born in Indiana and died in Sullivan county in 1884. He was descended from that most sturdy and excellent people, the Scotch-Irish. The mother was born in Sullivan county and died in 1888. Lafayette Stewart was a general merchant doing business at Grayville and Sullivan, Indiana, up to within twenty years of his death, when he engaged in the insurance and real estate business in Sullivan. In politics, he was a supporter of the chief principles of the Democratic party; was trustee of Hamilton township, and took much interest in public matters. He was a member of the pioneer Masonic lodge at Sullivan, being a charter member, and its first master. He was also advanced to membership in the chapter of that fraternity. Both he and his wife were members of the Presbyterian church, of which he served as an elder for a number of years. Eight children blessed this union: Isaac P., deceased: Joseph L., residing in New York City; two who died in infancy; Charles M., deceased: Florence B., wife of R. C. Barnes, residing at Long Beach, California; Lafayette A.; Ralph W., residing at Danville, Illinois, a practicing dentist.
Lafayette A. Stewart was graduated from the high school of Sullivan with the class of 1883, after which he entered the Indiana Dental College, at Indianapolis, from which institution he was graduated in 1888. In the meantime, he worked with his brother Charles in the insurance business. After his graduation, he commenced the practice of dentistry in Sullivan, where he is still located, and enjoying a lucrative practice.
In his political views, Dr. Stewart is a defender of pure Democracy and votes the Democratic ticket. In his fraternal relations, he is numbered among the brothers of the blue lodge, chapter and council of the Masonic order; he also belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows -subordinate and encampment degrees.
The doctor was united in marriage, August 14, 1890, to Mattie Crowder, born in Sullivan, November 6, 1866, a daughter of Dr. R. H. Crowder. Mrs. Stewart was educated in the Sullivan schools. Both the doctor and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and he has served as a trustee of the church for several years. Two children were born to Dr. Stewart and wife: Lois, born November 3, 1892; she is now attending high school; Lafayette, born March 27, 1903.