Lowell O. Stewart was born to Archibald and Sarah Stewart at Watervliet, Michigan, on April 4, 1895. He received his B.S. (1917) in civil engineering from Michigan State College (University) and earned his M.S. (1927) in civil engineering and his C.E. (1928) from Iowa State College (University).

Following graduation Stewart was a Commissioned Officer (1917-1923) of the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey. His assignments included two years of surveying the Philippine Islands. He then took a position as Assistant Foreman (1923-1924) of building construction for the Schumacher Construction Company in Albion, Michigan. He was named Chief of Party (1924) for the Michigan State Highway Department.

Stewart joined the faculty of Iowa State College (University) as Instructor (1924-1927) in the Department of Civil Engineering. He was promoted to Assistant Professor (1927-1933), Associate Professor (1933-1938), and Professor and Head (1938-1957) of the department. He also served as the first full-time Engineering Placement Officer (1935-1938) and as Acting Dean (1946-1947) of the Division of Engineering.

Stewart was the author of several books and numerous technical publications. He was author or co-author of two books on surveying: Public Land Surveys; History, Instruction, Methods (call no. TA622 St49p) and Original Instructions Governing Public Land Surveys of Iowa (call no. TA522 I8 D6o). He also wrote a book popular with advisors of engineering students: Career in Engineering: Requirements, Opportunities (call no. TA157 St49c).

Professional organizations also benefited from Professor Stewart's involvement. He was a member of the national council of the American Society for Engineering Education (1950-1956), served on the national council of the American Association of University Professors (1949-1951), and was on the Iowa State Board of Engineering Examiners (1950-1957). In 1950, he received the John Dunlap Memorial Award from the Iowa Engineering Society.

Lowell Stewart married Gladys Comfort on November 21, 1922. Together they had one daughter, Lois. Lowell Stewart died on August 24, 1957.

The collection (1928-1971, n.d.) contains biographical information, correspondence, and publications by Lowell O. Stewart. The collection also includes a transcript of a radio interview he gave regarding the publication of his book Career in Engineering. Copies of Dr. Stewart's books can be found by searching the Library catalog.

The collection is arranged in alphabetical order.