He studied law, was admitted to the bar in 1835, and commenced practice in Nashville, Tennessee.
He was the chosen trustee of the University of Nashville in 1833, and served in that office until his death.
He resumed the practice of law in Nashville, and he was a delegate to the 1860 Democratic National Convention at Baltimore.
During the Civil War, he served as judge of General Braxton Bragg's military court.
Ewing died in Atlanta, Georgia, on June 16, 1864 (age 50 years, 365 days).