REV. JAMES P. EWING
Under the form of government adopted by our forefathers matters pertaining to
creed or sect were carefully avoided, thus giving to all that opportunity for
growth and development along such lines as each might determine. One of the
greatest and most beneficent results thus obtained was the elimination of
much of that bigotry and spirit of intolerance which surrounded and impeded
the progress of Christianity from the early days of the sixteenth century
down to the closing of the eighteenth, during the last quarter of which the
independence of the American colonies was happily secured. Hence, the broad
and liberal views now practiced by the various denominations toward each
other has had a tendency to harmonize the former conflicting elements of
communities. He whose biography is herewith presented has for some years
enjoyed the distinction of being one of Henry County's ablest divines. Rev.
James P. Ewing, the well-known, efficient and popular pastor of the Christian
church at New Castle, Henry County, Indiana, was born near Winchester,
Virginia, in the famous Shenandoah Valley. When but a boy he was brought by
his parents to Ohio, settling in Athens County. On the 28th of February 1864,
he enlisted in the Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under General
Grosvenor, as a recruit. He had been reared in a pro-slavery atmosphere and
four of his brothers and a brother-in-law served in the Confederate army, but
he was in his childhood a keen observer and early became convinced that the
institution of slavery was entirely wrong. His disgust at slavery was brought
to the culminating point when the attempt was made to over throw the union
and he determined to offer his services in the effort to put down the
rebellion and preserve the integrity of the national government. He joined
his regiment at Chattanooga, Tennessee, and was with it during all the
stirring scenes, which took place in that locality during the last days of
the terrible struggle. He saw service at Chattanooga and during the memorable
Atlanta campaign, and afterward joined Thomas in the pursuit of Hood before
the battle of Nashville. They followed Hood to the Tennessee river and then
returned to the vicinity of Chattanooga, performing picket and guard duty,
and also made raids upon the forces of the rebel generals, Forrest and
Morgan. They continued in this line of service until the surrender of General
Lee. At this time General Steadman was made provost marshal of Georgia and to
assist in the work of his department the regiment was ordered to Augusta,
Georgia, where it remained until the following October, being then mustered
out at That place and receiving a final discharge shortly afterward at
Columbus, Ohio. While his regiment was in Georgia Mr. Ewing was detailed as a
clerk in the office of the medical director. Upon his return to civil life
James P. Ewing entered an academy at Athens, Ohio, and was also a student
elsewhere. At the age of twenty-one years he began teaching in the country
schools and in a select school in that part of the state, and continued that
occupation for five years, at the same time continuing private study. His
reading and study had been largely devoted to theology and kindred subjects
and he determined to enter the ministry. His attention had early been drawn
to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, but as the result of thorough and
patient investigation he gave his allegiance to the Christian church, joining
it on the 22d of April 1866. While still engaged in teaching he had devoted
himself to some extent to evangelistic work, but at this time he entered the
regular ministry, his first pastorate being at Mansfield, Ohio. Then he was
stationed in order at Sabina, Jackson and Ripley, all in Ohio, and at
Crawfordsville, Indiana. In 1888 he resigned the latter charge for the
purpose of taking -up again the special evangelistic work, confining his
operations principally to the state of Indiana. In this work he traveled over
the entire state, organizing churches and new societies and reviving others
that had become lukewarm. It was very hard work, but his soul was in it and
his efforts were blessed with abundant results. In 1889 he had visited New
Castle and organized a district, composed of two counties. After two years of
the state work he again entered the regular pastorate, serving the charge at
Frankfort for two years. He then returned to Ohio and assumed charge of the
church at Jackson, the same charge he had served ten years before. Rev. Mr.
Ewing remained at this place four years and then went to another of his old
charges, Ripley, at the earnest solicitation of that church, having also
oversight of the church at Liberty. This was a busy year, as besides the
extra work attending the erection of a new church building at Ripley, he was
also conducting regular preaching services at Fowler and Boswell. Indiana. In
December 1898, Rev. Ewing accepted a call to the Christian church at New
Castle, and has since remained in charge here, his sole attention being given
to the work here. His work here has been fruitful with good results and by
his courteous manners, eminent ability and genuine worth he has endeared
himself, not only to the members of his immediate congregation, but to all
who have the pleasure of his acquaintance. He is a forceful, logical,
convincing and pleasing speaker and keeps in close touch with all phases of
modern life, especially in relation to the present day conditions of the
laboring classes. He holds closely to the teachings of the gospels and of the
old leaders of the church, standing squarely on the plain religious teachings
of the Bible and giving little encouragement to the advanced stand taken by
some of the modern theologians. He was an admirer of President Garfield and
while the latter was in congress heard him preach. He also was acquainted
with the lamented McKinley, who in many respects resembled Garfield. He has
not confined himself in his readings and studies to any one particular line
of thought, but has been broad, and comprehensive, his studies including the
creeds and dogmas of other churches, the history of religions, the philosophy
of religion and education, history, biography, etc. He has also read
extensively and been a deep student of Blackstone and other authorities on
law and has recently been admitted to the bar. Politically he cast his first
presidential vote for General Grant and has ever since been identified with
the Republican Party. In matters fraternal he is a member of the Masons,
having attained to the Royal Arch degree, the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows, the Knights of Pythias and the Grand Army of the Republic. He takes
an especially active part in the work of the Odd Fellows. On the 20th of
April 1866, Rev. Mr. Ewing was united in the holy bonds of matrimony with
Miss Miranda Conant, the ceremony being celebrated in Meigs County, Ohio. She
was a native of the Buckeye state, received a good education and has been a
helpmate to the subject in the truest sense of the word. This union has been
blessed with the following children: Ilerede is the wife of N. F. Palmer, of
Frankfort, Indiana: E. G. is a preacher and is pastor of the Middletown
Christian church in this county; Jessie is the wife of F. W. Bertsch, of
Jackson. Ohio. It is largely to such men as the subject of this sketch that
the community is indebted for its present high standing as regards general
morality and charitable and benevolent activities and their efforts are fully
appreciated by the people of the community. It is to be hoped that Rev. Mr.
Ewing may remain for many years an active promoter of the cause of religion
and morality.
Typed by Lora Radiches
Compendium of Biography Of Henry County, Indiana B. F. Bowen 1920