Lewis Dewart

Lewis Dewart (November 14, 1780 – April 26, 1852) was a Jacksonian member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Pennsylvania and a prominent state legislator, local official, and businessman in the early nineteenth century. He was the father of William Lewis Dewart, who would later also serve in Congress. Dewart was born in Sunbury, Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, where he spent virtually his entire life and became closely associated with the town’s commercial, political, and civic development.

In his youth, Dewart worked as a clerk in his father’s store in Sunbury, gaining early experience in commerce and local affairs. Building on this foundation, he later became a coal operator and banker, occupations that reflected the growing importance of coal and finance to Pennsylvania’s economy in the first half of the nineteenth century. His business interests helped establish him as a leading figure in the community and provided a platform for his entry into public service.

Dewart’s public career began with his appointment as postmaster at Sunbury, a position he held from 1806 to 1816. As postmaster, he oversaw the town’s mail service during a formative period that included the War of 1812, when reliable communication was of particular importance. His performance in this federal appointment contributed to his local reputation and facilitated his transition into elective office at the state level.

Dewart served as a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from 1812 to 1820, participating in state legislative affairs during a period of expansion and political change following the War of 1812. In 1823 he was elected to the Pennsylvania State Senate, where he served for three years. His tenure in both chambers of the state legislature reflected his growing influence in Pennsylvania politics and his alignment with the emerging democratic currents that would later coalesce around Andrew Jackson.

In addition to his legislative work, Dewart was active in internal improvements and economic development. He was one of the organizers and builders of the Danville & Pottsville Railroad, an early rail line intended to facilitate the transportation of coal and other goods in central Pennsylvania. He served as one of the first directors of the railroad, underscoring his role in promoting infrastructure projects that supported the region’s industrial growth.

Dewart was elected as a Jacksonian to the Twenty-second Congress, serving a single term in the U.S. House of Representatives from Pennsylvania. As a member of the Jackson Party representing Pennsylvania, he contributed to the legislative process during one term in office. His service in Congress occurred during a significant period in American history, marked by the presidency of Andrew Jackson and debates over issues such as federal power, economic policy, and democratic participation. In this national role, he participated in the democratic process and represented the interests of his constituents in Pennsylvania.

After his term in Congress, Dewart returned to state and local politics. He again served in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from 1835 to 1840, culminating in his election as speaker of the House in 1840. At the local level, he was chief burgess of Sunbury in 1837, effectively the town’s chief municipal officer, and he also served as a member of the local school board, reflecting his engagement with civic administration and public education. In 1841 he sought higher office as a candidate for the Democratic nomination for Governor of Pennsylvania, but he was unsuccessful in securing the nomination.

Lewis Dewart remained a respected figure in Sunbury until his death. He died there on April 26, 1852, and was buried in Sunbury Cemetery. His career, spanning business, local administration, state legislation, and national office, reflected the intertwined economic and political development of Pennsylvania in the early nineteenth century and left a legacy carried on in part by his son’s subsequent service in Congress.