Joseph E. Ewell

Past Department Commander Joseph E. Ewell
died at his home in Buffalo on June 19, 1924.
Joseph Emerson Ewell was born at Alden, in
Erie County, N.Y., on January 16, 1939. He was
graduated from Alfred university in 1858 and
Union College in 1860. Afterwards, he studied
law in the office of Judge James G. Hoyt in
Buffalo.
He enlisted September 1861 in Company I, 52nd
Regiment, Illinois Volunteer and was appointed
First Lieutenant. He served in Missouri,
Kentucky and Tennessee under General Grant.
He also served as Captain of the 26th USCT in
South Carolina.

He was married to Carrie Farnsworth of Alden on July 7, 1863 and, together, they lived in their
beautiful home at 24 Norwood Ave., Buffalo. Their marriage was blest by one child, a daughter,
who died in 1906.
In 1867 he was admitted to the bar and practiced his profession until his death. He had many
high and honorable positions in the city and county, serving as Assistant US Attorney for the
Northern District of New York from 1869-70. He was a member of the Board of Supervisors of
Erie County from 1879-80, served as Clerk of Erie County from 1883- 85, and in 1903 was
appointed Superintendent of the NY State Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Home at Bath, a position he held
for 13 years.
Comrade Ewell Served the Department of New York as Judge Advocate for 5 years. At the
New York State Encampment held in Elmira, June 1919, he was elected Department Commander.
His fine patriotic service as a citizen and soldier, and his kindly friendship endeared him to all
who knew him. Commander Ewell was a man of unusual character and achievement of high
moral and spiritual personality, was ever faithful to his duties, a loving and devoted husband,
sterling citizen, soldier and comrade, honored and respected by everyone.

Sources: New York Department Woman’s Relief Corps Journal 1925.
Journal of the 79th National Encampment, GAR, 1945.
Submitted by Elna Beckman, PDP, Woman’s Relief Corps, Leon, NY