Captain of malitia 15 years. (History of Allegheny County)
Built 1st railroad around Pittsburg, PA

“Samuel was the second son of William and Jane Walker Ewing. He was raised on a farm and, with the exception of a few years in which he engaged in carpentry, he was a farmer. He resided on the farm since 1839. The farm consisted of 81 acres and was beauutifully located. The Old Log House was deeded to Samuel in 1854 by his father William. When Samuel W. Ewing died, Kate I. Neely became the heir of the property through her mother, Emily Ewing, the daughter of Samuel W. Ewing. He was captain of militia for 15 years and held Township offices. He was a member of the U.P. Church and was a democrat.

He had what was known then as a "restless foot" and became infected with the California gold fever of 1849. In 1852, he left for San Francisco by ship from New york, and traveled via the Isthmus of Panama. He returned via the same route in 1854. He kept a diary of his journeys which is still extant. [PHLF Booklet, The Walker-Ewing House, by James D. Van Trump, 1975]”
Title: History of Allegheny Co. (A. Warner Publisher, 1889; transc. Jean Walker)
Page: Part 2, p 496

CAPT. SAMUEL W. EWING, retired. Oakdale, was born in Robinson (now Collier) township in 1818. Samuel W., the second son born to William and Jane Ewing, was reared on the farm, and with the exception of a few years he was engaged in carpentering; has always led a farmer’s life. In October, 1839, he married Mary Lorane, daughter of Parker Lorane, of an old family of this county. Eight children, six yet living, were born to this union: Margaret, Anna, Emily, Melissa, Martha, Kate, William and Ida. Mr. Ewing has resided on his present farm since 1839. It consists of eighty-one acres, beautifully located. He was captain of militia fifteen years; has held township offices, and is a member of the U. P. Church. In politics he has always adhered strongly to the principles of the democratic party. 48