John Evans

ADKISON, EVANS, CRIDLING, DAVIS, HUDSPETH, JESSUP, MCCROSKY, OSBORNE, PEACOCK, THORNBURGH

Posted By: Judy Wight Branson (email)
Date: 9/2/2004 at 15:08:35

John Evans, an agriculturist residing on section 8, Scott township, is a native son of that township, his birth occurring on the farm which is still his home on the i2th of September, 1871. His father, Henry Evans, was born in Indiana and when fourteen years of age passed through Madison county, Iowa, on foot and later when his mother located here, he made his home with her for the greater part of the time for several years. He improved her farm, which comprised one hundred and seventy-one and a half acres, and when it came into his possession he still further added to its value by erecting a stone house and developing a stone quarry upon the place. The house is now the residence of our subject. Henry Evans married Miss Elizabeth Adkison, who was born in Nelson county, Virginia, but their marriage was solemnized in Missouri. He was an important factor in local politics in the early days of the county and ran for United States senator on the greenback ticket. To him and his wife were born ten children: Emily, the wife of J. C. Thornbrugh, of this county; Levada, the widow of William Hudspeth, a resident of New Mexico; Laura Ann, who married John Cridling, of Winterset, Iowa; Thomas L., a resident of Van Meter, Iowa; William E. who is living in Oklahoma; Jennie, now Mrs. William McCrosky, of Chicago; Mary, the wife of Charles Osborne, of Barney, Iowa; John, of this review; Harry, who has been in the regular army for fourteen years and is now stationed in the Philippines; and Rowena, the wife of Owen Peacock, of Los Angeles, California.

John Evans has always resided upon the farm which he now owns and at- tended the public schools in the acquirement of his education. After reaching years of maturity he purchased the farm from his parents and took care of them in their declining years. He does general farming and his labors have been productive of excellent results, his land yielding abundant crops annually. On the 16th of February, 1896, Mr. Evans married Miss Hattie A. Davis and to their union were born two children, Henry L. and Laura. His second wife was in her maidenhood Miss Bertha M. Jessup, a daughter of Charles E. Jessup of Lincoln township and a representative of a pioneer family of this county. She has became the mother of four children, three of whom survive, Mary Katherine, Ethel L. and Charles E.

Mr. Evans is a socialist in his political views and has been a candidate for office upon that party ticket. His family has been represented in this county for many years and he takes a commendable interest in all matters that concern the public welfare, believing that the good of the community as a whole should be the chief end of government.

Taken from the book, “The History of Madison County, Iowa, 1915”