Born in Morrow Ohio, in 1839. He came to Poweshiek County in 1866, and with brother, Robert, owned nearly five sections of Iowa soil in Pleasant Township. The Ewart Brothers at one time were the largest stock raising and feeders in the county. Matt Ewart was an active man, a reader and a thinker, a student of politics and early gave his attention to the advancement of the farmer's alliance and the greenback cause. Mr. Ewart was a prohibitionist in practice and in principle and when the prohibition amendment was under consideration in 1882 he not only favored it, but addressed meetings in the county supporting its passage. He was also greatly interested in politics and his advice was always sought by members of his own party and followed because they had confidence in his judgment. In 1889 Mr. Ewart was elected as to the legislature from this county. He defeated Henry Redman, an active politician, and a former speaker of the house. Few men have been more useful, and few men have lived of whom so much good can be said.