After graduating from the common schools in June, 1869, he entered the Preparatory Department of Howard University, Washington, D. C., and finished the course, entering college in September, 1871. He stood at the head of his class throughout the course, making special record in the foreign languages, in belles lettres, and as a public speaker. In the summer of 1871, he lectured at various places in Virginia. Although a very young man, being then only seventeen years of age, he was heard by large audiences and took back to Howard University enough money to get well started in his college course. In the midst of his junior year, feeling that the facilities for the study of the sciences were better in the University of South Carolina than at Howard University, Mr. Stewart left the latter and entered the former institution, and in December, 1875, he graduated, at the head of his class, from the College and Law Departments of the University of South Carolina, delivering the valedictory oration, and receiving the degrees of Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws. [Illustration: T. McCANTS STEWART, ESQ.] Gen. Robert B. Elliott, one of the ablest men of his day, and, at that time, one of the most successful practitioners at the South Carolina bar, took Mr. Stewart into partnership and formed the law firm of Elliott, Dunbar & Stewart, which firm was retained in many important cases. Mr. Stewart began his professional career in a murder case, in which there was unusual interest in every part of the State. The ablest attorneys and counsel appeared for the people and Gen. Elliott and Mr. Stewart appeared for the defence. The General guided his young partner, but imposed upon him the burden of the work. Mr. Dunbar died early in 1876, and Hon. D. Augustus Straker, now Circuit Court Commissioner, Detroit, Michigan, entered the law firm which then became Elliott, Stewart & Straker. The firm practised in several counties of the State. Wherever he appeared, Mr. Stewart's management of his cases was highly skilful, and he was usually successful. The Clarendon _Press_, a newspaper edited and published by Southern white men at Manning, S. C., makes this reference to Mr. Stewart's appearance in court there: "We must admit that Mr. Stewart displayed signal ability in the management of several cases. His respectful manner and modesty have created for him a favorable impression amongst the people."