22 " the market. The price dropped so low they could not afford to pump the oil from the ground, and they lost their lease. Later, this same farm became one of the richest producing areas in the Venango Valley. Shortly after Mr. Stewart's second business venture failed, the Civil War broke out. Putting aside his dreams of success and riches, he joined a group of volunteers from the Venango Valley and enlisted in the 16th Penn- sylvania Cavalry. According to him, he spent the most of the next four years as a "valet of horses, with the rank of Private." He often remarked that his only claim of military fame and distinction was that his "unit was at Appomatox Court House when Lee Surrendered to Grant," ending the War. After his release fran the Atmy, Mr. Stewart returned to Titusville, to find that the oil lx:x:>m had increased the population of the quiet little town fran 400 to 6,000, and it was still growing. Lacking capital for investment, but determined to shake himself free from the life of a tanner, he enrolled in an accelerated course in Eastman's Business College, in Pougr.keepsie, New York. This training pro- ved to be a great asset to him the remainder of his life . Returning to the Venango Valley, Mr. Stewart opened an office on Pion- eer Run, near Titusvill, and began buying and selling oil leases. Suddenly, his boyhood experience of roaming over the hills and valleys, began to pay dividends, because of his first hand knowledge of the area. Hardly had he opened the office when a major boom hit Pioneer Run. Speculators, promoters, financiers, and drillers arrived en masse. Young Stewart was ready for them. Negotiating leases with the local farmers and then selling them to specul- ators, he began to make money. With his brother Milton, he started investing in wells already producing. In this manner he spread his meager capital over a maximum of opportunities and increased his investments considerably. The Stewart brothers were known in the Titusville area as Christian gentlemen. They dressed immaculately and were always courteous and soft spo- ken . A profane word never crossed their lips. Consequently, they earned an
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