GEORGE STEWART

Born: 1766 in: South Ronaldsay, Orkney
Died: 30 Aug 1791 in: Sinking of the HMS Pandora

Occupation: Bounty Midshipman

Stewart's father claimed descent from the half-brother of Queen Mary Stuart,to whom she gave possession of the Orkney & Shetland Islands.

He (the father)was born and was living on his property on the Island of Ronaldshay (Orkneys)but finding that his family could not enjoy the benefits of being sent to school, moved thence to the town of Stromness where he built a house.

The port was much frequented by shipping, having a very commodious harbour,where homeward bound ships often ducked for shelter.

Captain Cook, on his third voyage, was one of these, and it was at this time that Bligh became acquainted with the family. They had been especially kind to him.

George was 5'7" tall, with 'good' complexion, dark hair, slender build, small face, and black eyes.

He was tattooed on his left breast with a star, and on his left arm with a heart and darts.

He was personally recommended by Bligh for inclusion in the Bounty crew. Originally he was signed on as a midshipman, but after several young men of more distinguished families were recruited (Hayward, Hallett, and Heywood), he was reduced to AB.

Even though he was demoted on paper, he continued to serve as a junior officer (a relatively common practice, and a way that less well-born youths could "work" their way into the officer ranks...indeed, Bligh himself had taken that route!).

He was one of the four mutineers who voluntarily came on board the 'Pandora' immediately after it docked to report the mutiny to Capt. Edwards.

To their somewhat naive surprise, they were immediately placed in irons. Surprisingly, Stewart was never released from his handcuffs, and indeed drowned in chains when the ship sank.

Wife: PEGGY _____
Married: 1789 in: Tahiti
Born: ABOUT 1772 in: Tahiti
Died: 1791 in: Tahiti

"Peggy" was the daughter of "Tippaoo", whose land bordered Matavai Bay in Tahiti.

Upon the capture and imprisonment of her husband (George Stewart) aboard the HMS Pandora, she brought their daughter to Captain Edwards, imploring the Captain to let them see Stewart.

When he refused, she and her family and friends demonstrated by cutting themselves with knives and mourning. Finally, she was allowed to see him, and became so distressed that the crew had to pull her away and remove her forcibly from the ship.

After his departure, she lived only a few months, and died of her grief.

F Child 1 PEGGY STEWART
Born: 1790 in: Tahiti
Died: 30 Sep 1871 in: Santa Barbara, CA (USA)
Spouse: GEORGE WASHINGTON EAYRS
Spouse: SECUNDINO OLIVERA
Married: 19 Oct 1817 in: Santa Barbara, CA (USA)
Spouse: BENJAMIN FOXEN
Spouse: GEORGE RICE

As an orphaned child, she became rather a "pet" in Tahiti. She was cared for by her elderly grandfather, a chief, and when the missionaries later arrived, they took charge of her.

On his 2nd voyage, William Bligh noted, "A fine child of about 12 months old was brought to me today, the daughter of George Stewart, Midshipman on the Bounty.

It was a very pretty creature, but had been so exposed to the sun as to be little fairer than an Otaheitian."

Life in Tahiti in those years was very violent, and when George-Washington Eayrs invited young Peggy to join him on his ship, she saw it as a chance to escape the bloodshed.

For 4 years, they travelled the Pacific until Eayrs arrest. Peggy and their family were put ashore in San Diego when Eayrs went to plead his case, from which he never returned.