Col. James Stewart
Perhaps none of the early settlers labored with more zeal in the interest of the new county, or enjoyed a greater influence than Colonel James Stewart. With his father he came from Maryland, his native state, in 1807. They purchased land in Ross Connty—five hundred acres—in Marion Township, where George Fullerton now resides; two hundred and fifty acres on the waters of Compton's Creek, and two hundred and fifty acres adjoining the latter tract. They then returned to Maryland, and in 1809 came with the family and settled in Ross County, near Frankfort. In 1810 James came to this county and located on land adjoining Bloomingburg, where his son George now resides. In 1812 he was appointed colonel of a regiment which was made up of Fayette County men. They were ordered to the frontier and participated in several engagements. After the war he was appointed surveyor and was kept very busy by purchasers of lands. His brother Robert was the original director of the town of Washington, and upon his resignation the colonel was appointed to fill the vacancy.
From R. S. Dills' History of Fayette County