James H. Evans

EVANS, PARIS, GRIMM, HOFFMAN, KECK

Posted By: Judy Kelley, volunteer (email)
Date: 10/20/2010 at 18:46:44

The relentless invader of every home has taken away another life-long friend - another old, familiar landmark has been removed, and after years of struggle with life's bitter and sweet, tender hearts and careful hands laid away to rest Wednesday afternoon, March 7, 1917, a genial friend and neighbor. Hardly had the warmth of his handclasp cooled, and ere greetings of his voice were lost on the air, his lips were closed and his heart was stilled.

James H. Evans was born in Kiel, Germany, September 26, 1830, died near Wapello, Iowa, at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Paris. He emigrated to America in 1857 and settled in Davenport, Iowa, where he got married. His wife died shortly after they were married, leaving him with a little step-daughter, for whom he tenderly cared, until she was grown to womanhood. This daughter became the wife of A.H. Grimm, but preceded the step-father to the world Dec. 6, 1907 he was united in marriage to Mrs. Hoffman of Grandview, Iowa. To this union two children were born, Frank of Mather, Wis., and Mrs. Amada Paris, of Wapello, Iowa. Mrs. Evans died June 19, 1902. December 6, 1907 he united in marriage to Mrs. Keck of Wapello, Iowa, who preceded him in death June 11, 1913.

Mr. Evans was a tender loving husband, a kind father, a peaceful neighbor and a faithful christian. He was a charter member of the Congregational church at Grandveiw, Iowa, and for many years was an officer of that church. In late years Mr. Evans often expressed his wish to be with those who went on before to the heavenly home.

A short funeral service was conducted at the home of Mr. and Mrs. F. H. Paris by Rev. F. H. Austermann, pastor of the Grace M.E. church of Wapello, Iowa, where the pastor, Rev. A.G. Washington preached the sermon. Interment was made in the Grandview cemetery in God's acre of sacred soil. The large funeral procession and the beautiful floral offereings were testimoies of honor and respect of relatives and friends of Father Evans. May this memory gently lead the sorrowing ones through the the twilight realms to mansions.

Source: LCHS scrapbook; newspaper clipping with handwritten date of Mar. 4, 1917