Justus H. & Amanda (Main) Steward

Justus H. Steward was born on August 4, 1819 in Erie County, Pennsylvania. He was the fifth son of Lemuel Steward and Elizabeth Roush. Justus studied for the ministry and was united in marriage to Amanda Main on August 29, 1846. They made their home in Ashtabula County, Ohio, where they settled on a homestead. He was a Baptist minister, also taught school many years. The family consisted of three sons, and two daughters. Rev. Justus H. Steward was stricken with typhoid fever in the fall of 1876 at his home in Tama County, Iowa, suffering many weeks, then the infection settled in one leg, necessitating an operation, and the leg amputated. That was before anesthetics were known to medical science. The operation being done with nothing to deaden the pain. Death came to him, January 8, 1877, at the age of 58 years. He was laid to rest in Rock Creek Cemetery, one mile from his home. His wife Amanda (Main) Steward lived many years, and made her home with her children.
Amanda Main was born in Ashtabula County, Ohio on April 15, 1824 and passed away in Portales, New Mexico on March 15, 1909. She closed a long life and rejoined her husband and two children in Upper Sanctuary. She was converted and joined the Methodist Church when a girl of twelve years. She taught school until her marriage. After her marriage she joined the Baptist Church, and faithfully performed her duties as a Pastor's wife. Amanda was laid to rest near Portales, New Mexico, two of her great-grandsons - Herchel Steward, son of Ardin and Mina Steward and Harold Thomas, son of  Lotta and John Thomas are buried by her side. A monument marks the graves of the three - Amanda Steward, Herschel Steward, and Harold Thomas.

Children of Justus & Amanda Steward:
Rush Jonathan Steward B-April 19, 1851 in Ashtabula, Ohio
Edgar Joseph Steward B-April 9, Ashtabula, Ohio
Marcus Justus Steward B-August 6, 1855, Ashtabula, Ohio
Orilla May Steward B-December 13, 1860, Ashtabula, Ohio
Ida Ruth Steward B-November 3, 1865, Tama County , Iowa

Following is  a copy of some notes from one of the sermons of Rev. Justus H. Steward dated April 8, 1860 and found in the old cherry desk.