Since 1881 James M. Ewens [James Mathewson Ewens] has been farming in Manitoba and for the past fourteen years has been developing his fine property for four hundred and eighty acres in township 15, range 17, Bethany district. His enterprising and systematic methods have won him well deserved success and have placed him in the from ranks of progressive farmers. He was born in Bridgeport, Dorsetshire, England, October 26, 1862, and is the son of George and Susan Ewens both of whom died in their native country and are buried in Bridgeport Cemetery. The family is of old English origin and its representatives today are direct descendants of Baron Ewens, who was chamberlain to the king in his tome. The father of our subject was for many years a prominent manufacturer of twine, nets and canvas, which he exported to Newfoundland, and he carried on a large trade along this line until the time of his death.
James M. Ewens received his education in the public schools of Dorsetshire, England, and laid aside his books at the age of seventeen in order to become a shipping clerk in the office of Union Steamship Company. After he had held this position for some time he resigned to cross the Atlantic to Canada, coming to to Glendale, Manitoba, by way of Quebec. Near Glendale he took up a homestead claim of wild prairie land, which he brought to a high state of development and cultivation. Upon it he built barns, granaries and a fine residence and made other substantial improvements. This farm he sold eventually and in 1898 bought his present property. This was a partially improved farm, but Mr. Ewens was obliged to break one hundred acres of the two hundred which are now under cultivation. With characteristic energy he set himself to work and the results of his labours are seen today in the excellent condition and appearance of his farm. He recently remodelled his residence, making it one of the most modern homes in the district, and he has built barns and outbuildings as they became necessary and fenced his land into fields, in fact, he has made the farm what it is today and the work of development is being carried forward year by year. Mr. Ewens stock-raising constitutes one of his most important interests. Since assuming the management of his farm he has devoted his energies especially to the breeding of pure-bred Shire horses, Shorthorn cattle and Shropshire sheep. He has the distinction of being the first man to bring Berkshire swine into this part of Canada and he has given special attention to the breeding of these animals. He exhibits in all the Winnipeg and provincial fairs and has gained a great number of prizes for his fancy animals. He has recently become engaged in importing horses and keeps on hand forty head of pure-bred Shire animals. Beside his fancy cattle he has also forty head of mixed breed and his livestock interests constitute a valuable source of revenue to him.
In Glendale, Manitoba, on the 7th of January, 1886, Mr. Ewens married Miss Evelyn B. Pearson, a daughter of John and Sarah Eliza (Greenwood) Pearson, the former a pioneer of Rosedale, Manitoba. He was also for some time well known as a cotton manufacturer in Lancashire, England, his native section. He died in Gladstone, Manitoba in 1898, having survived his wife several years. She is buried in Harpurhey cemetery, Manchester, England.
Mr. and Mrs. Ewens have eight children: James Allen, a former student of the Manitoba Agricultural College, who is in partnership with his father; George Basil, who is also in partnership with his father; Evelyn May, a former student of the Manitoba Agricultural College; Arthur Cyril, who is attending Minnedosa Collegiate; Tom, a graduate of the Collegiate Institute at Minnedosa; Marjorie B., who is attending district school; and Constance Gwendolyn and Phyllis M., who are also pursuing their studies. The family are devout adherents of the Church of England and Mr. Ewens has been warden for many years.
Mr. Ewens is a liberal in his political beliefs and, although he never seeks public office, he has yet been active in educational affairs, having served as trustee of the Bethany school board.
His career is a splendid example of the value of hard work and enterprise in the accomplishment of success. He has also done successful work as director of the Minnedosa Exhibition Board.
Through his own labour, ability and good management he has become the owner of a valuable property and is widely and favourably known in this part of the province for his many sterling traits of character as well as his business progressiveness.
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