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I am researching the life and times of Helen Jane Weiser Stewart. Below is a brief description that was included in her obituary. I have had some luck with finding letters and a journal of sorts in the special collections department at the UNLV library. But, I am not able to find many pictures or artifacts. Her life as an educated pioneer woman in this harsh environment fascinates me. I lived my life in the same area as she only several decades later. If anyone has information, stories or pictures of people or objects or places I would treasure them as additions to my research for a biographical children’s’ book. I would pay for all shipping and any costs associated. Thank you.
STEWART, Helen J. Las Vegas Review - 3/12/1926. Contributed by Gerry Perry.
PIONEER CITIZEN OF LAS VEGAS IS CALLED BY DEATH
LONG AND USEFUL LIFE OF GOOD WOMAN COMES TO CLOSE AFTER ILLNESS
Helen J. STEWART, well known and beloved pioneer of Las Vegas, passed away at her home on the Stewart Ranch here on Saturday, March 6, at 3:00 p.m., at the age of 72 years.
Pioneer and frontierswoman of the old West, Helen J. STEWART was the first white woman to settle in what was destined to become the City of Las Vegas. She was known and reverenced by thousands of friends for her lovable character and unfailing energy in the upbuilding of her chosen state.
Helen J. WISER (WEISER) was born in Springfield, Illinois, on April 16, 1854. At an early age she crossed the plains with her parents on their way to Sacramento, California. She was educated in the public schools of Sacramento county and graduated from Woodland College, Yolo county, California. On April 9, 1873, she married Archibald STEWART at Stockton, California. To this union was born five children, of whom three survive her, Miss Tiza STEWART of Kansas City, Missouri, Mrs. Evelyn STAY of Las Vegas, and County Commissioner W. (Will) J. STEWART, who were at their mother's bedside when she passed away. Two grandchildren, Leslie STEWART of Logandale, Nevada and Mrs. Geneva SHUH of Los Angeles, California, were here to attend the funeral. She leaves three sisters, Mrs. Flora MYERS of Berkely, California, Mrs. Rachel HASKINS of Galt, California, and Mrs. Acinth ROACH, of San Francisco, California.
In 1872 the family came to Nevada and in 1882 settled on the ground that is now known as the Stewart Ranch, which at that time comprised a large portion of the present town site of Las Vegas.
Helen J. STEWART was a charter member of the Mesquite Club and a member of the U-Wah-Un Study Club. In November of 1916 she was elected a member of the High School Board and took office January 6, 1917. She was made Clerk of the board and served in that capacity until January 21, 1921. Her work among the Indians of Nevada and particularly Southern Nevada is history. The Indians were her friends and their esteem was manifested in the tribute which they paid by their presence at the funeral.
Helen J. STEWART was the author of many articles for the Nevada Historical Society and wrote chapter five of volume one of the History of Nevada. A true pioneer, she did all that was in her power to do for the good of her State and her people. The services which she has rendered to Nevada will long keep her memory green among all those who knew her directly, or indirectly through her good works.
At her home on the Stewart Ranch she left the largest and most magnificent collection of Indian baskets in the world. These baskets, collected over a long period of years, have drawn hundres of people here who were interested in the art of basketry. Fabulous sums were offered her for the collection, with which she refused to part. Several years ago a descriptive pamphlet was issued by the government telling of this collection.
The funeral services were held on Wednesday, March 10, at 3:30 p.m. at the Methodist church, Rev. W. I. STOCKTON officiating. Music was furnished by the choir of the L. D. S. church. Two songs, "Jesus Lover of my Soul," and "Nearer My God to Thee," were sung by a special quartet. Hundreds of friends from all over the State sent flowers and many came from long distances to be present. The casket and entire front of the church was a bower of blossoms, paying the silent tribute of the community and State. The largest funeral procession ever witnessed in Las Vegas wended its way from the house on the Stewart Ranch to the Church where the services were held. After the services the body was returned to the shrine of flowers at the home there to await the completion of a vault which is been hewn out of the solid stone in the family plot. When the vault is completed the body will be interred and the vault sealed. J. M. ULLOM, C. C. RONNOW, M. M. RILEY, Dr. W. S. PARK, Ed. W. CLARK and Harley A. HARMON acted as pall bearers.
Out of respect, the business houses, Post office and schools were closed during the progress of the funeral.
LAS VEGAS REVIEW
3/19/1926
MRS. HELEN J. STEWART IN FINAL RESTING PLACE
The body of Mrs. Helen J. STEWART was placed in the vault hewn from the solid rock in the family burial plot Tuesday afternoon. Only the immediate family and pall bearers were present when Rev. HUMBERT preached the funeral sermon, taking as his text: "Eternity."
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