Thomas J. Stewart

Thomas Jameson Stewart (September 11, 1848 – September 11, 1917) was an Irish-born American politician and military officer who served as Secretary of Internal Affairs of Pennsylvania from 1887 to 1895 and Adjutant General of Pennsylvania from 1895 until his death in 1917.

Early life Stewart was born September 11, 1848 near Belfast. He served on the committee that found the location for and established the Pennsylvania Soldiers' and Sailors' Home. He withdrew from the 1894 election before the Republican convention. He resigned before the end of his final term to become Adjutant General.

From 1906 to 1908, Stewart was president of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick.

Death and honors Stewart died suddenly of heart disease on his 69th birthday. His death was blamed on overwork in preparation for the American entry into World War I.

In 1918, a bronze statue of Stewart made by J. Otto Schweizer was placed in the rotunda of the Pennsylvania State Capitol. Thomas J. Stewart Junior High School and Gen. Thomas J. Stewart Memorial Armory in Norristown were named for Stewart. The Thomas J. Stewart Medal is awarded to members of the Pennsylvania National Guard "for one hundred percent attendance and excellence in drill, including annual field training, during any one year."