Henry J. EVANS, 1839-1926

EVANS, NOEL

Posted By: Volunteer-Betty Hootman
Date: 6/9/2012 at 23:14:55

OBITUARY OF HENRY J. EVANS

Henry J. Evans, son of Andrew and Dorothy Evans, was born near Green Castle, Indiana, October 15, 1839; and died at his home near Troy, Iowa, on January 8, 1926, being at the time of his death 86 years, 2 months and 28 days old. He was the last member of the Andrew Evans family.

In the year of 1847 at the age of 8 years he came with his parents to Iowa in a covered wagon, and settled near Troy, where he grew to manhood. About the year 1850 he crossed the great plains roamed by Indians, and along with other adventurers landed in California. He remained there but a few years and returned to Iowa. A few years later he went to Kansas and took a claim. This trip also was made in a covered wagon. Due to hard times in Kansas on account of crop failure largely because of destruction by grasshoppers he was forced to return to Iowa.

On the 26th day of February, 1874, he was united in marriage to Mary E. Noel. To this union were born two sons and three daughters, Alva, Lucy who died in infancy, Olie, Bessie, Clay. In the year 1897 he united with the Presbyterian church under the ministry of Rev. Markham, and remained a faithful member of the church and a worker in the Sunday School as long as his health would permit, which was within a few weeks of his death. He was also a faithful worker in the Troy I. O. O. F. lodge No. 27, of which he was one of the oldest members. He is survived by his wife and four children, Alva and Bessie of Troy, and Olie and Clay of Alvia, Oklahoma, all of whom were at his bedside at the time of his death. He leaves to mourn also, nine grandchildren and one great grandchild, all of Oklahoma. Besides other relatives and many friends.

He has gone to his reward, that which is promised to all who remain faithful to their trust in God. All was done for him that loving hands could do, but God called him and he has gone home where there is no more suffering and death. He was a kind and loving husband and father, respected by all who knew him.

Funeral services were held at the Presbyterian church Sunday afternoon at two o’clock, conducted by Rev. F. A. Moore of the Troy M. E. church. Interment at Troy cemetery.

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obituary Scrapbook A, page 389, Keosauqua Public Library; Keosauqua, IA