Alex Stewart: Portrait of a Pioneer

Loved this book. His whole life was very interesting and eye opening as to how they lived back then. I will definitely re-read this book several mor times.

Book was like new condition

Imagine my surprise when opened the cover of this book to find that Alex is the grandson of Boyd Stewart. Surprise, because that Boyd Stewart is my great-great grandfather, making me a 1st cousin twice removed of Alex. I've done a little geneological research of my ancestors in the Sneedville, Tn area. Alex would mention seeing these people, engaged in the activities of their daily lives. And later I realized that Alex's wife Maggie was also my first cousin twice removed. I devoured the book. But, I have special interest.My great-grandmother, Alex's aunt, passed along a story that one of her sisters had been poisoned in a feud - the story was garbled in the intergenerational transmission. Alex cleared that up for me, explaining that the poor girl had used strychnine to commit suicide, because she was so sick for so long. Alex and his neighbors lived a lot closer to the bone - death from starvation or cold was an occasional visitor.I'd advise reading this book, to become more human. It has truly impressed me. Read it !

Alex is an American treasure for a a reason. He is a brilliant and talented man. He is also humble and kind. Anyone interested in Appalachian life ways will enjoy this book. It is more of a transcript of a conversation than a chapter book. Still worthwhile though.

Enjoyed learning how they did it back in the old days..

I really enjoyed reading Alex Stewart: Portrait of a Pioneer and recommend it to others. I selected the book because I wanted to learn what life was like for Mr. Stewart and perhaps for my great grandmother, who was growing up in the same area and during the same years. I was fascinated by the descriptions, the stories, and Mr. Stewart's accomplishments. As I finished reading, I felt like I had been transported to 1900s northeastern Tennessee and had a greater appreciation than ever for the people, including my great grandmother, who thrived in those challenging and beautiful hills.

This was a realistic and eye opening story about the hardships of growing up in very poor conditions.I am amazed at how people in the past have been able to live in spite of all that ways that Mother Nature challenged them. I also found it frightening that people have had to live in these conditions. I recommend reading this book so one can awaken to the realities of bygone generations and how they were not spoiled in any way.

An outstanding portrait of an outstanding man! He was not without his faults, and this book does not gloss over them. He was what I call a real American. There is a lot to learn about people in this book. If you appreciate craftsmanship, you will be inspired. This book should be required reading in high school instead of some of the garbage I had to read. (One book I remember was I think named To Kill A Mockingbird, Alex Stewart is about a million times more interesting and educational). The lazy types who have to drive a car for a 2 block trip, should see how far Alex often walked to go to a job. You can see how people used to live in the mountains of Appalachia. You might learn some things about how to simplify your lifestyle, instead of being a slave to an shallow, expensive, worrisome, anxiety filled life.