Several interesting headstones of the Stewart family can be found in Windsor Presbyterian Cemetery.
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John Stewart was born in 1832 in Edinburgh, the son of John Stewart and his wife Annie nee Robinson. John, also known as Jock, was educated at Edinburgh at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, one of the oldest schools of its type in the world.
Here he qualified for a Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland certificate, and on completion of his studies, worked in Glasgow.
In 1860, migrated to Sydney. He first went to Morpeth, but after a few months moved to Windsor where he established a veterinary service.
He originally set up in a hotel in Macquarie Street, and advertised his business in various newspapers, saying “Horses, cattle, sheep, and dogs entrusted to his care will receive every attention. Charges moderate.”
In Windsor, he eventually founded a vet hospital which he successfully operated for about 16 years before moving the business to Castlereagh Street, Sydney. His family followed.
With his experience of veterinary science, he was appointed as the veterinary instructor at Sydney Technical College, a position he held for a number of years.
He married Jessie Walker in 1862 and the couple had 10 children, including two sons who became vets. John Malcolm (1867-1935), studied under his father at the Technical College and joined his father’s business. He was also described as a “prominent figure in horse racing and breeding circles for many years”.
James Douglas (1869-1955) attended Sydney Grammar School, then in 1890 enrolled with the Royal (Dick) Veterinary College and was admitted to the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in 1893.
He returned to Australia where he assisted his father until his own career was established. Amongst other things, he was the first chair of veterinary science at the University of Sydney in 1909, consulting veterinary surgeon to the Australian Jockey Club (AJC) and went on to become a pioneer in veterinary education.
The Veterinary Medical Association of NSW was formed in 1894, and John Stewart was elected as the first president. John was involved with the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and was their honorary veterinary surgeon. He was also employed by the Agricultural Society of NSW as their veterinary inspector.
Around 1900 John suffered ill health, possibly associated with his diabetes, and returned to Windsor where he took up residence in Church Street with his eldest daughter. His tall portly figure was a common sight around town and despite being retired, “his superior knowledge on the ailments of stock was very often sought.”
In 1904, aged 73, John Stewart passed away due to diabetes complications. According to the obituary published, Stewart was "looked upon as the father of veterinary science in NSW and he certainly did more for its advancement than any other vet the State has had." John Stewart is buried in Windsor Presbyterian Cemetery alongside his wife who died in 1890.