James Stuart

James Stewart (January 2, 1843 - October 12, 1913) was a British educator and politician. He was born in Markinch, Fife, and before entering Trinity College in Cambridge he attended Madras College and the University of St Andrews. He later became a college member and professor of mechanics and applied mechanics at the University of Cambridge since 1875; he was also Lord Rector of St Andrews from 1898 to 1901. Stewart was interested in popularizing scientific topics and published several books on the subject. Stewart was an unsuccessful liberal candidate for a seat in the Cambridge University parliament in the 1882 by-election; in 1884 he was elected Hackney. After the election of 1885, he sat in the Hoxton branch of Shoreditch. He became known for his contribution to London politics, and in February 1890 he was elected alderman in the London County Council, and additional work forced him to leave his post in Cambridge. A progressive party in the LCC elected him as their Leader shortly after his election, but he resigned after the 1892 council election. In the 1900 general election, Stuart lost his seat in parliament. He briefly returned to Sunderland from 1906 until he was again defeated in January 1910. He was appointed to the Privy Council in 1909. Due to poor health, he published his memoirs (Memoirs) in 1912. He died in Norwich on October 12, 1913.