Stuart was a pioneer and soldier known as the "Father of Greenbrier County." Born in Augusta County, Virginia, he helped survey the Greenbrier Valley in 1769 to start a settlement.

In 1770, he built the first mill in what would become the county. He later moved to Fort Spring near Lewisburg and built a stone house in 1789. A nearby fort, used during Indian raids, was placed under his command. Stuart led local soldiers at the Battle of Point Pleasant in 1774 and helped defend the area during later attacks, including the last raid on Fort Donnally in 1778.

Stuart became county clerk in 1780 and helped build the first clerk’s office in his yard. He also helped start Lewisburg and supported the U.S. Constitution at the 1788 Virginia convention. He gave land for the first courthouse and the Old Stone Presbyterian Church.