History

A Brief History of Stewartstown

Stewartstown, the 7^th oldest borough in the county, was named after Anthony Stewart. As a young man, Stewart apprenticed himself to a carpenter and soon became quite proficient at his trade. More than likely, he was attracted to the area by the growth in residential construction and the need for someone with his carpentering skills.

In 1812, Stewart purchased two parcels of land on which most of the town was built. On April 15, 1812, he purchased three acres of property for $700.00. Several weeks later, on June 3rd, he purchased an additional acre for $29.75.

Anthony Stewart was commissioned the postmaster of Mechanicsburg on December 19, 1828. The Post Office Department arbitrarily named the first post office "Guilford." The first postmaster, Stewart, datelined his personal letter "Stewarts Town" and canceled them "Guilford" Stewart was a determined man, and largely as a result of his personal efforts, the Post Office Department, on March 24, 1832, changed the name of the local office to "Stewartstown."

The village was incorporated March 29, 1851 as the Borough of Mechanicsburg (so named because there were a number of successful tradesmen or "mechanics" residing in the area at the time). Stewart was disturbed about the Mechanicsburg name and on February 24, 1853 secured passage of a supplementary act changing the name to "Stewartstown."

Anthony Stewart was an excellent mechanic and had an interest in astronomy and natural philosophy. He heavily influenced the affairs of the town. Evidence supports the fact that the first bible society met in the lean-to-shop attached to his house.

In the early days of "Stewartstown," the town was known for the emphasis placed upon the individual and his ability to realize his dreams and fulfill his expectations.

Born in 1788, Stewart died in 1866 at the age of seventy-eight.