Dr. Stewart was born on July 3, 1848 in Black River, St. George's Channel, Cape Breton. The son of Rev. Murdoch Stewart, a Presbyterian minister, he was educated at home and at the country school. He moved to Scotland as a youth to work on his aunt's farm. During this period he continued his studies independently, enjoying mathematics and literature. In the Spring of 1872 he returned to Halifax to begin classes at Dalhousie University. He returned to Edinburgh in 1874 to complete and graduate in 1877 (M.B., C.M.).
From the description of John Stewart fonds. 1812-1943. (Dalhousie University, Killam Memorial Library). WorldCat record id: 229205404