William Ewen

Who is William Ewen?

William Ewen was the first president of the Council of Safety of Georgia during the American Revolution. He is considered the state's first chief executive, although the first chief executive under a proper constitutional government was Archibald Bulloch, and the first person to hold the title of "governor" was John A. Treutlen.

Believed to have been born in England in 1720, Ewen came to Georgia in 1734 as an indentured servant. Later, he became one of the so-called "Malcontents" who opposed the Trustees of the colony. Ewen served in the colonial Assembly starting in 1761.

Ewen was elected president of the council on June 22, 1775 and served until December 11, 1775. He returned to the post, possibly acting as president for the absent Elisha Butler, from February 20, 1776 through May 1, 1776.