General Thomas Ewing, Jr. – Fighting For Kansas
Thomas Ewing, Jr., stands as a significant figure in the tumultuous history of Kansas, embodying the roles of a military officer, a staunch advocate for the Free-State cause, and the first Chief Justice of the state’s Supreme Court. His life was a tapestry woven with threads of legal acumen, military leadership, and a deep commitment to shaping the future of a state grappling with the contentious issue of slavery. This article delves into the life and accomplishments of General Thomas Ewing, Jr., exploring his contributions to Kansas and the nation.
Born on August 7, 1829, in Lancaster, Ohio, Ewing received his early education in the local public schools. Even in his youth, his aptitude and capabilities were apparent. At the remarkably young age of 19, he was appointed Secretary of the Commission tasked with settling the boundary dispute between Ohio and Virginia, demonstrating a maturity and competence beyond his years. This early foray into public service was followed by a stint as the private secretary to President Zachary Taylor, providing him with invaluable exposure to the inner workings of the federal government.
Following President Taylor’s death, Ewing pursued higher education, enrolling at Brown University, where he graduated in 1854. His commitment to intellectual pursuits led him to the Cincinnati Law School, from which he earned his degree a year later, subsequently being admitted to the bar. In 1856, Ewing married Ellen E. Cox of Piqua, Ohio, and their union would be blessed with five children. That same year marked a pivotal moment in his life as he moved to Leavenworth, Kansas, in November, becoming a member of the prestigious Sherman, Ewing & McCook law firm. He quickly established himself as a leading figure in his profession, playing a prominent role in the intense political battles that defined the territorial era, aligning himself firmly with the Free-State movement. The name of General Thomas Ewing, Jr., became synonymous with the fight against slavery in Kansas.
The political landscape of Kansas in the 1850s was a battleground between pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions, each vying for control of the territory’s future. When abolitionist leaders convened in December 1857 to determine whether opponents of slavery should participate in the upcoming election of January 4, 1858, Ewing passionately advocated for participation. He believed that engaging in the political process was crucial to preventing Kansas from becoming a slave state.
Despite Ewing’s persuasive arguments, the motion to participate in the election was defeated, along with twelve other similar proposals. Undeterred, Ewing and his associates organized their own movement, nominating candidates for all available offices, each pledged to support a new constitution that would permanently prohibit slavery in Kansas. In a testament to their dedication, Ewing and his twelve colleagues embarked on a whirlwind campaign across the territory in the ten days leading up to the election. The efforts of General Thomas Ewing, Jr., and his colleagues demonstrated their commitment to shaping the future of Kansas.
The Surveyor-General, John Calhoun, who was responsible for overseeing the election returns, attempted to undermine the Free-State party by falsely declaring victory for the pro-slavery faction. He even initiated a journey to Washington D.C. to submit the Lecompton Constitution to Congress, hoping to secure Kansas’s admission into the Union as a slave state. However, Ewing, recognizing the urgency of the situation, successfully persuaded the Free-State Territorial Legislature to appoint a committee, with himself as its head, to investigate the election returns and expose the fraudulent claims. The actions of General Thomas Ewing, Jr., were instrumental in preventing the imposition of a pro-slavery constitution on Kansas.
In the election for state officers on December 6, 1859, the first held under the Wyandotte Constitution, Ewing was elected Chief Justice for a six-year term. He assumed his position on the bench in February 1861, when the state government was officially established, marking a significant milestone in Kansas’s journey towards statehood. The legal expertise of General Thomas Ewing, Jr., was now at the service of the newly formed state.
However, the peace was short-lived. The outbreak of the Civil War in 1861 dramatically altered the course of Ewing’s life and the nation’s history. In the summer of 1862, he played a crucial role in recruiting the Eleventh Kansas Infantry, demonstrating his commitment to the Union cause. On September 14, he was appointed colonel and resigned as Chief Justice to take command of the regiment. Ewing led his troops in the battles of Cane Hill, Van Buren, and Prairie Grove, proving his mettle as a military leader.
On March 13, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln recognized Ewing’s "gallant and meritorious services" by commissioning him a Brigadier-General of Volunteers. Until June 1863, he commanded the First Division of the Army of the Frontier under Major-General Herron. Subsequently, Ewing was assigned to command the District of the Border, encompassing all of Kansas north of the 38th parallel and the western tier of counties in Missouri north of that line. The military service of General Thomas Ewing, Jr., was marked by both bravery and controversy.
Ewing’s command was tasked with the daunting challenge of repelling guerrilla raids that plagued the border region. He discovered that figures like William Quantrill and Richard Yeager operated from seemingly impregnable bases in the three border counties of Missouri, supported by a network of spies throughout the area. Following Quantrill’s devastating raid on Lawrence, Kansas, in August 1863, Ewing issued "General Order No. 11," a controversial but necessary measure designed to effectively clear the border of a population that was actively supporting the guerrillas.
"General Order No. 11" mandated the evacuation of residents from several Missouri counties, a decision that sparked considerable debate and criticism. While the general government ultimately upheld the order, it remained a point of contention, even impacting Ewing’s political aspirations. In the Democratic National Convention held in New York City on July 6, 1868, he was defeated in his bid for the nomination for Vice President, largely due to the controversy surrounding this order.
The accusations and criticisms leveled against him by political opponents in Kansas and Missouri prompted Ewing to request a Court of Inquiry. However, the president declined to order it, instead expanding the district under Ewing’s command. In February 1864, when the District of the Border was divided, with Kansas becoming a separate department, Ewing relieved General Fish of command of southeastern Missouri, establishing his headquarters in St. Louis. In the fall of 1864, he played an active role in the defense against General Price’s invasion of Missouri. On February 23, 1865, Ewing resigned his command and, on March 13, was breveted as a Major-General.
Following the conclusion of the Civil War, Ewing resumed his legal practice in Washington D.C., but later returned to his native state of Ohio in 1870. In 1873, he served as a member of the Ohio Constitutional Convention and subsequently represented Ohio in Congress from 1877 to 1881. During his time in Congress, he advocated for various causes, including opposing the use of federal troops at state elections, supporting the re-monetization of silver, and championing the preservation of greenback currency. In 1879, he ran unsuccessfully for governor of Ohio as the Democratic candidate.
In 1882, Ewing relocated to New York City, joining the law firm of Southard & Fairchild. The firm later became known as Ewing, Whitman & Ewing. He was also the founder and served as president of the Ohio Society in New York for three years. General Thomas Ewing, Jr., passed away on January 21, 1896, after being struck by a streetcar, bringing to an end a life of distinguished service and unwavering commitment to his principles.