The story of the development of Colorado, like that of every new state, Is the gradual unfolding of a drama of hardship and danger and the realization of the dream of those sturdy men and women who endured the privations of frontier days, and carved an empire from the wilderness. Among those who had part in Colorado's transformation are Lewis E. EWAN, and his worthy wife, who for many years were residents of Jefferson county, but are now residing in Littleton. Mr. EWAN came to Colorado in 1880, making the trip overland, driving a mule team from Independence, Kansas,—a trip that was five weeks in the making. Arriving in Morrison, on the 26th day of May. of the year above mentioned, he located there, but after a brief stay, located on Turkey Creek, where he entered into a contract for hauling stone from the quarry to the rail shipping point, near Morrison. It is of Interest to note that in the carrying out of this contract, he hauled the red sandstone which was utilized In the construction and adornment of many of the important buildings in Denver, among them being the old Union Station; the building formerly occupied by the Colorado National Bank at Seventeenth and Larimer streets; the original Daniels & Fisher store building, and many others.

In 1882, he began ranching on eighty acres which he purchased and located upon. This holding was subsequently increased as years went by and he prospered, until he had acquired a total of five hundred and forty-five acres, making one of the finest ranches in that section, while in the meantime, he had won for himself recognition as one of the representative and best known ranchers and stockmen of the state. During these years of residence upon his ranch, and In conjunction with his activities in stock raising, he was also engaged in the butchering and meat supply business at Morrison. He formed a partnership with M. M. NAY for the conducting of this latter business and the firm soon became widely known. They did not only an extensive local business but also furnished a large portion of the meat supply for the surrounding towns and villages, including places as far distant as Golden, Idaho Springs, Denver, and others.

During the latter years of their residence in Jefferson county, Mr. and Mrs. EWAN had made their home in Morrison, where they continued to reside until 1903, when they removed to Oregon, and for the ensuing two years, engaged In agricultural pursuits In the fruitful and picturesque Willamette valley. Disposing of their property there, In 1905, they returned to Colorado, and in 1917, located in Littleton where they now reside.

Mr. EWAN Is a native of Virginia, and was born in Fort Republic, In the famous Shenandoah valley, February 17, 1847. His parents, Robert M. and Caroline (LEWIS) EWAN, were born natives of Virginia, and each was descended from a long line of distinguished colonial ancestry. In 1859, the parents moved to Michigan, locating in Berrien county, whence, soon afterward, they removed to Illinois, locating on a farm but a few miles from Lewiston, in Fulton county. There they were numbered among the early pioneers of the section, and made their home during the remainder of their lives, the father passing away at the age of seventy-six years, the mother being called to final rest five years later, and in her seventy-seventh year.

Lewis B. EWAN is the eldest of a family of five sons and three daughters. He was but a lad of twelve years, when he accompanied his parents to Michigan, later going with the family to Illinois. His boyhood days were spent in Fulton county, where he attended the public schools of the neighborhood, and shared in the limited advantages which fell to the lot of the average boy of that place and period. In 1870, responding to the lure of the west, he went to Kansas, locating in Independence, where he established himself in the real estate and also the meat business, coming from there to Colorado, as previously noted.

On December 23, 1872, Mr. EWAN was united in marriage with Miss Hattie B. WRIGHT, who was born in Indiana, July 20, 1854, a daughter of Stanbury B. and Mary Flagg (POTTER) WRIGHT. The parents were natives of Vermont and New York respectively, the progenitors on both the paternal and maternal side being direct lineal descendants from Puritan ancestors who took active part in the Colonial and the Revolutionary wars. Mr. and Mrs. WRIGHT came to the west at a time when settlers were few, locating first in Indiana, then in Iowa, then in Kansas, and finally in 1879, in Colorado, making their home at Morrison where they continued to reside until the final summons called them to their eternal rest. The father died September 13, 1885, and the mother September 16, 1889, each having attained the age of eighty years.

To Mr. and Mrs. EWAN have been born nine children, of whom seven attained maturity, as follows: Mary L., now Mrs. Edwin SANGER; Bessie E., who is Mrs. F. J. FRINK, and resides in Montana; Anna L., who wedded J. D. TRACY, and resides at Morrison; Hariet Irene, who became the wife of Charles W. TUTTLE, of Denver; Carl W., of Livingston, Montana; Lewis E., now in the government service as a forest ranger at Big Timber, Montana; and June V., now Mrs. N. K. GROESBECK.

In political faith Mr. EWAN has always been a democrat, and an active supporter of the party principles. He has taken prominent part in political affairs having served as delegate to both state and congressional conventions. He was appointed by Governor SHAFROTH water commissioner for the ninth district, filling the position so acceptably that, upon the expiration of his term, he was reappointed his own successor.

In fraternal circles, Mr. EWAN is well known as a member of Golden Lodge, No. 13, I. O. O. F., also holding membership In the Encampment. He has received all of the official honors, conferred In the subordinate lodge, and has served as a member of the Grand Lodge of the order. Both he, and his worthy wife, are members of the Rebekahs, in which Mrs. EWAN has served as a delegate and three terms as noble grand of the order. The religious faith of the family is that of the Christian Science church, in which both are respected members. While they have been blessed with a goodly measure of material prosperity, the record of their lives has been such that, in looking back over the past, there can be found no reason for regret, and they will leave to their posterity the priceless heritage of a good name, which is more to be desired than great riches.

Lewis E. and Hattie B. (WRIGHT) EWAN were interred at Littleton Cemetery, Littleton, Colorado.

SOURCE: STONE, Wilbur Fiske, ed. History of Colorado Vol. 4. Pp. 227-28. S.J. Clarke Co. 1919.

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, May of 2010