Talbott McNeill Stewart (1911-1982) was Harnett County’s first full-time press photographer. Son of the late Lewis F. and Jane McNeill Stewart, he was a member of a well-known Harnett County family and a familiar face to the area.
Stewart was a professional photographer for years, taking pictures throughout Harnett County. His work included wedding portraits, school pictures, sports events, and other happenings and interests in the area. When The Daily Record was established in 1950, he became the paper’s first photographer. He headed the newspaper’s photographic department until his retirement.
In 1978, the Town of Lillington donated a collection of photographs created by Talbott McNeill Stewart to the Harnett County Public Library, where the collection is currently being preserved. The gift consisted of more than 800 photographs, which are now available online through DigitalNC. This collection showcases Stewart’s life behind the camera, revealing his dedication to the community and his passion for the profession.
