Ewen was born 1836, the second son of Ewen ('Old Cluny') Macpherson and Sarah Justina Davidson. He succeeded his brother, Duncan as 22nd Chief of the Clan Macpherson in 1886 after a distinguished military career. He began his service the 93rd Sutherland Highland Regiment of Foot which he joined as an Ensign in1853. During his military career he served in the Crimean War and India as is related on Panel 51. He saw action at the siege and fall of Sebastopol in 1855, the Indian Mutiny at Cawnpore and Lucknow in 1857 and subsequent actions in India. By the time of Tel-el-Kebir he had been promoted to Lt.-Col. and commander of the first Battalion. After relinquishing his command of the 93rd he was made commander of the 1st Regimental District of the Royal Scots and later, Brigadier-General of the Highland Volunteer Brigade. In August 1892 he received a grant of £100 per annum from the Queen for "Distinguished and Meritorious Service."
An event occurred in Ewen's time at Cluny that was among the last occasions when a Highland Clan gathered to swear allegiance to its chief. A medal was struck to commemorate this event; the inscription reads: "To commemorate the visit of Clan Chattan to Cluny Castle, to tender their allegiance and loyalty to Cluny Macpherson, as Chief and Head of their Clan. 25th May 1895. " Note that the ages -old controversy regarding the leadership of Clan Chattan had not yet died out. A photograph of the event and the menu served to the clansmen are displayed on Panel 32. Copies of the medal commemorating the event are on display at Panel 36.
Ewen married late in life taking Mary, the eldest daughter of the Rev. John Cyril Stacey of Cheltenham as his bride on 10th June 1897. Less than three years later she died in April 1900 and he followed her four months later in August. They had no children.