Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Married Delia Tudor November 25, 1813. They had two children.

In 1798 he was appointed lieutenant in the U. S. Navy. He served on the frigate United States. In 1806 he was promoted to captain. In 1815 he was in command of the Constitution. He engaged the British warships Cyane and Levant. Both were defeated.

He served in the Mediterranean 1816 to 1820 and the Pacific 1821 to 1823. He was on the naval board 1830 to 1833. In 1837 he was given command of the Philadelphia naval yard. He retired in 1857 and died in Bordertown, Pennsylvania.

On February 22, 1816, Congress voted to award a gold medal to Stewart for his service in 1815. The medal (Julian NA-22) was by Mortiz Furst. The mint has sold a modern copy (USM 519).

bio: ApCAB; DAB; Drake; Failor; Loubat; NCAB 8; TCBDA; WWWA-H