Charles Cloud Evans

EVANS

Posted By: Laura Evans Schnabel (email)
Date: 9/17/2005 at 08:09:56

Adair-County Free Press (And The Greenfield Transcript) Thursday, February 7, 1918

Charles C. Evans
Dies at Fontanelle

Oldest Resident of Fontanelle Dies After Living on his Farm Near that City for Half a Century--A Highly Respected Man

..Friday maked the close of the long journey of life for Uncle Charlie Evans. He was the oldest man of this vicinity and had resided on his farm close to town for more than half a century. He had been in poor health during the winter, but insisted upon being helped into a chair occasionally until a few days before his death. He was man much respected in the community.

Charley Cloud Evans was born at Evans Mills, Jefferson County, N.Y., June 29, 1827, and passed away at his home Feby 1, 1918, at 11 o'clock in the forenoon, after a brief illness. He bore his suffering heroically, made all arrangements for the close of life in the most careful manner, and, with his mind clear and strong until the last, passed peacefully to the"better life." He would have been 91 years old on his next birthday, and was a wonderfully, well preserved man. He was the son of Amos Evans and Sarah Maria Brown, and his mother died in his tenth year. Of his father's first marriage there were 5 sons and 3 daughters; the daughter Martha is the only survivor. The father's second wife was Mary Childs; their son John passed away 4 years ago, and two daughters survive. Mr. Evans grandfather, Samuel Evans, was a sturdy son of Pa., and had noble service in the Revolutionary War, and with his wife and family were very consistent members of the Quaker Church. In this church our friend Uncle Charlie, has always retained his membership, though in the last two years he has been an attendant of the Congregational Church. Mr. Evans was educated in the home school, and faithful worker with his father until his 28th year when he removed to Paxton, Livingston County, Ills. There following the example of scores of sturdy patriots of the Evans name he enlisted in the Civil War, for two years of service. He was a member of Co. K, the 59th Illinois volunteer infantry, and was in the 2d brigade, 3d division and 4th Corps, of the army of the Cumberland. He took part in the battles of Franklin and Nashville, Tenn., and in many skirmishes, and though often in thickest of the fight, he escaped without the slighest injury. After being mustered out of service June 17, 1865, he made a visit to his old home in N.Y. state. In 1886 he came here and has continuously lived on this farm which he so well developed, and in this home which was so dear to him.
Here he has always been glad to welcome neighbors and friends, and take long walks to town, where he was a welcome visitor in all homes and places of business. His kind heart, helpful words, sturdy integrity, and readywit, have made him a favorite with young and old. A few days ago he said to me, "It is a great comfort to me to know that the people think so kindly of Uncle Charlie, and that our people are true to the Flag."

He was reared in the Whig party, and in 1848 cast his first vote for Zachary Tailor. Since the organization of the Republican party he has continuously supported its men and measures. No public office ever had any attraction for him, though he was a sturdy patriot.

On December 23d, 1867 he was united in marriage to Sarah A. Miller, a native of Ohio. their children were Etna, who died at nine years, Mrs. Clara Henry of S. Dakota; Mrs. Lura Havens of Greenfield, Iowa, Albert of Fontanelle; Mrs. Alta Lovely of Greenfield; and Lyle who lives on the homestead farm. He also leaves 20 grandchildren, and it was with great pride that he heard of the enlistment of his grandson, Robert Henry, a short time ago, in the U.S. Navy. Thus, with bright memories of childhood days, and with the pictures of loved ones on these walls each day of his long life brought him proofs of the Divine Care of which he had been long taught from his youth and he has heard the clear welcome "Well done, good and faithful servant."

The funeral services were held at the home Sunday p.m. and were largely attended. Reading of Scripture and prayer by Rev. O.R. Jones and sermon by Rev. Sinnett; hymns by Messrs. Morley, Brown, Peek and McClure.

A home by a pine-crowned hill,

The murmuring stream and the mill

And the Quaker Church so gray

Where God met his people always

Here was his life begun

And here was his work well done.

An Illinois home of cheer,

Then the country's call so clear,

And his answer, "Here am I,"

True soldier as months went by;

Faithful in shade and sun--

Here his work was well done.

A trip to the old home place,

And the smiles of many a face;

Glad greetings of old and young.

Bright cheer from eye and tongue,

And his father's words, "My son,

Thou are faithful, thou has well

done."

Then he turned from each path or

ease,

Built this home, and planted these

trees,

tiled these acres, and far and near

Uncle Charlie's witty cheer

Made him friend of sire and son,

The work of long years well done.

Then he talked with us of the end,

Camly as friend with friend,

And thought of his father's God

And his care in all paths he had

trod;

His last rest is worthily won,

He has heard God's glad "Well

done."

Rev. Chas. N. Sinnett

Fontanelle, Iowa, Feb. 3, 1918