ST. CLAIRSVILLE — The Belmont County Tourism Council was able to honor a longtime resident and county advocate just before his death earlier this month.

The council’s Mattox Award – named for the late John Mattox, founder and curator of the Underground Railroad Museum in Flushing – is designed to honor an individual or organization who has made a significant and long-term contribution to the economic health of Belmont County through their involvement in the field of tourism by attracting travelers to visit and explore Belmont County. At its October meeting, the Belmont County Tourism Board of Directors chose Emery Stewart as the recipient of the 2021 award.

According to a news release from the council, Stewart was a lifelong resident of Barnesville, being the oldest of five children. He was a 1966 graduate of Barnesville High School and a 1971 graduate of Ohio University, where he received his bachelor’s degree and studied at The University of Tours in France. A teacher extraordinaire, he taught French at St. Clairsville High School and French and Spanish at Ohio University’s Belmont Campus.

Stewart was a 22-year member of the Belmont County Historical Society and served as a board member and president for several years. He gave fabulous tours of the Belmont County Victorian Mansion Museum, sharing its history and that of the family who lived there, as well as of the village of Barnesville. He brought many group tours and visitors to the museum, to Barnesville, and to Belmont County.

A seasoned traveler, Stewart guided many tours of Europe, especially France, and of U.S. presidential inaugurations. He was a self-proclaimed chef – a fact to which many in his church and community could attest. He also delivered Meals on Wheels in his retirement. He was a member of the Master Gardeners and a Civil War buff. He had a love for history, Belmont County and everything Victorian. But most of all, he loved life.

In early November, Stewart was diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer. Because of his illness, he was unable to receive his award in person. A presentation honoring Stewart was made at an annual tourism event Dec. 6.

Family and friends were saddened to hear that Stewart died Dec. 7 with family at his side.

Believing that the promotion of tourism and economic development of Belmont County is of prime importance, the tourism office mission is to promote recreational, cultural, and tourist-related activities. The office prepares, prints, and distributes brochures. It also advertises attractions, events and businesses that attract visitors to the area. For more information, go online to visitbelmontcounty.com or call 740-695-4359.