Stewart Edward White was born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan. In 1895 he received a B.A. degree from the University of Michigan, followed by an M.A. in 1903. From about 1900 until about 1922, he wrote fiction and non-fiction about adventure and travel, with an emphasis on natural history and outdoor living. In 1922, he began writing "received" spiritual accounts with his wife Elizabeth "Betty" Grant White, who was credited with channelling spirits. He and his wife also wrote about their travels in California.