Editor’s note: This is the second in a series about longtime local resident Annie Mae Polly McGuire.
 |
James Stewart built the original Stewart House just outside of Andrews in 1847. His son, Samuel Stewart, and granddaughter, Polly McGuire, were born in that house. James had received the first state land grant when Cherokee County was formed in 1839, and moved to that location in 1846.
Polly was quoted many years ago as saying, “I’ve never moved from here. The old house was right where this one is. The farm has never changed hands. We have a ‘Century Farm Ownership Certificate.’”
The N.C. Department of Agriculture recognizes family farms for continuous operation for 100 years.
Hugh Samuel (Sam) Stewart married Cynthia M. Blanton March 24, 1898, in Andrews. Sam began rebuilding the new two-story farm house room by room in 1912. He built enough rooms to take in relatives who had no where to live. The Stewarts were known as a kind and generous family whose doors were always open to travelers or those in need of a place to stay.
According to the old article in the Andrews Journal, Polly said, “The home was known for feeding anyone and everyone who stopped by at meal time. The road went right through here and everyone would stop to water their horses and was invited to eat.”
Sam Stewart was known to have a giving heart, and Polly said, “Some claimed he would give his farm away if he could have got it in a tow-sack. And it was with the watering of the horses, particularly at meal time, that we got the reputation of feeding whoever came to the door.” So, the local folks named it “the house by the side of the road.”
The Stewarts cooked three large meals a day to feed the farm hands and others who happened by at meal time. The family raised their own food so there was no expense involved, just a lot of hard work.
Polly married James Vernon (Muss) McGuire Oct. 3, 1936, and they had one daughter named Dorcus Ann. Muss and Polly lived in the old Sam Stewart home and took care of the three Stewart elders: Sam, Uncle Jack and Aunt Kate.
Polly was quoted as saying, “My husband fit right in with the crowd. Best thing in the world to the old folks. He loved them and they loved him. Muss operated the Shell Service Station in Andrews and was the rural mail carrier substitute.”
Polly was a beloved teacher who let students tour her house, which looked like a museum filled with antiques and family memorabilia.
She loved to cook and carried on the family tradition by baking cakes and making fudge for family and friends.
Polly died Nov. 3, 2003, and I wrote this poem for her, which was put on the front cover of the First Baptist Church Sunday bulletin.
“The old farm house is silent and the rocking chair is still. And all of Polly’s memories leave a presence you will feel. She was part of the Stewart family who were born and raised right there. Her life was full of service and her mission was to care. She was a southern lady and a Southern cook as well.
“And anyone that knew her was caught up in her spell. She taught school for over 40 years and the history of mountain lore. She never made a difference be the children rich or poor. Don’t let your heart be laden by your grief or lone despair.
“For Polly loved you dearly and her life with you she shared. For she will never leave us, her spirit won’t be far. Just look up to the heavens at the brightest ‘Eastern Star’.”
Kandy Barnard is a columnist for the Cherokee Scout. To talk about the Andrews Valley, call her at 828-361-3268 or email kandybarnard@gmail.com.