[citation needed] Born into slavery, Ewing became one of the first Black lawyers in the state during a time of extreme racial segregation.
[citation needed] According to descendants, he was born enslaved at the Travellers Rest plantation in Nashville which was owned by John W Overton's family.
Many local historians believe that when he obtained a “regular” attorney’s license on September 15, 1871, he was likely the first African American to do so.
[citation needed] Ewing and his brother played a crucial role in advocating for African American rights, including efforts to challenge discriminatory laws and practices.
Their law office in Nashville became a focal point for African American legal action.