Lyman Stewart

Lyman Stewart (July 22, 1840 – September 28, 1923) was a U.S. businessman and co-founder of Union Oil Company of California. Stewart was also a significant Christian philanthropist and cofounder of the Bible Institute of Los Angeles (now known as Biola University). He and his brother Milton also anonymously funded publication of The Fundamentals, the foundation document of Christian fundamentalism. Stewart also helped found the Union Rescue Mission in Los Angeles.

Early life Stewart was born to William Reynolds Stewart & Jane Miller Irwin in 1840 in Cherrytree, Venango County, Pennsylvania, and worked for his father who was a tanner.

In 1917, he donated $4,500 to fund the construction of Stewart Hall at Toccoa Falls College.

Lyman and his brother Milton contributed $300,000 towards the publication costs of the 12-volume "Christian Fundamentals." These volumes established the precepts of Christian Fundamentalism. The Stewart brothers also financially supported missionary efforts in China.

Personal life Lyman Stewart married Sarah Adalaide Burrows on 2 May 1867 in Enterprise, Pennsylvania. They had three children: William L., May, and Alfred C. Stewart's sons were actively involved in the oil business. As children, they helped their father rather than attend school. William stayed involved with Union Oil, working every position, eventually replacing his father as president of Union Oil. Alfred developed his mechanical aptitude while at Union Oil. He invented a multitude of drilling equipment. Alfred did not stay with Union Oil, he ran an automotive machine shop and continued inventing the most notable carburetors. Sarah died on 5 Feb 1912, in Los Angeles. On 26 Aug 1916, Lyman married Lula May Crowell. She had been his private secretary for the previous eleven years. She was a graduate of BIOLA and a fervent supporter of its mission.